Got your feet up? Cleared up the wrapping paper in the family room, written your thank you notes? Time for some New Years Resolutions!
If you're like me, you spend at least part of your holiday break evaluating how things have been going. Since I work with children on the autistic spectrum, I have dealt with all the excitement of Christmas without being able to debrief, like I would with typically developing students. Now, the excitement is over, the behaviors that went with it should be significantly diminished.
Some of the things on my mind will include:
Behavior
How has behavior been? Returning after the holiday is a good time to establish new classroom routines, perhaps set up a token system, rearrange the classroom to create a more productive or quieter environment.
IEP Goals
How have your students been doing on goal work? This is a good time to look for new materials or strategies to help students who have been lagging behind. Perhaps a free drill program, or new reading materials might pump up a little enthusiasm among your students.
Reorganizing Your Classroom
Are you able to lay your hands on the materials you need? Maybe it’s time to clean out some cupboards and consider reorganizing your classroom.
