Drawing pictures to solve math problems is not only a good problem solving strategy, it's also mathematical modeling. First graders read six basic word problems that have them skip count by twos to find the answer. They draw pictures in...

Early finishers beware! Here is a fun word game creative thinkers will really enjoy. They attempt to make as many words as they can using the word transport. Strict rules make this task a real challenge. Tip: Also great to use in a fun...

Investigate soft, loud, and dangerous sounds. Little ones put a check next to the sounds that are loud, an X next to ones that are soft, and circle the ones that would require protective ear wear. Tip: Get out a tape player or computer...

Start by drawing a large letter m on the board for scholars to see. Do they know what letter this is? Once you've demonstrated the sound it makes, use these tips to help them make the same sound. There is even an audio...

Hook your scholars by drawing a large f on the board; do they know what letter this is? Once you've demonstrated the sound it makes, use these tips to help them make the same sound. Although the audio function is neat, it may not be...

What letter is this? As you introduce pre-readers to letter sounds, keep them entertained with this fun game. Start by drawing the letter s on the board, large enough for all to see. Once you've demonstrated the sound it makes, use...

There are many words that begin with the /o/ sound; scholars study this letter in multiple contexts including intial phoneme examples, pronunciation, and letter recognition. Write the letter on the board to see if learners can identify...

What is this letter? Once your class is ready to explore the letter n, use these strategies to combine word examples, pronunciation, and letter recognition. First, can they identify the letter? Make the /n/ sound, explaining...

Get to know the ins and outs of the letter w using these strategies combining pronunciation, recognition, letter sound, and word examples. Scholars examine the letter shape and listen to you pronounce the /w/ sound. Use these tips...

Learn the ins and outs of the letter j using these strategies combining pronunciation, recognition, letter sound, and word examples. Scholars examine the letter shape and listen to you pronounce the /j/ sound. Use these tips to...

Combine letter sounds, pronunciation, recognition, and word examples in one exercise by following these strategies. Scholars examine the letter b and identify it if they can. As they listen to you make the /b/ sound, youngsters try...

As you come to an end in your alphabet study, use these strategies to examine the letter y. Scholars examine the letter shape and listen to you pronounce the /y/ sound. Use these tips to explain how you do it as they try. Can they...

What words end with /x/? Unite several alphabet concepts as scholars learn all about the letter x. After identifying it, they listen to you pronounce the /x/ sound and try it themselves (use these tips to explain how you do this)....

The African plains come alive as scholars learn vocabulary in context through Verna Aardema's story Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain (tip: this strategy can be applied to any book). Precede reading by...

Franklin the turtle makes a new friend as youngsters learn vocabulary in context using Paulette Bourgeois' story (tip: this strategy can be applied to any book). Brief kids on the new words so they can raise their hands when they...

Start kids thinking about point of view and autobiographies by telling them a short story about your morning (first person), and then asking a volunteer to re-tell the story to you (second person). There are tips to help you tie this...

Using an adaptive shopping list, special needs students take a trip to the grocery store. Instead of words, their list contains pictures of the items they need to find and purchase at the store. They run through several practice and...

Teach the skills, phrases, and responses necessary to help another person. Your autistic learner will practice specific phrases and responses in simulated situations where an adult or peer needs assistance. The exercise includes helpful...

Kids won't just follow a recipe to increase their cooking ability, they'll use it to locate information in a text. They read the simple recipe, then use information from the recipe to fill in the blanks in a story that shows one person...

First aid is a skill anyone can and should learn. Give kids a good set of life skills such as tending to small wounds, bleeding, sprains, or insect stings. Slides provide text to reinforce each major first aid skill. Tip: You need a...

The Ringstrasse is one of the most famous places to visit in Vienna. It is a circular street frequented in the 1890's by many historic figures. After a study of Brahms, your class can complete this fun and creative activity. They color,...

Talk with your pupils about the importance of staying focused at the grocery store. Your special education class will discuss how to create and use a shopping list. They will make a shopping list and pretend to use it in a role-play...

Being able to recognize safety signs in your environment is a great start to staying safe. Kids with severe to moderate disabilities work to recognize and identify safety terms and signs. They use flashcards and decreasing prompts to...

Nails can get really dirty really fast. Prepare your special education class for life on their own by introducing them to a regular nail care routine. They discuss why it is important to care for your nails and practice washing,...