100 Creative Uses for Shaving Foam Sensory Play Activities

100 Creative Uses for Shaving Foam Sensory Play Activities 1

100 Shaving Foam Activities creativity and learning collide with a delightful surprise—shaving foam! This versatile sensory material isn’t just for the bathroom anymore. In the classroom, shaving foam can transform everyday lessons into hands-on, sensory-rich experiences that captivate young learners. The possibilities are nearly endless, from exploring the alphabet to simulating volcanic eruptions. Join us … Read more

Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processing in Special Education

Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processing in Special Education 2

Utilising Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processing in Special Education Teaching “I can read the words, but I don’t understand what it’s saying.” This frustration, echoed by many students with learning difficulties, highlights the complex interplay between decoding text and comprehending its meaning. When working with SEN learners, understanding the intricate processes that govern learning is paramount, … Read more

Teacher Aide or Teaching Assistant: What’s the Difference?

Teacher Aide or Teaching Assistant: What’s the Difference? 3

The Difference Between Teacher Aide and Teaching Assistant Teacher’s aides and teaching assistants play crucial roles in the education system, providing support to teachers and helping students succeed. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between these two positions, as well as the qualifications and skills required for each. If you understand … Read more

15 Essential Classroom Management Strategies

15 Essential Classroom Management Strategies 4

15 evidence-based classroom management strategies for teachers The paragraph can be extended by elaborating on the existing content. Effective classroom management plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day activities of educators. It is essential for maintaining discipline but also for creating a learning environment where students can thrive academically and socially. By implementing evidence-based strategies, … Read more

The Stereognostic Sense in Montessori Education

The Stereognostic Sense in Montessori Education 5

The Stereognostic Sense in Montessori Education In the multi-sensory world of a Montessori classroom, the focus extends beyond just sight and sound. Here, the oft-overlooked stereognostic sense is vital for cultivating cognitive development and independent learning. But what exactly is this enigmatic “stereognostic sense“? What is the Stereognostic Sense? The stereognostic sense, also known as … Read more

Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)

Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) 6

Understanding the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) is a crucial tool in understanding and measuring autistic traits among adults. Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and his team at the Autism Research Centre in Cambridge in 2001, the AQ provides valuable insights into the expression of autistic traits in individuals. Its significance and … Read more

Creating a Highly Effective Team of Teaching Assistants

Creating a Highly Effective Team of Teaching Assistants 7

Building an Effective Teaching Assistant Team in School Effective collaboration is essential for teaching assistants (TAs) to provide the best possible support for students and teachers in UK schools. When TAs work together as a cohesive team, drawing on each other’s strengths and working towards shared goals, it can have a tremendously positive impact on … Read more

How Can We Reduce Prompt Dependency for Children Who Are Gestalt Language Processors?

How Can We Reduce Prompt Dependency for Children Who Are Gestalt Language Processors? 8

What is Gestalt Language? Gestalt language processing is a style in which the child processes and understands language as a whole rather than breaking it down into its parts. For instance, instead of understanding each word in a sentence separately, children who are gestalt language processors often learn and recall phrases and sentences as a … Read more

Super Simple DIY Sock Bubble Blower!

Super Simple DIY Sock Bubble Blower! 9

DIY Sock Bubble Blower For Shared Attention Introduction Making your very own bubble blower at home can be an incredibly fun and easy activity for both kids and adults alike. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create a DIY sock bubble blower that will provide hours of entertainment for little … Read more

“Aliens Love Underpants”: EYFS Lesson Plans

“Aliens Love Underpants”: EYFS Lesson Plans 10

Aliens Love Underpants: 20 Engaging Activities for EYFS/SEN “Aliens Love Underpants” is a popular children’s book series that takes us on an intergalactic journey where mischievous aliens have a peculiar fascination with underpants! It makes for a great text to base imaginative lesson planning on. There are lots of activities that can be used to … Read more

80 Why Questions to Use In Lessons/Speech Therapy

80 Why Questions to Use In Lessons/Speech Therapy 11

The Power of “Why?” Questions in Developing Expressive Language Skills As a special needs teacher, you need to understand the importance of taking any opportunity to develop expressive language skills in children. These skills empower them to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas effectively. One powerful and effective tool in your arsenal is the “Why?” … Read more

How To Create A Strong Effective Team Of Teachers

How To Create A Strong Effective Team Of Teachers 12

The Power of Teamwork in Schools If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a school leader based in the U.K., trying to navigate the choppy waters of the school environment. Being a school leader in 2024 is no easy feat. With the constantly changing education priorities and policies, the diverse student needs, and the increasing … Read more

4 Benefits of Kinetic Sand for Autistic Children

4 Benefits of Kinetic Sand for Autistic Children 13

What is Kinetic Sand? Kinetic Sand is a sensory toy that feels strangely satisfying. It is 98% regular sand mixed with 2% silicone oil. That tiny bit of oil makes it soft and stretchy. It flows through your fingers like a thick liquid. But when you squeeze it, it holds its shape perfectly. It never … Read more

The Importance of Accessibility for Teachers: Legal, Professional, and Personal Benefits

The Importance of Accessibility for Teachers: Legal, Professional, and Personal Benefits 14

Why is learning about accessibility important for teachers? We are all teachers of SEN and understanding accessibility is a core part of that. Learning about accessibility is essential for teachers because it helps them provide equitable and inclusive education for all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Accessibility means ensuring that everyone can access, … Read more

15 Simple Ways to Ignite Curiosity in Your Classroom

15 Simple Ways to Ignite Curiosity in Your Classroom 15

Igniting Curiosity in Your Classroom Learning is powered by curiosity. When students are genuinely curious, they dive deeper and retain more. Curiosity, the relentless desire to explore, discover, and understand new things, is an innate force that accompanies us from the earliest stages of life till the end. In the realm of early childhood education, … Read more

9 Ideas for Outdoor Maths Lessons

9 Ideas for Outdoor Maths Lessons 16

Outdoor Maths Lessons and Activities Taking maths lessons, and indeed any lessons outdoors can breathe new life into the subject, making it engaging and interactive for students. By bringing math concepts into the real world, students can see the practical applications and relevance of what they are learning. Here are some creative ideas for outdoor … Read more

Hybrid Learning for Inclusive Education in Indonesia

Hybrid Learning for Inclusive Education in Indonesia 17

Research on Hybrid Learning for Inclusive Education in Indonesia When I was researching our last article on Hybrid learning one of the few studies I could find was from Jakarta. Titled “Analysis of Hybrid Learning for Students with Learning Disabilities in Primary Schools Providing Inclusive Education” this research delves into the experiences of teachers navigating … Read more

Effective Hybrid Learning Models for SEN Pupils

Effective Hybrid Learning Models for SEN Pupils

Developing Effective Hybrid Learning Models for Special Needs Pupils Hybrid schooling, combining online and in-person learning, has sparked several theories and discussions regarding its implementation for special needs pupils. The hybrid education model, involving alternating students between online and in-person classes started during the pandemic. Remote or Hybrid education is starting to become an option … Read more

Kolb’s Learning Cycle: A Comprehensive Exploration

Kolb's Learning Cycle: A Comprehensive Exploration

What is Kolb’s Learning Cycle and how can this inform effective classroom practice? David Kolb’s Learning Cycle is a comprehensive framework that provides insights into how individuals learn and can inform effective classroom practice. Developed by David Kolb in his Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) in 1984, this learning cycle emphasizes the importance of direct experience … Read more

14 Brilliant Indoor & Outdoor Group Games for Children

14 Brilliant Indoor & Outdoor Group Games for Children 18

Engaging toddlers in group games is not only fun, but it also promotes social interaction, cooperation, and physical activity. Introducing toddlers to indoor and outdoor games is a wonderful way for the children to experience genuine joy in learning. These games encourage children to develop essential skills while having loads of fun. Below, you will … Read more