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Classroom Strategies

Implementing Centers in the High School/Transition Sped Classroom

If you're not familiar with what centers are, they are activities in different areas of the classroom that small groups...
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Vocational & Life Skills with Interactive Bulletin/Peg Board Activities

Interactive bulletin board or peg board activities are engaging and a great way to practice hands-on life skills & job...
Read More

Recommended Life Skills Lessons for March & April

The weeks after winter break and leading up to Spring Break can be long and drag out.  To help you...
Read More

Benefits of a Classroom Garden & How to Get Started

Thinking of starting a classroom garden? Caring for a living thing can help with student engagement, following directions, community building,...
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Functional Lesson Plan Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day on the actual day or the nearest Friday, there's no doubt that it is a...
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FREE Everyday Environmental Print You Can Use for Functional Activities

WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL PRINT? The print/materials you see on a sign, label, logo, website, in the community…etc. WHY IS IT...
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Life Skills Holiday Themed Activities

Here are some recommendations on functional life skills activities you can use this December!
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Life Skills Halloween Themed Activities

Doing holiday-themed activities makes learning fun.  It gives a change of scenery and creates increased engagement.  Here are some life...
Read More

7 Activities I Use Every Day in my Life Skills Classroom

Make lesson planning a bit easier on yourself by including activities that you repeat every day.  At first this might...
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8 Activities to Add To Your Classroom End Of Day Routine

Everyone always talks about morning routines, but what about an end-of-day routine?  They are just as important!  Create an end-of-day...
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End Of Year Life Skills Activities

The end of the school year can be chaotic.  You've had a long year, Spring Break wasn't enough of a...
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Life Skills Lessons To Use At The End of The Year

The weeks leading up to summer break can be long and drag out. If your students are graduating, they might...
Read More

9 Ways to Adapt Curriculum in Special Education

Featured guest blogger: Heather, a middle school functional life skills self-contained teacher and blogger at Full Sped Ahead.   What...
Read More

Functional Activities For When You Watch A Movie [In Class]

Teacher truth: Sometimes we watch movies on #FunFridays (whether it is in class or in the community) and I know...
Read More

Morning Routine in a Secondary SPED Classroom

Create a morning routine in the classroom that will set your students (and staff) up for a successful day!  If you’re...
Read More

Managing Different Levels of IEP Goals & Data Collection

Every SPED classroom is different: whether you have only 1 student with 10 IEP goals, or 20 students with 2...
Read More

Schedules & Lesson Plans in an Adult Transition Classroom

Let me start out by saying every classroom and school is different, and this is just one perspective on what...
Read More

Engaging Group Lesson Ideas for Self Contained Sped

If you teach special education, you pretty much know that adapted resources are a necessity in your classroom (task cards,...
Read More

Functional Money Skills in the Special Education Classroom

It's one thing to do worksheets that have word problems involving money,  but being able to transfer those skills in...
Read More
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Recommended Monthly Lessons & Activities

Teaching Thanksgiving Week? 5+ No Prep Life Skills Activities to Use

Holiday-themed activities makes learning fun.  It gives a change of scenery and creates increased engagement and not to mention it...
Read More

Vocational & Life Skills with Interactive Bulletin/Peg Board Activities

Interactive bulletin board or peg board activities are engaging and a great way to practice hands-on life skills & job...
Read More

Recommended Life Skills Lessons for March & April

The weeks after winter break and leading up to Spring Break can be long and drag out.  To help you...
Read More

Functional Lesson Plan Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day on the actual day or the nearest Friday, there's no doubt that it is a...
Read More

Life Skills Holiday Themed Activities

Here are some recommendations on functional life skills activities you can use this December!
Read More

Life Skills Thanksgiving Themed Activities

Doing holiday-themed activities makes learning fun.  It gives a change of scenery and creates increased engagement and not to mention...
Read More

Life Skills Halloween Themed Activities

Doing holiday-themed activities makes learning fun.  It gives a change of scenery and creates increased engagement.  Here are some life...
Read More

7 Activities I Use Every Day in my Life Skills Classroom

Make lesson planning a bit easier on yourself by including activities that you repeat every day.  At first this might...
Read More

8 Activities to Add To Your Classroom End Of Day Routine

Everyone always talks about morning routines, but what about an end-of-day routine?  They are just as important!  Create an end-of-day...
Read More

End Of Year Life Skills Activities

The end of the school year can be chaotic.  You've had a long year, Spring Break wasn't enough of a...
Read More

Life Skills Lessons To Use At The End of The Year

The weeks leading up to summer break can be long and drag out. If your students are graduating, they might...
Read More
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Career/Vocational/Job Skills

21+ Businesses You Can Support That Are Owned By Or Employ Individuals with Down Syndrome

On March 21, we celebrate National Down Syndrome Awareness Day!  What better way to celebrate than by supporting businesses that...
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An Inside Look at an Adult Transition Vocational Training & Student Business Program

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
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Career Skills Teachers: 5 Things to Teach before Teaching about Interviews

The most popular career subject I see teachers looking/asking for lessons on is interviews.  While this area is important, do...
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Classroom Student Business: Coffee Cart

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Vocational & Life Skills with Interactive Bulletin/Peg Board Activities

Interactive bulletin board or peg board activities are engaging and a great way to practice hands-on life skills & job...
Read More

Benefits of a Classroom Garden & How to Get Started

Thinking of starting a classroom garden? Caring for a living thing can help with student engagement, following directions, community building,...
Read More

Functional Lesson Plan Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day on the actual day or the nearest Friday, there's no doubt that it is a...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: ClassROOM SERVICE Cart

ABOUT THE GUEST BLOGGER: Hello, my name is Nicole Manly of Teaching in a Topknot.  I teach a middle school...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Charcuterie Lunch Boxes

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Halloween Candy Delivery

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Dog Treats

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Slushies

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Fruit Crushing Juice

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Beaded Lanyards

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Bakery

Steps and advice on how to run a classroom student business for special education students selling baked goods!
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Cloth Masks

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Flower Pots

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Schedules & Lesson Plans in an Adult Transition Classroom

Let me start out by saying every classroom and school is different, and this is just one perspective on what...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Artisan Soaps

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More
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Teaching Thanksgiving Week? 5+ No Prep Life Skills Activities to Use

Holiday-themed activities makes learning fun.  It gives a change of scenery and creates increased engagement and not to mention it...
Read More

Life Skills Holiday Themed Activities

Here are some recommendations on functional life skills activities you can use this December!
Read More

Life Skills Halloween Themed Activities

Doing holiday-themed activities makes learning fun.  It gives a change of scenery and creates increased engagement.  Here are some life...
Read More

Life Skills Lessons To Use At The End of The Year

The weeks leading up to summer break can be long and drag out. If your students are graduating, they might...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Halloween Candy Delivery

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Seasonal Home Decor

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Inexpensive Holiday Gifts for Paraprofessionals with FREE PRINTABLES

The holidays are upon us and this is the perfect time to show your paraprofessionals (or coworkers that you love!)...
Read More

Holiday Crafts for Older Students in Special Education

As special education students get older, it gets harder to find age appropriate crafts that are also easy enough for...
Read More

Businesses You Can Support: Owned or Employ Individuals with DisAbilities

By purchasing from one of these businesses, not only are you helping put dinner on the table, but you are...
Read More

Staff Appreciation Pun Gifts with FREE PRINTABLES

Whether it's the end of the year, Thanksgiving, or paraprofessional appreciation day, you'll want to show your paraprofessionals how much...
Read More
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Community Based Instruction

Functional Lesson Plan Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day on the actual day or the nearest Friday, there's no doubt that it is a...
Read More

Functional Activities For When You Watch A Movie [In Class]

Teacher truth: Sometimes we watch movies on #FunFridays (whether it is in class or in the community) and I know...
Read More

Schedules & Lesson Plans in an Adult Transition Classroom

Let me start out by saying every classroom and school is different, and this is just one perspective on what...
Read More

Functional Money Skills in the Special Education Classroom

It's one thing to do worksheets that have word problems involving money,  but being able to transfer those skills in...
Read More

Community Based Education: Creating a Dynamic CBE Schedule

Find out how to target specific practice and opportunities for growth in feeling comfortable with going out in the community.
Read More

Virtual Field Trips with Google Earth

Virtual field trips are a great way to extend on an academic lesson or community based instruction.  Google Earth provides...
Read More

Student Business Ideas For Special Education

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product is, you have the opportunity to practice...
Read More

Preparing Special Education Students For Graduation

Are you teaching high school or adult-aged students in special education? As you know, there is a huge focus on...
Read More

Recycle Restaurant Menus & Travel Brochures With Cut & Paste Activities

  One of my favorite things to do is find ways to recycle environmental print items for educational life skills...
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Community Based Instruction (CBI) Ideas for Special Education

Community Based Instruction is such a valuable learning tool for special education students.  The more you are able to get...
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In The Community IEP Goal Ideas

There are endless number of life skills IEP goals out there, it's just a matter of finding what your student...
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IEP Goals & Assessments

Implementing Centers in the High School/Transition Sped Classroom

If you're not familiar with what centers are, they are activities in different areas of the classroom that small groups...
Read More

Can’t Think of IEP Goals to Write?

Writing IEP goals doesn’t have to be a guessing game of “what goals should I write?”.  If you've had students...
Read More

Managing Different Levels of IEP Goals & Data Collection

Every SPED classroom is different: whether you have only 1 student with 10 IEP goals, or 20 students with 2...
Read More

Independent Living IEP Goals Ideas

There are endless number of life skills IEP goals out there, it's just a matter of finding what your student...
Read More

Vocational IEP Goal Ideas

There are endless number of life skills IEP goals out there, it's just a matter of finding what your student...
Read More

Free Independent Living Assessments for Transition Planning

As a special education teacher, assessments can help extract powerful information that helps us plan our curriculum as well as...
Read More

Free Career Assessments for Job & Transition Planning

As a special education teacher, assessments can help extract powerful information that helps us plan our curriculum as well as...
Read More

Cooking & Cleaning IEP Goal Ideas

There are endless number of life skills IEP goals out there, it's just a matter of finding what your student...
Read More

In The Community IEP Goal Ideas

There are endless number of life skills IEP goals out there, it's just a matter of finding what your student...
Read More
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Remote Learning

First Week of School Activities for Secondary SPED

Whether it's a brand new class or a majority of the same students from last year, the first week of...
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Remote Learning Ideas for Secondary Special Education

Remote learning poses an additional challenge for students that need additional supports.  Fear not, there are engaging ways to help...
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Lesson Planning for a Resilient Special Education Classroom

Whether in person or remote, lesson planning looks a bit different this year. Here's how to plan for a resilient...
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Student Involvement in IEP meetings: Virtual Edition

When students do participate in their IEP, there are benefits like increased self-determination and self-advocacy skills. Find out how to...
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How Google Slides Saved Me During Distance Learning

My top 3 ways to use Google Slides for instruction that you can also continue to use back in the...
Read More

Digital Data Collection Using Google Forms

As Special Education teachers and service providers, we know how huge of a role data plays in our professions. Here's...
Read More

Make PDFS interactive with Tpt Digital Activity Tool

If you haven't already heard, Teachers Pay Teacher has come out with a tool to turn PDFs into a digital...
Read More

Ideas for ESY lessons & activities

While many of us are coming to the end of the school year, we begin planning for the Extended School...
Read More

Virtual Field Trips with Google Earth

Virtual field trips are a great way to extend on an academic lesson or community based instruction.  Google Earth provides...
Read More
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Paraprofessionals

Reasons Visuals are Beneficial for Everyone in your Classroom

Visuals are beneficial for several reasons, whether you are using them for special education or general education students, or even...
Read More

Tips for a Positive Relationship with Paraprofessionals

One of the main job tasks of being a special education teacher is managing and training paraprofessionals.  Some would even...
Read More

Managing Different Levels of IEP Goals & Data Collection

Every SPED classroom is different: whether you have only 1 student with 10 IEP goals, or 20 students with 2...
Read More

Digital Data Collection Using Google Forms

As Special Education teachers and service providers, we know how huge of a role data plays in our professions. Here's...
Read More

Preparing Special Education Students For Graduation

Are you teaching high school or adult-aged students in special education? As you know, there is a huge focus on...
Read More

Inexpensive Holiday Gifts for Paraprofessionals with FREE PRINTABLES

The holidays are upon us and this is the perfect time to show your paraprofessionals (or coworkers that you love!)...
Read More

Why It’s Important To Post A Staff Break Schedule

As an education specialist, it can get pretty hectic trying to schedule breaks for all of your paraprofessionals (especially for...
Read More

Staff Appreciation Pun Gifts with FREE PRINTABLES

Whether it's the end of the year, Thanksgiving, or paraprofessional appreciation day, you'll want to show your paraprofessionals how much...
Read More
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Organization

Life Skills Teacher Maternity Leave Plans

It's hard enough making sub plans in a special education classroom, so the thought of planning for a whole maternity...
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Worry-Free Sub Plans for the Life Skills Classroom

Sub plans are materials and instructions left by a teacher for a substitute teacher to follow in the event that...
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Reasons Visuals are Beneficial for Everyone in your Classroom

Visuals are beneficial for several reasons, whether you are using them for special education or general education students, or even...
Read More

7 Activities I Use Every Day in my Life Skills Classroom

Make lesson planning a bit easier on yourself by including activities that you repeat every day.  At first this might...
Read More

Morning Routine in a Secondary SPED Classroom

Create a morning routine in the classroom that will set your students (and staff) up for a successful day!  If you’re...
Read More

Managing Different Levels of IEP Goals & Data Collection

Every SPED classroom is different: whether you have only 1 student with 10 IEP goals, or 20 students with 2...
Read More

Schedules & Lesson Plans in an Adult Transition Classroom

Let me start out by saying every classroom and school is different, and this is just one perspective on what...
Read More

Engaging Group Lesson Ideas for Self Contained Sped

If you teach special education, you pretty much know that adapted resources are a necessity in your classroom (task cards,...
Read More

How Google Slides Saved Me During Distance Learning

My top 3 ways to use Google Slides for instruction that you can also continue to use back in the...
Read More

Digital Data Collection Using Google Forms

As Special Education teachers and service providers, we know how huge of a role data plays in our professions. Here's...
Read More

Make PDFS interactive with Tpt Digital Activity Tool

If you haven't already heard, Teachers Pay Teacher has come out with a tool to turn PDFs into a digital...
Read More

Why It’s Important To Post A Staff Break Schedule

As an education specialist, it can get pretty hectic trying to schedule breaks for all of your paraprofessionals (especially for...
Read More

The Benefits of Having A Receipt Book In Your Classroom

Your classroom is not a business, nor are you technically making transactions that require handing out receipts on a regular...
Read More

HOW STAMPING THE DATE CAN BENEFIT EVERYONE IN A SPED CLASSROOM

About half of my class are non-writers, and a handful are tracers (or need to copy).  Writing the date is...
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6 TRAY SORTER LABELS FOR WEEKLY LESSON PLANS

Lesson materials for the week look more appealing now. A little spray paint and label makeover to my desktop organizer!...
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LAZY SUSAN DESK HACK

Found a great use for a lazy Susan on my desk. The phone is constantly being answered or used by...
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Arts & Crafts

Functional Lesson Plan Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day on the actual day or the nearest Friday, there's no doubt that it is a...
Read More

End of Year Scrapbook Student Gift

Give students a memorable end-of-year gift that won't break the bank and works on writing, art, and leisure skills throughout...
Read More

Pinecone Succulent Art Project

It's so hard to find age appropriate crafts for older students with disabilities.  Most crafts that are easy enough or...
Read More

Inexpensive Holiday Gifts for Paraprofessionals with FREE PRINTABLES

The holidays are upon us and this is the perfect time to show your paraprofessionals (or coworkers that you love!)...
Read More

Holiday Crafts for Older Students in Special Education

As special education students get older, it gets harder to find age appropriate crafts that are also easy enough for...
Read More
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Guest Blogs

An Inside Look at an Adult Transition Vocational Training & Student Business Program

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Coffee Cart

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

9 Ways to Adapt Curriculum in Special Education

Featured guest blogger: Heather, a middle school functional life skills self-contained teacher and blogger at Full Sped Ahead.   What...
Read More

3 Ways to Support Students That Elope

Ah, student elopement. No, I don’t mean secretly getting married – that actually sounds intriguing! I mean students who run...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: ClassROOM SERVICE Cart

ABOUT THE GUEST BLOGGER: Hello, my name is Nicole Manly of Teaching in a Topknot.  I teach a middle school...
Read More

Increasing Student Independence with Classroom Plants

As special educators, we are always working to foster student independence and have them leave our classrooms as independently as...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Charcuterie Lunch Boxes

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Halloween Candy Delivery

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Dog Treats

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Slushies

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Fruit Crushing Juice

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Beaded Lanyards

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Bakery

Steps and advice on how to run a classroom student business for special education students selling baked goods!
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Seasonal Home Decor

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

What You Should Be Teaching Before Halloween

What you should be doing the first month or two in class before you dive into academics.
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Cloth Masks

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Flower Pots

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Classroom Student Business: Artisan Soaps

Having a student business has SO MANY benefits.  Depending on what your product or service is, you have the opportunity...
Read More

Fostering Inclusion In The High School Setting

Creating an inclusive environment in your school and are wondering where to start? Here are 5 best pieces of advice...
Read More

Let’s Talk About Behavior (In The High School SPED Classroom)

Take a look at some ideas for individual behavior management as well as classroom management and environment.
Read More
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Product Reviews

from special educators

Theresa S.

This resource has been extremely beneficial. I teach students with moderate to severe disabilities who are on a certificate of completion for high school. This resource was helpful in establishing a routine for my students. Students remained engaged and enjoyed many of the activities. The consistency of the warm-ups allow for me to introduce students to working together appropriately and seeking help and support from peers not just teachers. The differentiated levels help save time and support students varying levels. Students remain engaged and it quickly hits on different life skills reviews.
Life Skills Daily Warm Up Worksheets BUNDLE

Christine S.

I love everything about this resource. There are enough activities to last a year. The lectures and digital activities are my favorite with the real photographs. My students are learning and there seems to be enless materials in this bundle. I also love the creative CBI (community based instruction) ideas that go beyond the typical scavenger hunt.
Vocation Units 1-12 Full Year MEGA Bundle + Supplemental Materials

Kaitlyn Dini (TpT Seller)

Adulting Made Easy makes the absolute perfect resources for my Life Skills students who are about to graduate. Her resources teach practical skills that they will use in their lives and they don't view as being too immature for them (which is common in sped). Thank you so much for creating these resources!

Stacey S.

As a teacher new to the role in vocational education, Adulting Made Easy's vocational products work great! It was an easy way for my students to understand various aspects of job searches and employment.   The vocational units saved me a ton of time by not having to create items on my own.

Erica B.

This was awesome to use with both my at-home learners and my in-person learners. I could use specific ones with our weekly theme during my vocational skills class. It was especially great at keeping my at-home kids engaged when I wasn't there to watch them.
 
Independent Skills - Boom Cards & Interactive PDF BUNDLE

Teaching Tiny Bugs (TpT Seller)

My students love using this resource for their morning work. I have many non writing students, so being able to engage in a lesson with them using drag and drop and visual icons is the reason this have become one of my favorite resources this year.
 
Morning Meeting Interactive Slides, Activities and Worksheets