Student Work System Binder

I have been using this work system binder with a student since the beginning of the school year. She has thrived with it. The system works by having something in each folder pocket for her to do. When she is finished with the task, she moves the number to the side of the binder. She knows how much work she has to do and what needs to be accomplished.

With this system, we spend much less down time. Everything is ready and she knows what to do after each task. We avoid behaviors that we encountered in the past because of transitioning from one activity to the next. It saves the precious time this student needs for her learning. When she reaches the done label, she knows that she can take a break. This work system binder has provided her with independence as well as structure. I use it during direct instruction as well as during her independent work time. It is easy to change when a situation might change the schedule. Using this binder has given way to less behaviors and more learning.

Money Reward System

These containers are used to encourage my students to use appropriate behaviors as well as bring back their homework everyday. When they do these things, they get to put money in their container. At the end of every week, they get to count the money they have collected and buy something from my classroom store. I have found that using this system motivates my students and helps them regulate their behaviors and work discipline. They love being able to buy things from the store. They are more actively engaged in my classroom because they want to earn money for their containers. It has also created an environment where they encourage each other to get more money so that they can earn classroom rewards by pooling their money together. It has been a great system that also allows them to practice counting money!

Behavior Chart and Reward System

This chart is used daily with one of my students. Each subject is considered an activity. Activities also include recess, lunch, and other special events. She is given a smiley face, straight face, or sad face for each activity for both her words and behavior. She also draws the smiley faces to reinforce positive behaviors. Using this chart is very routine for this student. She knows how her day is going by looking at the chart and understands why she gets the face she does for each activity. The behavior chart also contributes to her academic success because she is motivated to get smiley faces for several reasons. The chart is sent home every night to share with her parents. They give positive reinforcements at home if she has a good day.

At school, she also works towards eating lunch with a friend in my classroom. If she gets all smiley faces in the morning, she can get a smiley face on my white board to contribute toward her special lunch. If she gets all smileys in the afternoon, she will also get a smiley that helps towards the lunch. After she gets four morning smileys and four afternoon smileys, she gets to eat her special lunch with a friend. This behavior chart is not only something that improves her behavior but it also helps keep her and everyone around her safe.

The Start of Something Extraordinary

I am starting this blog with the hopes of sharing, documenting, and learning from others through my career in education.  I currently teach special education for students in third and fourth grade and love it!

This side of my classroom is where my students and I spend time doing much of our group work.

Much of my instruction focuses on using appropriate behaviors and social skills. Because of that, I spend a significant amount of time structuring my classroom environment and student schedules/work-time to avoid behavioral problems. I also work to adapt and modify curriculum both in my special education classroom and the general education classroom to meet the needs of my students. I anticipate that I will post much about my students' routines and behavior plans but also the adapting and modifying work I do for my students' academic success.