1. Set Up Your Visuals and Schedules
Our learners thrive on structure and clear visuals are essential to promoting independence, reducing anxiety, and increasing understanding. I use both digital and printed visuals.
What to prep:
- Daily schedules: Individual student schedules (picture, object, word-based, or digital depending on student needs)
- Classroom visuals: Labels for furniture, centers, bins, routines, and transitions
- First/Then boards, token boards, and timers
- Behavior visual supports: Break cards, choice boards, calm-down visuals
Tip: Laminate everything for durability and keep a digital copy of all visuals for quick reprinting.
2. Organize Data Collection Systems
Data drives instruction and is crucial for tracking IEP goals, behaviors, and student progress.
What to prep:
- Create IEP goal tracking binders or digital spreadsheets for each student
- Develop templates for ABC data, frequency counts, and task analyses
- Print daily anecdotal note sheets or create digital forms
- Color-code or use tab dividers to keep student data organized and accessible
Tip: Use tools like Google Forms or Clicker Counter apps for quicker data collection on the go.
3. Plan Your Classroom Layout and Center Rotations
An effective classroom layout supports independence, minimizes distractions, and promotes smooth transitions.
What to prep:
- A floor plan with clear zones: group instruction, work tasks, calm-down area, sensory zone, play/choice area
- Rotations for IEP goal work, discrete trial, PRT, independent work, and sensory time
- Student desk and cubby assignments (tentative until caseload is finalized)
- Visual maps or photos to teach students the layout
Tip: Think about traffic flow, noise level, and proximity to supports (like sinks or visuals) when arranging furniture.
