Snowman Poetry Forms

Here are some snowman acrostic poem forms from Cindy's Autistic Support website.

Snowman Poetry Form (PDF file)

Another Snowman Poetry Form (PDF file)

"My Holiday Break" Writing Activity

Cindy's Autistic Support website has created a holiday break writing form and some Boardmaker files to support this writing activity.

My Holiday Break Writing (Word Document)

My Holiday Break Pictures (Page 1) to help with writing (Boardmaker File)

My Holiday Break Pictures (Page 2) to help with writing (Boardmaker File)

Happy New Year ABLLS-R Aligned Activities

This activity pack includes patterns, identifying clothing, associated pictures, item functions.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Freebie-Happy-New-Year-ABLLS-R-aligned-activities-1612459

"What to Wear in the Winter" Social Stories

This is a social story, with images and simple, sequential, repetitive text, which talks about clothing that is appropriate - and not appropriate - to wear in the winter. There is a version designed for girls and a version designed for boys.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/What-to-Wear-in-the-Winter-social-story-for-boys-483545

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/What-to-Wear-in-the-Winter-social-story-for-girls-483592

Snowman Greater or Less Than Math Activity

A printable math task card activity for comparing number values. Created by Autism Educators.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Snowman-Greater-or-Less-Than-Math-Activity-487079

"What to Expect at Christmas" Social Story

This story covers Christmas traditions including decorating the house and tree, hanging stockings, leaving cookies for Santa, opening presents going to church, and having Christmas dinner. This story you can customize; you can write or type in your family's own plans.

Available formats: PDF (Can't edit, just view on computer or print) 

Microsoft PowerPoint (Can edit) 

 

"Getting Presents at Christmas" Social Story

This story targets the skills of: putting presents under the tree, waiting to open presents, saying "thank you," only opening the presents that are yours, and how to tell if a present is yours.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasStory_GettingPresents.pdf

 

Tips for Vacations and Weekend Trips

If you're traveling this holiday season, here's a free download of some tips for preparing your child for these trips. From Sandbox Learning.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Tips_for_Vacations_and_Weekend_Trips.pdf

Winter Words Match Up Board

Match associated pictures and words in this printable activity.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Winter-Match-Up-Board-Autism-ABA-Speech-1568147

Adapted Holiday Symbols Mini Book

A set of printable mini-books in which students follow directions to color the Hanukkah and secular Christmas symbols. By Christine Reeve of Autism Classroom News.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Adapted-Holiday-Symbols-Mini-Book-for-Special-Education-1605406

Simple Christmas Character Puzzles

A set of holiday character puzzle (2-pieces each). This activity focuses on matching the faces to the bodies of the different characters (Gingerbread person and Snowman).

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Christmas-Whose-Body-Puzzle-Cards-Freebie-Autism-Speech-1574719

"Visiting Family at Christmas" Social Story

 A social skill story for that targets the skills of: visiting family (or having them come to visit), saying "Merry Christmas," things visitors may do, such as hugging the child, and things families might do together, such as have dinner. This story you can customize; you can write or type in your family's own plans.

Available formats: 

PDF (Can't edit, just view on computer or print) 

Microsoft PowerPoint (Can edit) 

There is also a version of this story for older/more verbal children (an article format):

As a social skill story for older/more verbal children wtih autism, this social article provides information on greeting visitors, spending time with and talking to visitors, and things visitors may do, such as hugging the child.
http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasArticle_VisitingFamily.pdf


 

"Five Little Christmas Trees" Interactive Adapted Book

Five Little Christmas Trees is a six page book that comes in a printable file. The focus of the book is numbers, counting backwards, and colors with an introduction to the idea of Christmas and trees.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Adapted-Book-Five-Little-Christmas-Trees-1529762

"Going to Visit Santa" Social Story

This story targets the skills of: visiting Santa at the mall or a store, waiting in line, sitting on Santa's lap, telling what you want for Christmas, and taking a picture with Santa.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/ChristmasStory_VisitSanta.pdf

 

Pre-Primer Sight Words Christmas Games

This Pre-Primer Sight Word activity contains 2 festive file folder tasks for your students. From Autism Educators.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Pre-Primer-Sight-Words-Christmas-Theme-459765

"Say it to a Snowman" Language Activity

This flashcard game can be used to practice reciprocal language skills. Students will read the quote from the snowman and respond appropriately using commenting, empathy statements, and follow up questions.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Say-it-to-a-Snowman-425119

Santa's Syllable Sort

A learning center to work on syllable counting skills with a holiday theme. From "Primarily Au-Some."

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Santas-Syllable-Sort-983151

Shopping for Holiday Decorations Money Skills Activity

A print-and-go set of holiday math / shopping activities for students working on money skills in elementary school or life skills classes. Put the sales flyers in a page protector and either cut out the task cards for single use or put them in a photo album or laminate for re-use.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Shopping-for-Holiday-Decorations-Money-Skills-autism-special-education-1016117

Thanksgiving Vocabulary Board Game

Includes a game board asking questions about topics relating to Thanksgiving. Students can use the game answer cards to point to the answer, circle the answer, or mark the answer with a bingo chip.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Game-for-Students-with-Autism-398926

6 Tips for Preparing for a Smooth Thanksgiving Celebration

An article from Different Roads to Learning. http://blog.difflearn.com/2014/11/20/6-tips-for-preparing-for-a-smooth-thanksgiving-celebration/

"Having Guests and Visiting Others" Tipsheet

Help prepare your child for holiday plans with this tipsheet from Sandbox Learning: http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/HavingGuestsandVisitingOthers.pdf

Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities

Here are some fun activities you can do with your kids or students during the holiday!

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/

Illustrated Thanksgiving Recipes

Picture schedules and illustrated steps to making some simple Thanksgiving recipes. From "The Autism Helper."

http://theautismhelper.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/thanksgiving-recipes.pdf

GFCF Thanksgiving Recipes

Here are some ideas for Thanksgiving foods made GFCF.

http://usautism.blogspot.com/2010/11/autism-and-thanksgiving-recipes-and.html

http://nourishinghope.com/2011/11/gluten-free-gfcf-thanksgiving/

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/maindishentreerecipes/qt/glutenthanks.htm

What Can You Say Thank You For? A Seasonal Conversation Starter Board

A printable sheet that can be used to help a child say what he or she is thankful for on Thanksgiving. It could also be used to introduce possible things that a child might be thankful for, if he or she needs some ideas.

http://www.tinsnips.org/resources/pdf-thanksgiving/thanx.pdf

Thanksgiving Food Choice Sheet

A printable sheet that can be used to help a child choose Thanksgiving foods to eat. It could also be used for vocabulary development.

http://www.tinsnips.org/resources/pdf-thanksgiving/favthanksfood.pdf

Thanksgiving Social Story

A book about what to expect at Thanksgiving. There are places to customize the book by typing or writing in your family's specific Thanksgiving plans.

Available formats: 

PDF (Can't edit, just view on computer or print) 

Microsoft PowerPoint (Can edit) 

Thanksgiving Verbs Flashcards

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Thanksgiving_Vocabulary_Verbs.pdf

Thanksgiving Vocabulary Flashcards

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Thanksgiving_Vocabulary.pdf

Safety Signs Printables

Includes "exit," "school crossing," "don't walk" and more.

http://www.do2learn.com/picturecards/printcards/safety_signs.htm

"Yes" and "No" Questions Practice

You can use these yes and no questions to practice answering these type of questions. You may prompt the student with a variation of visual yes and no prompts.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Yes-and-No-Questions-practice-for-Autism-365378

Communication Cards for Between School and Home about Special Classes

Use these communication boards and picture choices to allow your student or child to share some information about there school day special classes and what kind of day they may have had at school.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Communication-Cards-for-Between-School-and-Home-about-Special-Classes-for-Autism-405881

Reading Book Choice Board

This board allows a student that has limited language to make a choice on which book they would prefer to read.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reading-Book-Choice-Board-for-Autism-365744

Sensory Room Example in a Public School

An example of products and space that can be used to create a sensory/therapy room for a public school.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sensory-Room-Example-in-a-Public-School-for-Autism-398578

Restroom Picture Schedule

Sentences and pictures that depict the sequence and steps of using the restroom.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Restroom-Sequence-Story-for-Autism-382745

"Fun Activities for Teaching Cooperation" Tip Sheet

"Fun Activities for Teaching Cooperation" includes ideas for fostering cooperation, problem solving, turn taking, and other critical social skills. From Sandbox Learning.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Fun_Activities_for_Teaching_Cooperation.pdf

Behavior Choice Pictures

A sheet of basic visual choice tools to promote engagement and positive behavior while a student is trying to perform a task.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Behavior-Choice-Pictures-for-Autism-396229

Strategies for Helping Children Communicate in Stressful Situations

A free tip sheet from Sandbox Learning on ways to help children use their words and cope with stressful situations.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Strategies_for_Stressful_Situations.pdf

Holiday Hats and Clothes Match/Cut and Paste

Match the correct holiday word to the holiday hat. On another page, match the hat and word together to a face. For an extra challenge, have the student match the holiday clothes to the correct holiday hat.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-Hats-Clothes-MatchCut-and-Paste-for-Autism-429210

Fall or Halloween Theme Graphing Game

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Dice-A-Fall-or-Halloween-Theme-Graphing-Game-Freebie-1516197

Photo of the Assembled Game: 

"What to Expect on Halloween" Social Story

A story on passing out candy at home. 

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/socialstory_trickortreat.pdf

"Travis the Train Goes Trick-or-Treating" Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Halloween_TrainStory2.pdf

Halloween Pumpkin Train (Activity for Counting and Shapes)

A fun Halloween and train-themed activity for identifying shapes and counting 1 - 10.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Pumpkin-Train-Freebie-for-Counting-and-Shapes-1510319

"Trick or Treat" Communication Cards

A child with limited expressive communication can show these cards in place of speaking the words, "Trick or Treat!" 

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/TrickOrTreatCards.pdf

"Preparing Children for Trick or Treating" TipSheet

Help children prepare for trick or treating with these five strategies from Sandbox Learning.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Preparing_Children_for_Trick_or_Treating.pdf

"Things That Are Black" Activity

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Colors_Black_ThingsThatAre.pdf

"Things That Are Orange" Activity

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Colors_Orange_ThingsThatAre.pdf

Halloween Activity Pack

Includes:

• Writing prompts and story webs
• Candy corn math facts
• Making words
• Unscramble

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Pack-Freebie-348982

Halloween Math Activity Bundle

Contains: patterns, sorting, counting, coloring, and more! 

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/HalloweenActivityBundle.pdf

Halloween Ten-Frames

Halloween-themed ten-frames help students build a conceptual understanding of numbers to ten. Includes suggestions for use.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Ten-Frames-320334

Halloween Vocabulary Flashcards

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Halloween_Vocab.pdf

Halloween Math Board Games

Contains 3 Printable Halloween Math Board Games
Catch the Ghosts - Numbers to 20
Catch the Ghosts - Numbers to 100
Catch the Ghosts - Numbers to 999

Print the game boards, grab some dice and counters and the games are ready to play.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Math-Board-Games-Freebie-331408

Halloween Clip Art

If you're looking for cute, fun, and free clip art for making Halloween activities or classroom decorations, here are some freebie sets from TeachersPayTeachers!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:halloween+clip+art/Price-Range/Free

Halloween-Themed Telling Time Center

Halloween Ghostly Time is a Halloween telling time to the hour center. Students match clocks to the times on the ghost cards. Both color and black and white center cards are included. Recording sheets and answer sheets are also included.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Halloween-Ghostly-Time-339457

Task Bin Number Strips

Have the student remove the numbers in sequence, one at a time, from the Number Strip and Match the Numbers to the bin drawer. The student will open the drawer and remove/complete each work task. After a task is complete, it will be placed in a designated area.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Task-Bin-Number-Strips-for-Autism-1023145

7 Strategies for Preparing Children for New Experiences

7 Strategies for Preparing Children for New Experiences includes ideas for making events fun, educational, and less stressful.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Preparing_for_New_Experiences.pdf

"Keeping Asperger’s from Slipping Through the Cracks" Webinar

SARRC developed the DAVE (Detecting Asperger's Very Early) screening questionnaire to help teachers and pediatricians recognize these characteristics and refer parents for a formal evaluation. Once individuals are properly diagnosed, professionals can begin interventions so children can experience meaningful interactions, develop friendships, and ultimately reach their full potential.

Free Webinar for Teachers and Education Professionals: Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder in School Age Children: Keeping Asperger’s from Slipping Through the Cracks

Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. MST (4 p.m. Eastern Time)
Registration: Advanced registration required.

More info and registration: http://www.thinkaspergers.org/

Fire Drill Visuals and Schedules

This set of visual strategy items was designed for elementary-aged children needing extra behavioral/visual supports in the classroom for fire drills.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fire-Drill-Visuals-and-Schedules-737512

“Break it Down” Non-Verbal Cues Activity

Use the “Break it Down” worksheet to help students understand how verbal and non-verbal cues can change the entire meaning of a statement.

http://www.do2learn.com/activities/SocialSkills/BreakItDown/index.html

"Learn Your Phone Number" Helper Sheets

Help your child learn their phone number with these easy-to-use phone number helper sheets.

http://www.do2learn.com/activities/learn/phonenumbers.htm

Visual Cue Sheet for Giving and Listening to a Presentation

A visual showing appropriate behavior for presenters and audience members and a worksheet for reviewing listening skills.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Presentation-Visual-and-Worksheet-707636

Brushing Teeth Routine

A picture schedule and checklist for brushing teeth.

http://www.adelaideautismadventures.org/uploads/8/7/5/4/8754257/routine_-_brushing_teeth.pdf

Days and Weather Picture Cards and Coloring Sheets

From Do2Learn.

http://www.do2learn.com/picturecards/printcards/calendar_daysweather.htm

Autism Toolkit for Schools

The purpose of this kit is to provide helpful information about students with autism and tools and strategies to achieve positive interactions and increase learning for all members of the school community.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/school-community-tool-kit

Street Safety Printable Cards and Songs

A street safety song and activities.

http://www.do2learn.com/games/safetygames/activity_sheets/activity_streetsafety.htm

Alphabet Ants (Counting/Adding/Letter Recognition)

Here's a cute and fun freebie!

Students will can learn to count, add, subtract, recognize upper and lowercase letters, trace, and use directional words with this insect activity book.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FREE-Alphabet-Ants-CountingAddingLetter-RecognitionDirection-1431743

Time-Saving Cheat Sheet for Picture Schedules

Time-saving tips for setting-up picture schedules for your students. From The Autism Helper.

http://theautismhelper.com/cheat-sheet-picture-schedules/

Webinar: Three Strategies for Effectively Integrating ABA into Group Instructional Settings

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is proven to be an effective treatment for individuals with autism and other disabilities.  Yet despite its success as a treatment option, the common misconception that ABA can only be implemented 1:1 has elided its effectiveness in group settings, including classrooms, where it can benefit many students.

In this webinar, Dr. Pamela White will discuss 3 key strategies for effectively integrating ABA into group instructional settings and classroom activities and will be offering practical tips for getting started implementing ABA in your classroom today!

Wednesday, September 24, 12:00pm EDT - Registration Info

Wednesday, September 24, 6:00pm EDT - Registration Info

Autism Classroom Layout Map

If you're looking for a layout plan for your autism classroom, visit this great blog post from the Autism Helper!

http://theautismhelper.com/classroom-layout/

"Getting to Know You" Social Skill Freebie

An activity for helping students interact with each other in an interview format.

http://theautismhelper.com/getting-know-social-skill-freebie/

Strategies for Developing Classroom Friendships

Strategies for Developing Classroom Friendships includes five ideas for developing friendships between classmates, teaching social skills, and using outside classroom opportunities to promote in classroom friendships.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Strategies_for_Developing_Classroom_Friendships.pdf

August and September Mini Word Wall

Back to School themed words that can be added to your classroom word wall during the months of August/September. Use for word work, word study, looking up words in a dictionary, and literacy centers.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Back-to-School-Mini-Word-Wall-and-Cards-AugustSeptember-1332448

CPR and First Aid Posters

I printed off some of these for my classroom this year, so I thought I'd pass them along if you want them for reference.

Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Quick Guide:  http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240175_Pediatric_ready_reference.pdf

Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Quick Guide:  http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240170_Adult_ready_reference.pdf

Choking Poster: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/foodestablishments/pdf/chokingposter.pdf

Special Education Parent Teacher Conference Documentation

Document your parent-teacher conferences with this sheet.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Parent-Teacher-Conference-Documentation-385240

"Fire Safety Song" With Printable Cards

The Fire Safety Song shows children of all ages what to do in case of a fire in the home.   There are many lessons in the song, including the importance of staying calm, crawling under smoke, and going to the meeting place quickly. As with all safety lessons, parents should listen to the song with their child and practice the safety steps in their own home.

http://www.do2learn.com/games/songs/firesafetysong/index.htm

Special Education Acronym Cheat Sheet

This is a three page document to help you with the ABC's of special education! It is geared towards the state of Michigan but would be beneficial for anyone involved in special education.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Acronym-Cheat-Sheet-619006

Special Education Scheduling Update

A weekly form given to cooperating teachers so that the Special Education teacher is aware of upcoming projects, tests, scheduling changes, and current topics.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Scheduling-Update-530050

Blank IEP Progress Report Form

Utilize this form to report progress on IEP annual goals to parents. You can type (copy and paste) annual goals onto this form and rate student progress electronically or reproduce as needed for your caseload. Area is included to type comments.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Blank-IEP-Progress-Report-Form-Special-Education-298312

Special Education IEP Meeting Invite Checklist

This is a handy checklist for special education teachers. This list serves as a reminder of date, time, purpose and attendees for important IEP meetings.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-IEP-Meeting-Invite-Checklist-963118

Special Education Case Management Tracking Form for Signed Documents

A spreadsheet to keep track of reports/letters/other paperwork that has been sent home or mailed home for signatures, allowing you to keep tabs on what has come back to school and what signatures are still required.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Case-Management-Tracking-Form-for-Signed-Documents-845639

"In Our Class..." Poster

A fun and inspirational poster for your classroom!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/In-Our-ClassPoster-1151521

Special Education Tracking List

An Excel file for tracking special education files.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Tracking-List-730769

IEP at a Glace: Quick Reference Forms for Individual Students

This document is a snapshot for individual students on your special education caseload. Print one for each student. Saves time and energy when looking for important information!

This document contains:
One sheet that includes:
Student name
Category of disability
IEP date
Related services needs
Medical needs
Service times

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-IEP-AT-A-GLANCE-742211

Special Education Caseload List

This word document allows you to enter your caseload information including student names, grade levels, dates of previous IEPs and evaluations, and types of goals the students have.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Caseload-List-587218

Six Tips for Making the Start of School Less Stressful

The start of school is an exciting time, but for many children getting back into the routine can be difficult. Six Tips for Making the Start of School Less Stressful includes ideas for starting the new school year right.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Going_Back_to_School.pdf

Special Education Teacher Checklist to Organize the Start of Your School Year

Includes a list of over 40 tasks to:

• introduce yourself to parents
• plan for students
• prepare your classroom
• organize your paperwork and bookkeeping duties
• get a jump-start on organizing your school year
• begin planning for upcoming IEP meetings
• communicate with the para-educators who will be assisting you
• fulfill your duties as a special education teacher
• begin successful collaboration with regular education teachers
• and more.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Teacher-Checklist-to-Organize-the-Start-of-Your-School-Year-1357681

Like our freebies? Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter for lots of resources and freebies! 

E-Mail Address:
Relationship to Autism (parent, teacher, speech therapist, person with autism, etc.):
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Special Education Beginning of the Year Packet

This packet includes all forms needed to keep yourself organized throughout the year with your special education paperwork. It includes forms to organize your roster and students' disability categories, IEP and evaluation due dates checklist, accommodations page for substitutes and regular education teachers, and each students' related services.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Special-Education-Beginning-of-the-Year-Packet-1294308

Beginning of Year Forms for a Special Education Classroom

Includes the following forms in two formats: PDF and Word documents.

-Welcome letter
-Supply list
-Child Survey
-Hygiene description and permission
-Community walk description and permission
-Photo release form
-Class library description and permission

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Beginning-of-Year-Forms-for-a-Special-Education-Classroom-832566

"Minting New Thoughts" Cognitive Behavior Therapy Idea and Printable

Here is a great activity for individuals or groups of kids to introduce or expand on how to cope with upset feelings.  It uses the metaphor of paper money that is first minted, and then shredded if it is defective or worn out. 

http://autismteachingstrategies.com/autism-strategies/minting-new-thoughts/

Advocacy Tool Kit

The Advocacy Tool Kit from Autism Speaks aims to help both individuals with autism and their families develop and use advocacy skills in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/advocacy

Teacher To Do Checklist For First Two Weeks of School

Mentor teacher Kelly Bergman's to-do lists to help you launch a successful school year. From Scholastic Teachers - http://teacherexpress.scholastic.com/to-do-list-first-two-weeks-of-school

Note: in order to download this freebie, Scholastic requires you to create a free account on their website.

Castles and Knight Theme Activities

Vocabulary, sorting, matching, and songs with a castle/knights theme!

http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_castle.html

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Guide

A team of lawyers has put together a helpful guide to help families understand the IEP process. This 26 page guide contains an IEP timeline and clearly lays out the steps to take throughout the IEP process. The guide also includes lots of tips, resources, and answers to FAQs.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/iep-guide

Lego Spelling Test Printables

From Blessed Beyond a Doubt - http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/free-lego-spelling-test-printables/

Shapes Generalization Download

If you're looking for generalization while teaching shapes, here's a printable that has different sizes and colors of various shapes.

http://www.autismwillnotdefinemyson.com/uploads/4/1/8/8/4188231/shapes.pdf

Basketball Pronouns

A game for working on 'he' and 'she' pronouns with a basketball theme.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Basketball-Pronoun-Freebie-586089

"All About Me" Charts to Encourage Reciprocal Peer Conversation

Students fill out their charts with their own interests, put them on strings, and wear them around their necks. During this activity, when two students have a conversation, the charts serve as a visual cue for what they each might like to talk about.

http://autismteachingstrategies.com/autism-strategies/all-about-me-signs-to-help-with-reciprocal-peer-conversation-in-children-with-asd/

Guide for Managing Constipation in Children

From the Autism Speaks website:

"Many children have constipation. Children with autism might have more problems with constipation than other children. Difficulty with things like sitting on the toilet and eating different foods can make treating constipation challenging.

The Guide for Managing Constipation in Children Tool Kit for Parents was created to provide strategies and resources for parents of children with autism who have problems with constipation along with issues that can make treating it difficult."

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/find-resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/atn-air-p-guide-managing-constipation-children

Visual Prompts for Listening Skills

A visual prompt sheet and wall display that targets skills for effective listening.

http://autismteachingstrategies.com/autism-strategies/autism-and-listening-skills-visual-prompt-sheet-and-wall-display-to-help/

Lego Superhero Chore Chart

From Blessed Beyond a Doubt - http://www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/free-lego-superhero-chore-chart/ 

Pirate Theme Activities

Pirate vocabulary, matching, and songs!

http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_pirates.html

Take It From Temple: 5 Tips for Working with Children with Autism E-Book

A free e-book from Presence Learning based on a webinar by Temple Grandin. Please note that Presence Learning requires you to enter your name and e-mail address to access the free e-book download.

http://presencelearning.com/resources/library/temple-grandin-5-tips-working-with-children-autism/

Sleep Strategies Toolkit

Many children with ASD have difficulty with sleep, which can be stressful for the children and their families. These guides are designed to provide parents with strategies to improve sleep in their child affected by (ASD). The suggestions in this tool kit are based on both research and clinical experience of sleep experts.

There is a guide for children and a guide for teens.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/sleep-tool-kit

Big/Little Picture Sort

Sort pictures into "pockets" labeled with any combination of the labels big, large, small, or little.

http://www.buildingblox.net/images/Big_and_Little_Activity.pdf

Teaching Language: Focus on the Stage, Not the Age

Check out these tips on teaching language based on your child or student's language developmental stage, rather than chronological age. This article includes a printable chart with the different stages of language development.

http://blog.difflearn.com/2014/07/10/tip-of-the-week-teaching-language-focus-on-the-stage-not-the-age/

Potential Reinforcers Checklist

A very comprehensive list of reinforcer ideas that kids with autism might love! This list also includes some tips and strategies for using reinforcement.

http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/HSH/HOME/CENTERS_INSTITUTES/Autism%20and%20Developmental%20Disabilities/Speaker_Series/Content/December/handouts.pdf

"Star Wars" Personal Information Activity (Address, Phone Number, Etc.)

A fun way for kids to practice their personal information (name, birthday, address, phone number).

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/JediKnightApplication.pdf

Parent's Guide to Toilet Training in Autism

This tool kit provides caregivers tips to increase toileting success by teaching toileting skills, providing advice on preparing schedules and routines and promoting visual supports.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/atn-air-p-toilet-training

Minecraft-Themed Chore Charts

If you've got kids that love Minecraft, check out these chore charts, games, flash cards, and worksheets!

http://www.frugalhomeschoolfamily.com/2014/06/29/free-minecraft-chore-charts/

Tools for Successful Vision Exams

New experiences, including medical visits, can be difficult for individuals with autism. A trip to the optometrist’s office for a vision exam is one type of medical visit that can be challenging because an eye exam may be upsetting for patients who are over-reactive to sensory input. Because exams are done infrequently, desensitization through repetitive visits does not usually occur. The video Vision Exams for Individuals with Autism and accompanying social narrative lead families and caregivers through a visit to the optometrist’s office and a full, step-by-step vision exam. These tools can also provide insight into preparing ahead of time to make the visit as smooth, anxiety-free and productive as possible.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/find-resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/atn-air-p-tools-successful-vision-exams

Summer Roll & Color (Addition Activity)

Cute and fun! Kids roll dice, add the numbers, and color a number that contains the sum.

http://theautismhelper.com/summer-roll-color-free-download/

Summer Vocabulary Mini Unit

Another great resource from The Autism Helper! This site is great and their new summer vocabulary activities are no exception.

http://theautismhelper.com/summer-vocabulary-mini-unit-freebie/

Santa Barbara, CA: Free PRT Intervention and Training!

I received the following in an e-mail from the Koegel Autism Center:

"Dear Friends of the Koegel Autism Center,

We are offering four weeks of free intervention for young children (ages 4-6) diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who live in the Santa Barbara area. The intervention, Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is a highly acclaimed research-based intervention that is both naturalistic and motivating.  Research has demonstrated that after PRT, young children make great strides in both socialization and communication after just 4 months. The intervention includes a parent education component that provides parents with knowledge and concrete skills that they will take with them the rest of their lives.
Please spread the word, even if this opportunity does not apply to your family!

For more information you may contact Avery Voos at  avery.voos@gmail.com or by phone at 203-868-1468.

Koegel Autism Center
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9490
autism@education.ucsb.edu
http://education.ucsb.edu/autism/"

Guides to Pica for Parents and Professionals

Pica, the repeated eating of non-food items, is an eating problem displayed by some children with autism. The parent guide provides useful information for those seeking help in understanding and managing pica exhibited by their child. The professionals guide provides information for primary medical providers about the behavioral treatment of the pica of children with autism.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/atn-air-p-pica-guides

4th of July Social Story

A social story I wrote this weekend that briefly describes fireworks and picnics that a family might attend on the fourth of July.

Powerpoint: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/socialstory4thofJuly.ppt
PDF: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/socialstory4thofJuly.pdf

More 4th of July activities here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_fourthofjuly.html

Community Helpers Sorting Activity

Students sort through the images to find the ones that belong to the correct community helper.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Community-Helpers-Sorting-704208

Days of the Week/Calendar Visual Supports

A great visual support for calendar time to help students answer the questions:

• What day is today?
• What day was yesterday?
• What day is tomorrow?

From Building Blox. http://www.buildingblox.net/images/What_day_is_today.pdf

Speech Therapy Activity to Target Final Consonant Deletion

Nine sentence frame worksheets to help your students practice producing words that have final consonants.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sentence-Frame-Activity-to-Target-Final-Consonant-Deletion-Freebie-875479

Going to the Library Resource Kit

Includes a Social Story, library vocabulary flash cards, and a library visual schedule. Use these resources to prepare for a library visit to check out books or library activities, such as story time. 

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/LibraryResourceKit.pdf

"Going to a Movie Theater" Social Story

A short story with words and pictures and what to expect when seeing a movie at a theater. http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/docs/Theater_SOCIAL_STORY.pdf

Match Associated Items Activities

Match the associated items and have students describe the items and/or explain why they go together.

 http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Association-Poppers-446506

Addition Board for Manipulatives

Use manipulatives (such as small toys, cubes, etc.) to build addition problems using this addition board from Building Blox. http://www.buildingblox.net/images/addition_board.pdf

A Boy and a Box: Practice with Prepositions

A nine page unit that allows students to see and use a variety of pictures depicting one of ten different prepositions.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/A-Boy-and-a-Box-Practice-with-Prepositions-590663

Six Tips for Preparing Children for Camp

Going to camp can be a great experience for children, but it also can be stressful. Help children have a successful camp experience this summer with this tip sheet from Sandbox Learning: http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Six_Tips_for_Preparing_Children_for_Camp.pdf

Morning and Bedtime Routine Picture Cards

Help your child through both morning and night routines with these picture schedule cards from Positively Autism.

Morning Routine Cards: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/MorningRoutinePictureCards.pdf

Bedtime Routine Cards: http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/BedtimeRoutinePictureCards.pdf

Voice Volume 5 Point Scale Visuals

http://breezyspecialed.blogspot.com/2014/02/voice-volume-5-point-scale-visuals.html

Recommended Resource:

Incredible 5 Point Scale: The Significantly Improved and Expanded Second Edition; Assisting Students in Understanding Social Interactions and Controlling their Emotional Responses

 

 

Make Your Own Comic Strips

MakeBeliefsComix.com lets students write and illustrate their own comic strips online and email them to family and friends. Available in seven languages, the tool is easy to use and fun to play with.

http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Special-Needs/

Source: Source: NEA Today (30 Free Things for You - And Then Some!) - http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/HE/30freethings.pdf

Questions and Prompts to Build Expressive and Receptive Language

This packet contains 180 questions and prompts. This collection includes wh- questions (who, what, where, when, and why), categorization, and labeling. Prompts for function, attributes, categories, rhyming, features, emotions, and more.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/180-Questions-and-Prompts-to-Build-Expressive-Receptive-Language-438641

Fun OT Idea for Hand Strength

Strengthen hands by squeezing a tennis ball with a slit in it... and "feeding" the mouse, or alien, or any creature you'd like to make. I've had several students who had so much fun with this idea, and I didn't even decorate the tennis ball. We just pretended we were feeding a "monster" and I made munching sounds each time they "fed" the ball by putting poker chips into the slit.

Here's a picture of the decorated tennis ball:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/370280400582646253/

"Help Children Retain Skills Over the Summer Break" Tip Sheet

Children often have a hard time retaining skills during the summer break. Many parents enroll children in summer school or extended school year, but this often is an abbreviated and less structured version of the school day. Even when children are educated at home, summer often involves routine changes. Since many children rely on consistent instruction, these changes can result in regression. This article includes strategies for preventing regression and teaching new skills.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/Strategies_for_Retaining_Skills_over_the_Summer.pdf

Leisure Schedule Board

From Autism Classroom News:

This set of leisure mini-schedule visuals is great for students with autism and those with behavioral issues to help keep students engaged in summer months and to structure recess and free time in school. Includes directions for assembling the board and ideas for implementation.

Many students benefit from having the larger activities of their scheduled day (e.g., reading) broken down into smaller components. We use this strategy frequently for students with behavioral issues to help them understand what is expected before they earn reinforcement or a break. For some students mini schedules help ease the anxiety they might feel about what is going to happen next so they can focus on what is happening now. For others, it helps them see the end of tunnel of doing what you want them to do instead of what they want to do. For some it helps them to navigate the larger activity independently. In this post I want to focus on the type of mini-schedule we often use for activities to help students who struggle with challenging behavior to be able to manage in the activity successfully. Mini-schedules also help to keep students engaged in activities, whether they are structured activities or free time activities like recess.

For more information on the use of mini-schedules, see the blog post at Mini-Schedules for Activities-Autism Classroom News.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leisure-Schedule-Board-Freebie-Autism-Special-Education-729063

Color Match Activity

A color match activity that could be put in a folder game. The game can be used to match the colors themselves or match color words to the colors. From Building Blox. http://www.buildingblox.net/images/Color_Match_Activity.pdf

Kids Emotion Faces Clip Art

How are you feeling today? Let your students show you with Kids in Action: Faces 2 FREE Clip Art. Help children of all abilities describe how they are feeling with the point of a finger.

Images included in this file include:

• Embarrassed
• Excited
• Frustrated
• Jealous
• Pleased
• Sick
• Surprised
• Tired
• Worried

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kids-in-Action-Faces-2-Clip-Art-18-FREE-pngs-to-Show-Feelings-and-Emotions-559814

Super Hero Word Associations

Every super hero needs a sidekick...and every word has an association. Use this theme to work on vocabulary and expressive language skills.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Super-Hero-Word-Associations-Freebie-633712

ABA Data Sheets

From Positively Autism:

• Duration Recording
• Event Recording
• Interval Recording
• Latency Recording
• Discrete Trial Data
• Incidental Teaching
• Self-Recording
• ABC Data Sheet (for FBA)

Find all of these data sheets at the bottom of this page: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/3free_behavior.html

A helpful guide to naturalistic ABA programs!

 

"I Love You" Coupons

A fun way to remind your children that you love them just the way they are (and that they should love themselves too!). Based on Todd Parr's children's books.

http://www.toddparr.com/imgs/fun/coupon-ILU-Book-3-set.jpg

Some Books by Todd Parr:

 

Pizza Scramble (An Auditory Processing, Sequencing, and Memory Activity)

An auditory processing, sequencing, and memory activity where students act as customers, servers, cooks, and supervisors in a pizza shop. The customer orders from a menu and the server must recall the order and express it to the cook. The cook must recall the order and assemble the pizza. The supervisor provides cues as needed.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pizza-Scramble-A-free-Auditory-Processing-Sequencing-and-Memory-Activity-690279

Schedule Icons and Numbers

A set of icons for picture schedules. Includes school subjects and activities. From Building Blox. http://www.buildingblox.net/images/schedule_pics_and_numbers.pdf

Printable Train Games

A set of fun printable games with a train theme. Includes Tic-Tac-Toe, Mazes, Memory, and Connect the Dots. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Free-Printable-Train-Games-648897

Slam Dunk Perspective Taking Activity

This activity focuses on identifying emotions, perspective taking and social problem solving using social scenarios. Students are asked to define other's emotions or thoughts in a basketball themed activity.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Slam-Dunk-Perspective-Taking-Speech-Therapy-Pragmatics-Social-language-403248

Differentiated Materials for Making Placemats/Cards for Veterans and Soldiers

Materials to help non-writers/drawers make cards or placemat crafts for veterans and soldiers. http://breezyspecialed.blogspot.com/2013/11/making-placemats-cards-for-veterans.html

Train-Themed Summer Clothing Vocabulary Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Sunny_TrainStory.pdf

 

Find more summer stories, activities, and songs form Positively

Autism here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

 

 

Summer Vocabulary Flashcards

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/SunnyVocabulary.pdf

 

 

Find more summer stories, activities, and songs form Positively

Autism here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

 

 



Train-Themed Summer/Picnic Vocabulary Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/SummerPicnic_TrainStory.pdf

 

Find more summer stories, activities, and songs form Positively

Autism here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

 

 

Train-Themed Summer/Beach Vocabulary Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Beach_TrainStory.pdf

 

Find more summer stories, activities, and songs form Positively

Autism here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

 

 

"What to Expect on Summer Break" Social Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/SocialStorySummerBreak.pdf

 

Find more summer stories, activities, and songs form Positively Autism here: http://www.positivelyautism.com/free/unit_summer.html

 

 

"Sometimes I Feel Green" Social Narrative on Behavioral Escalation

"Sometimes I Feel Green" is a social narrative which introduces and explains the concept of behavioral escalation to students, based upon The Incredible 5-Point Scale, a strategy created by Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Beth Curtis.

This short story, which includes a number of visual supports, breaks down and presents concepts to students to help them become better able to recognize, identify and manage their emotions. Coping strategies for appropriately managing strong emotions are also introduced within the text.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sometimes-I-Feel-Green-268901

Emotions Apps

Two helpful apps for emotions: http://breezyspecialed.blogspot.com/2014/04/free-emotions-apps-for-special-education.html

Star Wars Theme Speech/Language Activities

Intergalactic Articulation for Early Sounds - http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Intergalactic-Articulation-for-Speech-Therapy-f-k-g-p-b-m-t-d-513276

Intergalactic Expressive Language - http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Intergalactic-Expressive-Language-for-Speech-Therapy-494064

Intergalactic Articulation for Late Sounds - http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Intergalactic-Articulation-for-Speech-Therapy-r-s-l-ch-sh-j-th-501996

"Attending During Large Group Events" Tip Sheet

Large group events can be stressful for children. Help make big school and community events more fun and successful with the six tips in this article, Attending During Large Group Events.

http://www.sandbox-learning.com/FileLib/AttendingDuringLargeGroupEvents.pdf

Cloud Dough Sensory Activity

http://breezyspecialed.blogspot.com/2013/09/cloud-dough-sensory-activity.html

 

"Count the Raindrops" Game

A weather-themed printable counting game.

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/RainCountFolderGame.pdf

 

Dinosaur Puzzle/Token Board

A dinosaur puzzle that could also be used as a token economy board. From Building Blox: http://www.buildingblox.net/images/dinosaur_token_board.pdf


If your child or students love dinosaurs, check out these dinosaur token economy boards from Positively Autism:

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dinosaur-Token-Economy-1185770

 

Mother's Day Social Story

http://www.positivelyautism.com/downloads/Story_MothersDay.pdf