I put cooking in quotation marks because most of the time we are just making the shape of something using food…if that makes sense LOL Read more…it’ll make sense!

 

BACKGROUND

I taught preschool special education for my first 3 years of teaching. During my time in PreK we did “cooking” every Friday! The kids and I loved it. It was a hit!!

I also did “cooking” every week this summer during ESY (Extended School Year) since I had PreK students.

I always receive a lot of questions when I post about it, so I thought I would put all the information here.

 

VIDEO OF ME LEADING A COOKING ACTIVITY:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C948MEoREZu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

ALL THE FACTS:

How old are the students:

3-5 years old with various disabilities

How many students do you do it with at a time?

I’ve done it as a whole class and as a small group.

Do your teaching assistants assist during cooking?

Yes!!

What about student allergies?

I get a list of allergies from our school nurse, and I check each ingredient we use.

Did you get parent permission?

Yes. I make parents aware that we do “cooking” at the beginning of the year or ESY session. Parents think it’s awesome by the way!!

How do you pay for the materials?

I think our special education supervisor has a Wegmans card available if we wanted to get anything, but truthfully, I didn’t want to be bothered. I go to the dollar store or local grocery store! Their excitement and enjoyment is worth every penny!

What about picky eaters?

If they don’t want to eat it after they just throw it out!

 

COOKING PROJECTS I’VE DONE IN THE PAST:

• I tried to gather as many pictures as I could from my drive, but I couldn’t find them all.
• We used the Creative Curriculum, so most projects aligned to those units of study

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A LIST OF ACTIVITIES I HAVE DONE & AND PICTURES OF THEM

 

TPT AUTHORS THAT SELL COOKING ACTIVITY RECIPES:

Especially Education
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/EDIBLE-RECIPE-GROWING-BUNDLE-11549309

The Alternative Way To Pre-K
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Year-Long-Visual-Recipes-With-Cooking-Fringe-7050837?st=3a0fa06eb704efe53acd68b61fc569d2

Simply Special Ed
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Simply-Special-Visual-Recipes-Cooking-Through-the-Year-2383260?st=f15bb6ba223114f7bd9cce7f65dc15bc

Live Love Speech
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cooking-Craft-Visual-Recipes-50-Seasonal-Recipes-MORE-Speech-Therapy-2714758?st=f15bb6ba223114f7bd9cce7f65dc15bc

Itty Bitty Speech
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visual-Recipes-Bundle-for-Speech-Therapy-Special-Education-Life-Skills-4640558?st=f15bb6ba223114f7bd9cce7f65dc15bc

Breezy Special Ed
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Visual-Recipes-and-Interactive-Books-for-special-education-BUNDLE-2538638?st=f15bb6ba223114f7bd9cce7f65dc15bc

 

I hope this inspires you to try cooking in your classroom! I would love to hear from you if you do try it!!

 

Affirmation Station 💌

We all want our students to feel comfortable and safe in our classroom. Integrating positive affirmations in the classroom can help improve your students’ mindset and level of student engagement. They can help create a positive and supportive classroom environment for students that will lead to positive student behaviors and improved actions.

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

Fill your classroom with these FREE POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS, that’s right I said FREE! Spreading positivity has never been made easier! Students will love these positive notes that come in BRIGHT colors and BLACK AND WHITE! 

🤩 Grab your FREE SET of affirmations HERE 🤩

This affirmation station set has 40 affirmations that you can print and put around your room, set up around a mirror in your classroom, or place them as notes on your student’s desks! These affirmations will be a constant reminder that YOUR CLASSROOM is a safe and supportive place to be! Did I mention it was free? 

MORE FREEBIES!

Click the links below to get even MORE FREEBIES for back to school time!!!

Keep the Positivity Going!😄

Want to be part of an educator group that does nothing but spread positivity and give you great ideas for your classroom? Join THIS FACEBOOK GROUP now to become part of a community that is full of support! 

This group will be a place for you to collaborate, share and ask questions! YOU can get in on the action and post to share ideas, ask questions and gain information. 

➡️Click HERE to join now!⬅️

Follow me on Instagram for more ideas to make your classroom even more welcoming! 

Time to Smile! 😁

Yay! It’s field trip time!!! 

I went on my first field trip EVER as a teacher during my 6th year of teaching. My first 3 years I taught Pre-K and we didn’t go on any field trips. Then, I moved to second grade and it was COVID. Finally, during the 22-23 school year we were able to go on a field trip!! 

My school is very close to the local community college which houses a planetarium and a theatre, so we went there for the day. Now I know this isn’t a HUGE trip, BUT it was a great first trip for me to get my feet wet. 

I learned a LOT while we were planning for, and on the trip, so I figured I would share all of my tips and advice with you all! 

PS. I will be updating this when we go on a field trip this year if I have more to say!!

Let’s start with BEFORE the trip: 

COLLABORATION

• I think it is super important to be on the same page with your team. 
• Make sure you are all handing out the same permission slips, forms, notices on the same days. Less confusion between families, the better!
• Make sure your team is on the same page about procedures and rules for the trip so that it is consistent across all students & families (for example; if one teacher is going to allow students to bring souvenir money, make sure every teacher is)

ORGANIZATION

• Make a checklist so you know who handed back all of their forms, etc. 
• If you are going to allow students to bring money for food, souvenirs, etc COLLECT IT BEFOREHAND! This helped so much. We labeled little ziplock bags for each students with their money and gave it to them on the trip when it was time. This also ensures that everyone is going to have money. If a student isn’t going to, maybe you can bring them $1 or $2. I have also heard of parents ‘sponsoring’ other kids, so that might be a possibility.
• Have a packet for each teacher, staff member and chaperone with important/general information regarding the trip. This should include information on each child, their parents phone numbers, and emergency contacts.
• If your school allows, have a nurse come on the trip with you. In my district this is mandatory because of medications, etc.
• Plan bus seating ahead of time! Pair students together that you know will be ok sitting next to each other for a long period of time and not get into trouble!
• Be sure to ask parents if any of their kiddos get carsick so you know to sit them in the front of the bus or have trashcans handy!

PACKING LIST

• Make a packing list starting a few days before so you can add to it throughout the week as you think of things!
• Pack fidgets and other supports for students that might need it!
• Pack extra waters and snacks.
• Bring walkie talkies if you and the other staff members on the trip will be able to use them to communicate.

STUDENTS

• Have students pack their lunches in disposable bags and all disposable material to avoid losing anything or having to bring anything back on the bus.
• Have students wear your school or class colors. This will help you identify who is on your trip while you are there.
• Discuss behavior expectations that you have for on the bus and during the field trip. Be sure to talk about how there will be many adults on the trip that they do not normally come in contact with. It is very important that they listen to ALL of the adults as if they were at school! Also, discuss the importance of staying with their buddy, if you’ve assigned one, or their adult that is supervising.

Now, DURING the trip: 

• Make sure that you get the phone numbers of every adult on the trip, or at least the adults that are in charge of your class, so that you can easily communicate with them!
• Take LOTS of pictures & videos. You, your students, and the families will LOVE having these memories!!
• Have fun!! You probably stressed while planning for it, but now you’re here and you might as well enjoy it!! Also, your students are probably having the time of their life, so have fun with them!!

Lastly, AFTER the trip: 

• Share all of those fun pictures/videos with the families! 
• Have your students reflect on the trip. This is a great time to connect their fun to their learning! Let them share about it during morning meeting the next day, write about it during writing, do a homework assignment reflection sheet, etc!

Remember, field trips are meant to be FUN! Have fun with your students and soak in the fun times!! ENJOY 😀

My advice for first-year teachers is to ENJOY IT! You have been waiting years for this moment, and it is here.

Besides enjoying your first year, I do have some tips for you…

✨TIP #1: ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS!

Reach out to your admin or mentor teacher and don’t be scared to ask alllll of the small and big questions!  When will you have access to your room? Will you have a budget to purchase things for your class? Are there things that are prohibited in my classroom? What is required to be displayed? Can I decorate my door? What will be required of me after school? What time do I need to be there in the morning and what time am I released? Etc.

✨TIP #2: GET IN TOUCH WITH EVERYONE!

As soon as you get hired, get in touch with your team or mentor teacher. Your admin should be able to get you their emails or phone numbers so that you can be in contact with them over the summer as they plan or share ideas! Reach out to them and don’t be afraid to ask for advice! Find out what you can start doing to be the most prepared and take advantage of whatever time you have to start getting to know your team. Make sure to ask them how you can help and let them know you want to be a teamplayer!

✨TIP #3: MAKE YOUR CLASSROOM A WELCOMING SPACE!

It does not have to be picture perfect. So don’t break the bank! The classrooms you see on Instagram have taken years to get to that point. Just make sure you create a warm and inviting space for your students! How do you do that? Make space on the wall for their work, have their names and birthdays displayed, create cozy reading spaces, etc. Another way to make your classroom welcome is to bring plants and lamps to warm up the space. Make sure to ask your admin or team if there are things that are off limits!

✨TIP #4: PLAN YOUR FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS!

I know this sounds crazy but you will be so happy you did it. How can you do this? Use your mentor and/or team to help you find the resources and curriculum materials you need. Also, remember that the first couple weeks should be used to get to know your students and to encourage your students to get to know each other. It’s also incredibly important to take this time to  allow your students to get to know their new classroom and quite possibly their new school. The first two weeks are so important for building relationships, mutual respect, and familiarizing your kiddos with your expectations. Build a classroom contract, set expectations, establish routines, and practice and PRAISE the behaviors you want to encourage from your class. Unless required, don’t worry so much about the academics!!

✨TIP #5: GET TO KNOW YOUR STUDENTS’ ABILITIES!

The first couple of weeks is also a great time to get to know your students abilities. Talk with your team about how they determine where their students are as far as learning goes. Knowing where your students are helps you develop a game plan for your instruction going forward. This can help you plan your small groups, intervention, enrichment, etc. Try to make these as fun and non-anxiety inducing as possible. Your students may already be a little anxious with the start of a new school year and giving them a big, boring, test can cause them stress and possibly make negative behaviors emerge. Try to be creative and caring about whatever assessments you need to complete those first couple of weeks.

✨TIP #6: SET AN ALARM!

Set an alarm for when you need to shut the computer, turn off the classroom light, and head to your car. Being a new teacher can be overwhelming and you may feel like you need to get everything done right now. But some things can wait and you need to prioritize you! Give yourself some grace especially the first couple of weeks and don’t LIVE at school.

I HOPE YOU HAVE A FABULOUS YEAR AND I’M HERE IF YOU EVER NEED ANYTHING!!

Every year, people ask me tons of questions to get insight into what it is like to be a teacher. For instance, this includes, “How has classroom management changed over time?” Likewise, I am often asked, “How hard is it to teach students at so many different learning levels?” However, the top question is, “Why do I spend so much time and money on school and my classroom?” 

I honestly cannot tell you how many times I have answered this question. It is A LOT! Some people just want to know. Others do not understand why I spend so much time and money when teachers often make so little. So, here is exactly why I do not hesitate to make a needed purchase or put in extra hours each week. 

#1: Extra Income Source 

Part of the reason I continue to run my Engaging Early Learners TPT store is so that I have the extra income. This side hustle allows me to compensate for what I spend on my classroom. Honestly, this is a huge reason why I can spend extra money and time. 

#2: Home Away from Home 

My classroom is my home away from home. My students and I spend most of our day there. I want it to be my happy place. Likewise, I want students to be excited to come back each day. 

#3: Quality Products 

Yes, I can make my classroom look nice with much less STUFF! However, I like to have nicer, cuter things that will last long. I want the best materials and systems to help everything stay organized and make my job just a little easier. So, instead of constantly having to replace what I use, I prefer just to buy high-quality items. 

#4: It Makes Me Happy! 

In a world filled with stress, it is important to do what makes you happy. While making my space beautiful and comfortable is mostly about my students, it is also FOR ME! Since I like to feel good and at peace in my classroom, I like the space to look just right. I give so much of myself to my little ones and my school every day, so the room should also give back to me. 

#5: Endless Joy 

When I walk into my classroom, I feel joy. Every. Single. Day! Isn’t that how teaching should be? This feeling makes every dollar and minute worth it.

#6: Teaching is my Passion 

As far as spending money on materials for my students…I love to do it! Why? Because it helps them thrive and enjoy learning. When they thrive and enjoy learning, I thrive! Since teaching is my passion, I’ll do anything I can to help students. 

#7: Living in the Moment 

Realistically, I will not be able to spend money on my classroom like this forever. Eventually, I will have a family and other obligations, but right now I don’t. My students are like my family, so why not spoil them!?

#8: Extra Time Works for Me 

People often do not understand why I go in early or stay late. However, I don’t have a family to rush home to yet. So, why not take that extra time so that I am not thinking about what I have to do once I leave? While I will not always have this spare time, I do now. I want to take advantage of it while I have it. 

 

The short of the long is that doing all these things helps me be the best teacher and helps me ENJOY MY JOB. So many teachers are feeling burnt out and leaving the profession because the joy is no longer there. Since I love what I do, I’d say I will keep doing what I am doing for now… 

P.S. None of the cute and fun things are NECESSARY. So if you are a 1st-year teacher, don’t stress. This is 6 years worth of stuff. 😉

Being a teacher is hard! There are so many demands to handle daily. This includes tons of paperwork, data collection, and planning amazing lessons. These aspects are behind the scenes to the most important part of school: the students! Honestly, they make all the stress disappear as their smiling faces enter the classroom. In addition to outstanding students, I am so lucky to teach with a fantastic co-teacher. This means all of our students have 2 students with them! Honestly, there are so many benefits of co-teaching! 

What is a Co-Teaching Classroom?

My district has co-teaching classrooms for Special Education and English as Second Language. This means that there are 2 teachers in the room all day, every day. There is no pushing in or pulling out. Instead, all students remain under the support of both teachers at all times. 

The Decision Behind this Change 

Teachers completely understand the frustration of changing policies. This seems to happen each year. However, the benefits of co-teaching will make this change well worth the time and adjustment! 

Our district decided to do this because it allows the special education students to be with general education peer models. Inclusion is essential! Students learn to collaborate, communicate, and compromise with the help of both teachers. 

Parent Adjustment 

Teachers will see there are so many benefits of co-teaching. However, parents and community members might take some time to adjust. My district made this change when I was in elementary school. My mom recently told me that when this change happened, many parents were unhappy. Honestly, I’m sure they were scared their child was not going to receive enough help or services. Adjustment takes time. Thankfully, parents are now loving that their child gets 2 teachers. Likewise, they love how their child is part of a supportive environment with all students. 

Needs-Based 

Co-teaching is based on needs. If there is a grade level at a school without students receiving special education services, there won’t be co-teaching. At my school, there seem always to be special education students in each grade. Therefore, we always have at least 1 special education co-teaching class per grade level. It will be necessary for teachers to be flexible as there may be on and off years with co-teaching. 

What Does Co-Teaching Look Like?

Co-teaching is similar to many aspects of education. There is no one right way for it to be done. Ultimately, it will depend on the 2 teachers and their collaboration. However, the general education teacher and the  special education teacher are in the classroom all day. They are both fully the teachers. Notably, one is NOT the assistant. Honestly, this can be hard with certain people and depending on the situation. In our district, the co-teachers are both viewed as the lead teachers. We also discussed this at the beginning of the year. Communication is key!!

It is essential to let parents understand the benefits of co-teaching as well. We stress that parents view both as the lead teacher because we set that standard from the beginning. All communication comes from both of us. We encourage parents to email us both all the time.  

Dual Support 

Co-teachers both teach and are responsible for ALL of the kids. Now, the special education teacher is responsible for the special education student’s IEPs and data. They are specially trained to do this. However, both teachers support every student in the classroom. Additionally, the general education teacher also attends every IEP meeting. 

Class Size 

It is so important to be mindful of class size. The teachers must be able to meet the needs of every student. Thus, we have up to 8 students with IEPs in the classroom of about 20 students. If we get more, we need an assistant in the room.

For the most part, the classroom functions like any other class. However, there are a few exceptions. This includes there being more small group opportunities since there are 2 teachers. Additionally, we have data collection that is separate from testing data. Then, the special education teacher take the data for the student’s IEP goals. 

Supportive Classmates 

When making class lists for the next year, teachers strategically place role models in the in-class resource classes. Honestly, this is so helpful for students on IEPs to see students working so hard. Additionally, they see students who are not making excuses but figuring out ways to complete all assignments. Best of all, the role model students love to help students on an IEP. This creates excellent collaboration and partnerships. 

Resource Room 

It is important to note that we do have resource room teachers and classes at our school. Students who need more support than what we can provide for them in the inclusion classroom get pulled out to the resource room. This is for whatever subject they need that extra support. The special education teacher co-teacher and the resource room teacher work very closely. The hope is that the students in the resource room receive services that help them get back to the general education classroom. 

Co-Teaching Tips 

There are so many benefits of co-teaching. However, both teachers need to keep a few things in mind for it to be successful. 

1. First, both must understand each other’s backgrounds. For instance, my co-teacher has taught general educational 2nd and 3rd grade for over 20 years. I’ve been teaching Pre-K special education for 3 years. We have very different backgrounds and years of experience. Thus, understanding how different those two things are and being ready to mix the experiences makes co-teaching special. 
2. Second, communication is critical. You are essentially getting married, moving in together, and you have 20+ kids. On top of this, every decision you make affects the other person and all of your kids. So, you have to be honest with each other. Don’t hesitate to bring things up to the other person. An open, honest dialogue is essential to successful co-teaching. 
3. Third, set aside one day a week to sit down and talk. This is a time to plan and create lessons together. It is also a time to problem solve what is not working. Or, plan extra assistance for students who are struggling. Lastly, this is a time to be honest if anything is bothering you. 
4. Fourth, don’t be scared to switch up the routine. This may be reading rotations, math centers, and flexible grouping. Ultimately, the decisions have to reflect the best fit for your class and the needs of students. 
5. Fifth, play on each other’s strengths. No one is perfect! For instance, there may be one person who likes teaching math and one who prefers reading. Divide and conquer! For example, I taught math and sci/ss for one year, and my co-teacher taught the 3 ELA blocks. She loves ELA, and I was new to 2nd grade, so this worked! This was also during distance/hybrid, so everything was a whole group. Now, since we use so many small groups, we both kind of teach everything. At one point we even made a chart of each of our responsibilities during each time of the day. This helped keep us both accountable AND we knew that the other person knew what they had to do because we discussed it!!

Thoughts on Co-Teaching from Gen Ed Standpoint

It is helpful to look at prior feedback when making a change in education. Here is actual feedback from my 1st grade co-teaching friend. 

1. “Co-teaching is exciting!” Students open up so well when they receive support. They have the funniest stories to share and are so fun to be around. 
2. This teacher talked about so many benefits of co-teaching. This includes giving kids more attention and sharing ideas with the other teacher. Most importantly, it provides two people who love kids just as much as you do! 
3. Understandably, it is essential to be flexible. Plan to learn from the other teacher. Honestly, both adults bring so much to the table and co-teach for a reason. 
4. There will be several IEP meetings throughout the year. Special education teachers need to keep general education teachers informed. This will help everyone be ready for meetings when it is time. 
5. “Communication is key!” It needs to be open. Do not tip toe around! This will not create a solid partnership to provide the best education for students. Begin by starting off the school year with expectations. 

BONUS!!! My friend and fellow co-teacher, Rachel, gave me this survey to share with all of you. She gives it to her co-teacher before starting the year so that she can get to know them. She has had many co-teachers over the past 4 years and has said it is a HUGE help!! Try it out! HERE IS THE SURVEY!

There are so many benefits of co-teaching! Students will love having 2 teachers at all times. Best of all, ALL students are part of the classroom and included in all activities. Yes, the content may be slightly different within centers, but 20+ students support each other. While co-teaching takes work and compromise from the teachers, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences for all involved. 

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