Blog

Streamline Your Special Education Preparation Process With Our 9 Helpful Tips

16th October 2023

Taking care of special education needs (SEN) students is a challenging task in itself. Because there are different kinds of disorders that special education needs (SEN) students might have and according to teachers, parents or caregivers need to adapt their prep work to support them.

Source: edweek.org

Doing the special education prep work can add extra responsibility to teachers, parents, or caregivers and they can feel overwhelming and time-consuming as well. The prep work involves organizing different special education-related materials and the laminating and velcroing process, which helps to make the learning process easier for SEN students.

However, there are various ways that can help you to streamline your SPED (special education) prep work which will ultimately reduce your stress, give you more time for yourself, and make the preparation process more efficient.

Before moving to the topic, can we ask you a question? Do you follow us on Social Media? We regularly share upgraded educational content, tips, feedback, and more. Check us out by clicking the profiles here - Facebook / Twitter /  LinkedIn / Pinterest / Instagram / YouTube

So, without any further delay, let’s get started.

1. Prioritize Your Preparation List By Order

When faced with an extensive task bundle, it's essential to make a list and prioritize items based on immediate needs. Determine which materials will benefit your students right away and start with those. By printing and prepping smaller amounts at a time, you can make the process less daunting and keep things more organized. Consider building your "SPED toolbox" gradually as you go.

2. Gather Essential Supplies

Before purchasing any supplies out of pocket, check your school budget to see what is provided. Basic supplies such as laminating pouches, Velcro, and binding coils are often available which is sufficient for the SPED preparation.

3. Organize Materials Properly

Keeping your materials organized is crucial for an efficient prep process. Consider using a large milk crate or tub to store your supplies. Additionally, having a designated trash bin nearby can help keep the scraps from piling up on the floor. You can also use labels to categorize and easily locate specific materials.

4. Create a Velcro Dispenser

Using off-brand Velcro coins can be a game changer in terms of cost-saving, but the rolls can often become tangled. To prevent this, create a Velcro dispenser by cutting slits in an old shoebox and sliding the Velcro rolls directly into the slits. This will keep the rolls organized and easily accessible.

5. Assess Your Laminator’s Capabilities

One common question in the SPED prep process is whether to cut, laminate, and cut again or to laminate the entire page and then cut once. The answer depends on personal preference and a few factors. Some laminators provide a stronger seal around the paper, making it more durable over time. If the items are expected to endure significant wear and tear, cutting first allows for a better seal around the pieces. Consider your laminator's capabilities and the expected usage of the materials when making this decision.

6. Apply Glue-Stick

If you choose to cut first, using a glue stick to adhere small pieces directly to the inside of the laminating pouch can prevent them from sliding around or overlapping. This technique ensures that the pieces stay in place during the lamination process and allows you to fit more items into a single pouch.

7. Stick Velcro to Pieces Before Cutting

When cutting out multiple small pieces that require Velcro on the back, it's helpful to place the Velcro onto the laminated sheet of paper before cutting. Holding the paper up to the light can help you determine where to position the Velcro, ensuring accurate placement.

8. Ask For Other Assistance

Don't be afraid to ask for assistance when needed. Seeking help can alleviate some of the stress and workload. Consider having a prep party with paraprofessionals during planning time or involving siblings, partners, or parents who might be willing to help cut lamination in exchange for a coffee date. Some schools even have parent volunteers who are eager to lend a hand.

9. Stop Being Hard on Yourself

Perhaps the most important tip is to not be hard on yourself. Special education teachers, parents, or even caregivers have numerous responsibilities and face various stressors daily. It's crucial to remember that you can't do it all, and it's okay to take breaks and practice self-care. Recognize your hard work and dedication, and celebrate the progress you make rather than striving for perfection.

Make Your Special Education (SPED) Prep Work Process Easier

Taking care of special education needs (SEN) students is not an easy task for any teachers, parents, or caregivers. It’s always the best practice to do the SPED preparation to make the learning process easier for SEN students, but during executing this task it could make the individual more stressed and overwhelmed.

However, those teachers, parents, or caregivers who have pursued courses like Online Special Education Courses in Malaysia know how to do the preparation of special education-related material effectively and with less stress.

Furthermore, we also have shared various ways in this blog post for doing the SPED preparation works effectively which will reduce the level of stress and less time-consuming. By implementing the above-mentioned time-saving tips and finding ways to streamline your SPED (Special Education) material preparation, you can save your time and energy while continuing to provide quality education and support to your students.

We believe education should be accessible for everyone. That’s why we don’t charge for our blogs. Find the right course that will help you in your career with us, contact us at - 6531631068. You can mail us at act@asiancollegeofteachers.com.