Special Educators Guide to Teaching in 2020:
In-Person, Hybrid & Remote
By: Simone Buckley
Follow @RampUpEdu
HELLO!
I am Simone Buckley
I am a Special Education Teacher & Assistive Technology Professional. I have created a platform titled RampUpEdu in order to spread knowledge and awareness on the importance of developing an inclusive classroom environment.
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If you were wondering where the name “RampUpEdu” came from it was inspired by this graphic!
I often use this image when giving presentations to explain the importance of creating materials and resources for different abilities first. When we do this, we have created a tool everyone can access.
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What is this Guide?
How is this Guide Different?
This guide is focused on how to make a successful start to your year for students of varying abilities. How can we appropriately reach ALL students in different learning environments? We need to get out of “survival mode” from the spring and really find ways to make all teaching styles work for students.
Guide Goals
The goal of this guide is to give you some ideas and strategies, in under 50 pages, to better support you and ALL students in the 3 different potential learning environments for this fall: In-Person, Hybrid, and Full Remote Learning.
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2020 Teaching Style Options
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*Tip: Although this Guide is separated into 3 groups they often overlap so I encourage you to check out every section!
In-Person Teaching Topics
Addressing Student Anxiety upon Re-Entry
Using Tech for Collaboration and Physical Distancing
Positive Behavior Supports
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Addressing Students Emotions
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What different emotions are students feeling?
How will these emotions be displayed?
Activities to address student emotions.
Student Emotions: Going Back to School
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How Could Students Display Their Emotions?
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Addressing Student Emotions
It is important that we address student emotions. This can be done by talking with students, creating various activities that support students emotions, and discussing the classroom changes head on.
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Activities/Ideas for Student Emotional Support In-Person
Dealing With Emotion Using The Zones of Regulation
Other Ideas
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Creating a Safe “Break Bin”
I encourage teachers to have a space in your room as a designated break area for students who become overstimulated. However, guidelines may not allow for this. Create Break Bins with small fidgets. Fidgets can be things like playdough, stress ball, headphones, etc. but make sure they are specific to students interests/needs. These can be utilized at their desk during a break. Also, having a divider for students to place on their desk may help them block out their surroundings.
*Tip: If a student has escalating or aggressive behaviors an alternative plan should be discussed with your team on how to keep that student and the others in the room safe.
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Break
Bin
How Can I Create Flexible Seating?
Try utilizing seat cushions or chair bands to allow students to customize comfort. Allow students to decorate their chairs so they feel more personalized! Also, using a labeler for furniture with names will be your best friend.
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If your school has good funding try considering purchasing “alternative seating spaces” for students who may need more flexibility than a typical seat. If you do not have the funding try working with some things you may have. For example, use an old crate and and turn it into a seat while utilizing a laptop tay for the student to complete work.
Physical Distance NOT Social Distance
Try using the term “physical distance” instead of “social distance.” Students who already struggle with social experiences could be very intimidated by the term social distance. We want to continue to encourage students to socialize.
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Creating a Student “Home binder”
All teachers usually have a Sub Folder or Binder. This is still strongly encouraged as it will be inevitable that you will be out of the classroom at some point. Make sure to list your classroom protocols for COVID, students names/seating chart, a teacher or support staff they can seek out for assistance, and any other necessary information.
A student home binder is a similar concept. I am always on the side of being over prepared instead of under prepared. I would encourage you to create a binder, whether a virtual or physical, to have something that students can utilize at home in the event school is closed again. Inside you should have various printable activities, communication boards, visual schedules, token boards, etc. I know this is A LOT of preparation work and you may not have the time. However, if school does shut down you have now cut down your “catch-up work” by almost nothing. This will not only help ease your transition but also the student transition.
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Using Tech to Promote Physical Distancing
Students can still work in groups and complete group activities without being right next to each other in real-time.
Students work can be shared with various students and turned into a teacher without any physical contact.
Students can work at their own pace and complete “group” assignments while still receiving various necessary accommodations.
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Creating Behavior Supports for Your Room
Kahoot for Expectation Checks
Kahoot is a fun option were you can create a virtual game for students to play. This can not only be used for academics but also to do check-ins on classroom expectation understanding. Plus this can be done with students in or outside the classroom in real time as long as you share the unique code it creates!
Class Reward System
This can be modified however you like. Here are a couple examples. -For every classroom rule followed during a 30 minute period a student will get a point. At the end of the day, if students have a leisure option, their points will allow them access to a specific activity or toy (highly preferred items cost more points).
-Another option could be to use Virtual Money to “Purchase” a leisure choice. Try using MyKidsBank and have students be in charge of their own banking!
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Creating Behavior Supports for Your Room
Virtual Behavioral System
Class Dojo is a really great option that is good for the classroom. This can also be easily utilized in a hybrid, in-person or remote learning option! Students can make their own avatars and sharing with information with parents is easy.
Visual Classroom Supports
Creating Visual Schedules for the Classroom or for Individual Students can also be very helpful. There are several apps for visual scheduling but you can easily create them by yourself. Try using various images or icons from programs like boardmaker and lessonpix.
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2. Hybrid
Hybrid Teaching Topics
Keeping Everyone Organized
Data Taking for Hybrid Learning
Using Technology to Keep Students Feeling Included
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Keeping Everyone Organized
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Creating a “Less Paper” Classroom
Keeping your room Organized
Organizing your Google Drive
A “Less Paper” Classroom
In my opinion a COMPLETELY paperless classroom, especially in special ed, is pretty unattainable. That is why I am calling it the “less-paper” classroom. To have a successful return that is a hybrid option it is really important to have the option of virtual documents. However, it is just as important to note that some students may have different needs that require them to use paper based activities. This is were those home binders would really come in handy!
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A good couple good apps to have in the classroom are SnapType and GoWorksheet. Both of these allow you to take pictures of a worksheet and easily turn it into a digital copy. GoWorksheet offers more ways to customize the worksheet, as you can see by the price difference.
Organizing Your Drive
The basics would be to start creating folders in your drive. I would suggest creating a folder for every subject then for every student inside each subject folder. That way you can have student specific IEP information in the right academic area. Folders for classroom management, trainings, etc should also be created for easily to find tools.
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Color Coding files will be a huge time saver when you want to quickly find files!
Taking Data While Hybrid
If you are a special educator you have definitely heard “If there is no data, it didn’t happen.” In order to properly track student progress we need to have data to back it up. Data becomes a bit more tricky when you are in a hybrid situation. It may not be an ideal way of taking data but there are some different tools you can implement to hopefully ease this transition.
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Google Forms
The best way to keep data consistent is to utilize Google Forms. If you have not used this before I am encouraging you to go to your drive and open a Google Form to start playing with features. It will ultimately save you time recreating student data sheets. Plus, if parents are willing, parents could be allowed to take student data when students are at home. What I would suggest doing is creating 2 forms for student data, one for just you, another that is shared with a parent. That way you can look at both data separately to see if there are any data points that are varying greatly between home and school. Be sure to include any necessary information on the forms such as prompt level, the date, etc and make sure you have created a clear document explaining to parents how the take the data. Parental data should be optional but there is a great benefit in offering it to families. Here is a really good example of using forms for IEP goals from the Autism Helper channel!
Taking Data While Hybrid
Try and play with Google Data Studio! Google Data studio is definitely a step up with your technology skills. However, if willing to learn it has some really cool features (like real time changes in graphs!) Check out Google Analytics Youtube channel showing the basics. It won’t be geared toward an educator but you will see how to use the functions for your data.
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If you are a faithful iPad user you can add each students Google Form to your homescreen (so it looks like an App). You can do this by opening the form on your iPad in safari, selecting the share icon in the tip right and choose “Add to Home Screen”. Now you will quickly and easily be able to access the forms to fill them out!
Using Hyperdocs for Organization
Create a document that has all your assignments linked, also known as a Hyperdoc. This will help store all your assignments in one place for students to find. I would organize them by subject. Also, be sure to include information such as due dates in the document (bold these or put in a different color). For students who receive extended time, I would make a copy of your hyperdoc and send those students their own individual doc with their specific due dates. **Tip: Adding images to link assignments can help students who are visual learners or struggling readers.
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If you are new to Hyperdocs I suggest checking out the queen of Hyperdocs Nadine Gilkison!
Using Jamboard for Home-School Collaboration
What is Jamboard?
A collaborative, digital whiteboard that is stored in the cloud so you can pick up your work or share your work with any device or person you choose. Jamboard is an app and their is also a large display system to use in a classroom. However, you can use the app without the display!
Activities to do with Jamboard
Googles Jamboard is definitely something that should be on your radar right now. Jamboard allows students to collaborate and participate in a variety of activities whether they are right next to each other or virtual.
-Here is an example of a money matching activity I created.
-Use with students who are practicing handwriting with a stylus on an iPad and you can see their product in real time.
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Classroom Live Streaming
I will say it, I am not a fan of live streaming in the classroom as there are so many factors, especially in a special education classroom. However, if that is what your school is requiring there needs to be a lot of thought put into how this will work. If you have a paraprofessional in your room, I would suggest keeping a paraprofessional in charge of the livestream. If possible, give students opportunities to interact with the students who are live streaming. Allow them to participate in “leisure” time together. Remember we want to promote socialization despite the physical distancing.
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3. Fully Remote
Remote Teaching Topics
Keeping Students Engaged
Addressing Students Needs/
Accommodations
Working with Families
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Online Strategies to Practice
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Being Consistent without
being Predictable.
Creating a UDL experience with Google extensions.
Creating a “School Supplies” list for home.
Consistency Not Predictability
You are probably thinking “That is the same thing. What do you mean?” What I mean is making sure you have a consistent schedule and routine but that your activities are not the SAME set up everyday.
Ideas to Remix your Activities
-Use different layouts and text in your slides (Check out Slides Carnival for free templates!)
-Add audio, imagery, and video (including videoing yourself) into slides
-Many students find it more engaging when you use things they are interested in a lesson. For example, if you are working on counting and some students are really interested in a certain movie, use those characters in your slides as the manipulatives.
-Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. I love using and creating Green Screen videos. I often use the DoInk App for asynchronous activities and it is very simple for a “non-techy”
-Use screencastify to assist in recording your screen and lessons
-Use the Record to Slides extension which will allow you to record directly into your slide.
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Using Google Extensions for Different Needs
What is an extension?
Extensions are small software programs that customize the browsing experience
Basically, it sits up in the top right of your browser and allows you to utilize its functions to change/interact with the browser.
Where Can I Find Extensions:
�Search through the Chrome Webstore
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Using Google Extensions for Different Needs
Extensions For the Teacher
Custom Cursor: Pick from a variety of fun cursors, I utilize the large red one because it helps students track my screen when I am screen sharing more easily.
Bitmoji: Use this especially in your asynchronous lessons so students can feel like you are more present in the activity. Plus it looks fun!
Tab Resize: This allows you to adjust your screen to a split screen style so you can watch your Meet session and the work your sharing at the same time.
Talk and Comment: Give student feedback on assignments with an audiofile instead of text
Record to Slides: Record a video directly into your slide!
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Using Google Extensions for Different Needs
Extensions For the Student
Read&Write: A Toolbar that has pretty much every accessibility option you would want
JustRead: Allows you to create a clutter free reading experience on a webpage
Screen Mask: Creates a section of “light” where you are scrolling and dims the rest of the screen to focus on a small amount of text at a time
Read Aloud: A text to speech option for articles/web pages
Turn off the Lights: Great for students who get distracted watching videos or families concerned with screen time
BeeLine Reader: utilizes a color gradient for easier reading
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Universal Designed Lesson
What is Universal Design? Using Multiple Means of….
*Click on each word above to learn more!
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How Do I Use UDL?
Presenting Material in a VARIETY of ways
AKA don’t just give students slides with a bunch of text….
Try incorporating a video or an audiofile into your slides to help explain directions or provide feedback on student assignments.
Use images to help explain the material.
Make sure you do not overload the slide! You would rather have more slides than overly cluttered information.
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How Do I Use UDL?
Giving Students a VARIETY of ways to complete assignments
Give students options! You may not like it but it will provide some incredible work from students.
After every unit I have had students complete a project to demonstrate knowledge. I give them 4 choices such as: Create a Board Game, Design a SlideShow, Create a Movie, Write an Essay. I sometimes change them up. Writing a Rap was one were I got some amazing products from students.
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How Do I Use UDL?
Notice the key word: VARIETY
Making sure your presentation materials are utilizing more than just text will help reach all learning styles and abilities.
Giving students a choice on how to complete work lets students complete the assignment based on THEIR strengths. For example, a student may know everything about the solar system, but when I ask them to write they produce poor work because they struggle with spelling and grammar. However, when I gave that student a choice, I received an amazingly creative video explaining everything there is to know about the solar system!
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School “Home” List
Every year students typically get a “back to school” list. In place of this it is important to prepare a “Home List” for virtual learning. Make a comprehensive list of what items the student will need to participate in their virtual activities. This is very important if you have students who are primarily tactile learners. For example, if you are a Life Skills Teacher and you will be doing a cooking activity, during your monthly unit, be sure that the parents can be prepared for that activity. Obviously parents should not be required to go out and purchase everything we have at schools. However, if we can offer preparation to families as early as possible the better. Consider even having some family or friends help in donating to create a home bin to send to families with supplies if they do not have the financial means to purchase items on the home list.
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Other Helpful Tips!
Movement Breaks
It is important whether we are inside or outside of the classroom to incorporate movement breaks. Try exploring some fun resources like GoNoodle to allow kids to follow dance moves.
Movement breaks can and should still be utilized with physical distancing. Even if you are just allowing students to stand up at their desks when necessary or playing games like Simon Says.
Try to think Out of the Box!
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Virtual IEPs
If you have not participated in a virtual IEP yet they are definitely interesting (especially with a two year old screaming I want crackers in a background) but it is manageable!
Tips
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APPs for Distance Learning
Here are some of my favorite Apps that can help with distance learning!
SeeSaw: A place to host materials while interacting with students and families
�FlipGrid: Great option for the classroom to demonstrate student knowledge or create a dynamic learning experience
WeVideo: Creating fun and engaging videos
Remind: Use this to make connecting with families safe and easy
BookCreator: Create or have students create fun books or comics
BoardMaker Student Center: If you have a boardmaker professional account you can create and send activities directly to students!
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Favorite Online Classroom Resources
BrainPop: Fun videos/lessons/quizzes on a variety of topics
Glencoe Math Manipulatives: Great site to help assist with virtual mathematics, and it’s free!
�Flocabulary: Creates fun music videos around different topics
TeachTown: Great program for students who need social skills training
Storyonline: Free resource for read alouds
MysteryScience: Fun science lessons and offering free trial for the school year
Skype A Scientist and Skype in the Classroom: Great way to have students meet, learn and interact with others
Zones of Regulation: Offers additional supports on using Zones of Regulation at home and in the classroom
PBS Learning Media: Offering free interactives, videos, and lessons for teachers on multiple subject areas
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Don’t Forget about Field Trips!
Although they may look different incorporating field trip days should be considered whether in-person or remote learning. Try exploring some of these different sites, or go for it and make your own adventure using Google Tour Creator!
�Explore some more options here!
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If you are interested in learning more about Tour Creator, check out FlippedTechCoaching for a great slideshow tutorial!
Creating a Virtual Classroom
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Tips to Help Along the Way
GET ON TWITTER
If you are not yet, do it now and follow as many teachers and edtech professionals you can.
ASK FOR HELP AND FEEDBACK
You know all those techy teachers at your school, I promise they would love to help you!
Talk to your students/families find out what is/isn’t working for them and brainstorm solutions together.
DON”T FEAR FAILURE, EMBRACE IT
Everytime you fail at something you learn something new. That willingness to fail means you are trying!
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My Other Resources to Explore
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Click the images to the left to explore some of my other resources!
Blog coming soon!! Follow on Twitter for updates!
THANK YOU!
Any questions?
You can contact me at:
@RampUpEdu
Simone@rampupedu.org
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