Goals At A Glance

I would love to put a bulletin board up in my classroom next year that looks similar to the one here. Not just to remind myself, but also to help my aides, subs and fill-ins know what each students is working towards. Last year I wrote their goals, in few terms like here, on each of their notebooks where they write their morning message.  It was there to remind the aide at their table what we need to be working on.  I saw kids getting their books, writing in them, and putting them back without the goals ever being looked at all year.  I am hoping with this chart on the wall it will help to remind us where we need to continue giving support on a daily basis.  Has anyone else tried something like this?  Maybe I am hoping it will make my support staff more accountable in what they do for and with the kids. If it's on the wall where it can be seen everyday will it help remind them that Daniel needs to grab his own lunch? Will they remember that Thomas needs to practice saying "I want to use the bathroom" instead of "bathroom"? When Carly finishes her work early will they look up and see she needs to practice her Dollar Up Strategy and practice that with her? Am I grasping at straws? Am I being realistic? I don't know.  I had a lot of frustration this past year with this, and I am trying to find a solution that may work for us.  I would love your input.

P.S. I did get permission to do this from my boss, as I wanted to make sure I wasn't crossing any boundaries regarding confidentiality. 

Note* all students used in this scenario are fictitious.

Thank you,

Monthly Calendar Skills *updated*

I have updated my Monthly Calendar Skills worksheets on TPT for the 2014/2015 school year. I left June on in case anyone still needs to download it. If you have already purchased them, head over and download your copies for next year!  I hope everyone has had an enjoyable/relaxing Memorial Day!

Teaching Disability Awareness

Last week I spend three days at a special education conference in San Francisco and came away with so many ideas for new worksheets and techniques to try with my kids.  One of the speakers talked about teaching the kids about disability awareness.  So, this weekend I put together a worksheet I thought would be good to do with my kids. When I showed it to a fellow co-worker today (who's opinion I trust) she stated that she would never do this worksheet with her kids, and that if she did she thinks some of her parents would be upset. So, my question is.... Would you do this worksheet with your kids? Shouldn't the kids know about their disabilities? I am totally confused now and am even questioning if I should do it.  I would love your opinions.  Let me know if you want it too and I can send it over.  empoweredbythem@aol.com