Special Education Classroom Behavior Management Tour

Summary

In this engaging video, Braylon, a special education teacher for kindergarten and second grade, shares insights into managing a diverse classroom with varying grade levels and abilities. She discusses her organizational strategies, behavior management techniques, and the importance of routines and visuals in creating an inclusive and functional learning environment.

Takeaways

• 🏫 The speaker is a special education teacher for kindergarten and second grade students with a self-contained classroom.
• 👥 The class has 8-10 students with diverse learning needs, ranging from preschool to 5th-grade level work.
• 📈 The teacher plans for about 8 different grade levels, which can be hectic but is managed through a routine and organizational system.
• 🔄 The classroom setup is dynamic, with dividers used to create separate areas as needed for focus or noise control.
• 🗓 The use of a slideshow with embedded timers helps manage time and student expectations for different activities throughout the day.
• 📍 Visuals and routines are embedded throughout the classroom to guide student behavior without constant verbal instruction.
• 🎨 The classroom includes a calm-down area with sensory bins and activities for students who need to regulate their emotions.
• 🏆 A reward system based on earned credits allows students to choose activities, with better behavior leading to more desirable options.
• 📝 The teacher uses a system of 'practice cards' to hold students accountable for inappropriate behavior, requiring them to practice better habits.
• 📚 Individual desks are used for students who cannot self-regulate, providing a consistent environment that aids in focus and behavior management.
• 📋 The classroom is equipped with visual schedules and organizational tools to support students with special needs in staying on task and organized.

Q & A

What is the primary role of Braylon?

Braylon is a kindergarten and first and second grade special education teacher who works in a self-contained classroom setting.

How many students does Braylon typically have in the classroom?

Braylon starts with about eight students and usually ends up with ten or more by the end of the year.

Why does Braylon's classroom have a diverse range of grade levels?

The students in Braylon's classroom have different learning variances, with some kindergarteners doing 5th grade work and others at preschool level, necessitating a multi-grade approach.

What is the significance of the classroom setup in Braylon's teaching approach?

The classroom setup is crucial for behavior management and is designed to be functional and inviting for students with various needs, including those who are non-verbal or have difficulty regulating.

How does Braylon manage the different learning needs and behaviors in the classroom?

Braylon uses a structured routine and organizational system, including visual schedules, timers, and behavior management strategies embedded in the classroom environment.

What is the purpose of the classroom tour Braylon wants to show?

The purpose of the tour is to demonstrate how Braylon manages behavior within the classroom, with management strategies integrated into every aspect of the class environment.

How does Braylon use technology in the classroom?

Braylon uses a computer for slideshows with embedded timers, research, and group activities like watching YouTube videos or Netflix movies.

What is the role of the dividers in the classroom?

Dividers are used to create separate areas for students when needed, to reduce noise, or to provide a focused space for individual or group work.

How does Braylon handle rewards and incentives in the classroom?

Braylon uses a system where students earn credits or stamps for positive behavior, which they can 'cash in' for preferred activities, with the level of reward depending on their behavior.

What is the importance of individual desks in Braylon's classroom?

Individual desks are used because the students have difficulty self-regulating, and the structure of having their own space helps them focus and manage their behavior.

How does Braylon ensure that the classroom is inclusive and accessible for all students?

Braylon uses visual aids and non-verbal cues for instructions, provides individualized schedules, and creates a calm-down area with sensory bins to accommodate the diverse needs of the students.