In today's post, we will explore some key topics and ideas for what to teach in the elementary special education classroom during the month of September. And don't worry because I have already done a lot of the work for you! Click on an image or caption to find the resource in my TPT store! Additionally, this post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I only recommend products that I use and love!
Classroom Routines
During September, you can continue to introduce classroom routines that will be used all year long. Practice group routines daily such as lining up, transitioning within the classroom and building, and daily unpacking and packing backpacks.
Letter of the Day
When researching the Science of Reading in the special education classroom, I read Comprehensive Literacy for All, which taught me the importance of daily alphabet instruction. I wanted to create materials for this instruction that had a similar format for each day so that students could focus on learning the content (and not concurrently trying to learn the activity expectations!).
Based on the research from the book, I developed a daily lesson framework and lesson plans to accompany my materials:
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| Alphabet Song Guide |
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| Letter Picture Book Worksheet |
For a more in-depth look on how I incorporate the Science of Reading into my elementary special education classroom check out my previous post:
And then head over to my TPT store to grab the pre-made resource that has absolutely everything you need to start a Letter of the Day time in your classroom too!
Number of the Day
Several years ago I wanted to expand my math instruction beyond my direct instruction times. I was looking for a way to practice a variety of skills every day. Alas, my Number of the Day Math Corner was born! Every day we practiced the same skills and it WORKED! It worked better than I even dreamed. Suddenly I had students who had been stuck working on basic number identification who were suddenly skip counting by 5s. I had students beginning to generalize Touchmath skills and coin identification. It was AWESOME! I only wish I would have started it sooner.
For a more in-depth look on how I incorporate daily math practice into my elementary special education classroom check out my previous post:
And then head over to my TPT store to grab my Number of the Day visual supports to get started in your classroom!
Structured Work Systems
September is also a great time to begin introducing work time structure including independent work times using a Structured Work System. This gives students a predictable structure to know exactly what work needs to be done and how to complete it in a consistent way. I used a 3-drawer matching system where students matched a color/number to a corresponding bin, took out the work, completed it, and placed it in the "finished" laundry basket.
To see my Independent Work structured work system set up in action check out my previous post:
And to see some of the activities I created you can check out my posts labeled
If you are still not sure where to start, you can grab my Multisensory Task Box Differentiation Guides for Elementary Special Education in my TPT store which provides budget-friendly ideas for easy taskboxes you can use to introduce your structured work system (including differentiation ideas for each one to get more for your money!).
IEP Progress Monitoring
Once rules and routines are established, students are ready to show what they know! Now is the time to organize your IEP progress monitoring system.
I like to start with color-coded 1-in binders to contain each students progress monitoring sheets and work samples.
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| Amazon Link |
Then, I add in pocket dividers for each subject I will be progress monitoring for that student. These will divide the subjects and also serve as a place to keep work samples until I send them home with progress reports each quarter.
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| Amazon Link |
Finally, I add in the progress monitoring sheets to align with each student's IEP goals and objectives. I created specific sheets for a variety of skills that are easy to follow so that my paraprofessionals and related service staff can easily take data as well.
I have gathered over 100 ready-to-use data collection sheets for a variety of skills and levels in my NO PREP IEP Progress Monitoring Sheet BUNDLE for Preschool, Elementary, and Special Education which can help you get one step closer to completing your IEP progress monitoring system!
Thematic Units
Since fall begins in September, this is the perfect thematic unit for this month! Teach students about the changing weather and changing leaves! Grab my Fall and Leaves Thematic Unit for 12 ready-to-teach activities!
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| Fall and Leaves Thematic Unit |
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| Fall and Leaves Thematic Unit |
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| Fall and Leaves Thematic Unit |
