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In Episode 59 of Teach Task Box Inspire, I’m diving into five common mistakes special education teachers often make during parent-teacher conferences — and what you can do instead. We’ll cover everything from starting off with positives to keeping your language clear and simple.
These practical tips will help you turn conferences into productive, collaborative conversations. Whether you’re new to teaching or have years of experience, this episode will help you build better relationships with families and set your students up for success!
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode59
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In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important aspects of special education: building strong, positive communication with parents. We all know how much of a game-changer it is when families and educators work together as a team to support students with disabilities. That’s why we’re sharing five practical tips to help you foster trust, ease parent anxieties, and make sure families feel like valued partners in their child’s education. From creating consistent communication routines to involving parents in the IEP process and celebrating student wins, we’re talking about real strategies to build connections that truly make a difference.
Tune in and let’s talk about how we can create partnerships that help our students thrive!
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode58
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In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, I’m diving into strategies for supporting students with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). If you’ve worked with students who push boundaries or seem to resist even the smallest requests, you know how challenging—and rewarding—it can be to find what works.
I’m sharing 10 practical strategies you can use right away to help these students thrive in your classroom. From setting clear expectations and collaborating on behavior plans to creating calm-down corners and building trust, these tips are about meeting students where they are. We’ll talk about using positive reinforcement, building predictable routines, and weaving in mindfulness techniques to create a space where students with ODD feel supported and successful. Let’s focus on what works—and how we can help these students feel understood while fostering real growth.
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode57
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In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa dives into a familiar challenge in special education classrooms: escape behaviors. These are behaviors that students may use to avoid tasks or instructions, and Lisa highlights how important it is to collect ABC data to uncover the reasons behind them. She shares five practical strategies to help manage and reduce these behaviors, like teaching students to ask for breaks, using visual schedules, giving students choices, prepping transitions with timers, and using differential reinforcement. These tips aim to support students and foster a more positive learning space.
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode56
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In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, host Lisa delves into the critical topic of trauma and its profound effects on students in the classroom. With the staggering statistic that 25% of American students have been impacted by trauma, Lisa emphasizes the need for educators—whether they are teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, or parents—to understand trauma-informed practices.
In episode 55, Lisa outlines the definition of trauma, its implications for students' emotional regulation and relationships, and the importance of creating a safe, supportive learning environment. Listeners will gain practical strategies for fostering trauma-sensitive classrooms, such as establishing predictable routines, incorporating self-regulation techniques, and enhancing school-home partnerships.
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode55
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In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, host Lisa Hollady provides a detailed glimpse into a typical day as a 5th-grade special education inclusion teacher. She highlights the diverse responsibilities special educators undertake, from collaborating with colleagues and documenting student progress to offering in-class support and individual interventions.
Lisa emphasizes the importance of flexibility in meeting the academic, emotional, and physical needs of her students, while also outlining the various tasks she handles throughout her day, including lesson planning, progress monitoring, and collaboration with specialists. This episode serves to demystify the role of special education teachers, showcasing the dynamic and rewarding nature of their work.
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode54
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In Episode 53 of Teach Task Box Inspire, host Lisa Hollady addresses a common challenge faced by special educators: managing meltdowns in the classroom. Lisa shares five practical tips for helping students through escalated moments while ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
The episode emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space, maintaining personal composure, modeling calm behavior, offering choices to students, and providing support without accusations. By implementing these strategies, educators can effectively navigate meltdowns, fostering a more supportive classroom environment.
Resources Mentioned:
Visual aidsFree training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode53
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In this episode of Teach, Task Box, Inspire, Lisa gets real about what it's like to bounce back from burnout in a special education classroom. After stepping away for a year on maternity leave, she came back to the self-contained setting she once loved, only to find herself feeling disconnected and stuck. It took a lot of courage, but Lisa chose to walk away and take on a new challenge as a fifth-grade inclusion teacher in a different district.
She opens up about the tough moments of doubt, the steep learning curve, and how finding the right teaching fit changed everything. Through it all, Lisa discovered the power of connecting with her students on a deeper level and reigniting the passion she thought was lost. Her story is a reminder that it’s okay to step back, rethink your path, and take that leap toward a more fulfilling career. If you've ever questioned your place in education, this one’s for you.
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode52
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In the latest Teach, Task Box, Inspire episode, Lisa tackles the tough topic of student work refusal, sharing hands-on strategies to turn resistance into engagement. She digs into why students might refuse to work—like feeling overwhelmed, fearing failure, or dealing with personal struggles—and stresses the need to understand the "why" behind the behavior.
Lisa offers practical advice, from building strong relationships and giving students choices to setting clear, attainable goals that make success feel within reach. She highlights the power of positive reinforcement, tapping into students' interests, and creating a safe, supportive environment in the classroom. Lisa also emphasizes the value of regular check-ins and involving parents when needed. This episode is full of actionable insights to help teachers not just manage work refusal but use it as an opportunity to foster growth and connection, celebrating every small step forward along the way.
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom
Show Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode51
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In this episode, Lisa dives into practical strategies for teaching flexibility and reducing rigid thinking in autistic students. Since many kids with autism find comfort in routines, Lisa highlights the need to balance maintain structure and create room for growth. She shares insights on how understanding the roots of rigidity, modeling flexible behaviors, using visual supports, and incorporating play can make a big difference in helping students manage change. Lisa’s approach centers on supporting students with empathy and equipping them with essential life skills to navigate a world that often demands adaptability. Tune in for valuable tips and inspiration to create a more flexible, supportive learning environment!
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode50
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In the latest episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, we dive into the importance of executive functioning skills and how they directly impact student success both in and out of the classroom. We explore key strategies teachers can implement to support students in developing critical skills like organization, time management, planning, and self-regulation. You'll hear practical examples, tools, and tips that can be integrated into your daily routines, helping your students build independence and confidence in their academic journey.
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode49
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In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa discusses the essential role paraprofessionals play in the special education classroom and shares practical strategies for supporting them effectively. From establishing clear communication and expectations to offering professional development and fostering a positive working relationship, Lisa provides actionable tips to ensure that paraprofessionals feel valued, equipped, and motivated.
This episode emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mutual respect in creating a successful and supportive classroom environment.
Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode48
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Are you starting off the school year with behaviors you are unsure how to deal with? You won't want to miss episode 47! In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa discusses effective strategies for managing classroom transitions for students with special needs. Transitions can be challenging for students, often leading to anxiety and disruptive behaviors. Lisa explores how preparation, reducing anxiety, and streamlining transition processes can make these moments smoother and less stressful. She also shares practical tips such as using visual schedules, countdown timers, First-Then strategies, and creating calm corners to help students feel more secure and confident during transitions.
Episode Highlights:
Visual Schedules:Utilize visual schedules to provide students with a clear and predictable sequence of events, helping them understand what’s coming next and reducing anxiety.Countdown Timers and Transition Cues:Use countdown timers and consistent transition cues to mentally prepare students for upcoming changes and make transitions smoother.First-Then Strategies:Implement First-Then strategies to help students manage anxiety by clearly outlining what needs to be done now and what they can look forward to afterward.Calm Corners and Positive Reinforcement:Offer access to calm corners for students who need to decompress during transitions and use positive reinforcement to motivate successful transitions.Resources Mentioned:
Token BoardsPreference AssessmentsColor Coded Visual SchedulesVisual AidsFree training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode47
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Family involvement in your classroom is essential! In this Teach Task Box Inspire episode, Lisa explores the importance of building strong relationships with families in special education. She emphasizes that effective communication, involving parents in the IEP process, and providing consistent updates on student progress are key strategies for creating a collaborative and supportive environment. By fostering these connections, teachers can work with families to ensure the best outcomes for their students, making them feel valued and empowered in their child's education journey.
Episode Highlights:
Effective Communication: Regular updates and two-way communication build trust and keep parents informed and engaged.Involving Families in the IEP Process: Preparing parents and collaboratively setting goals make them active participants in their child’s education.Providing Consistent Support: Frequent progress reports and celebrating student successes help maintain strong parent-teacher connections.Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and adapting to cultural differences in communication ensures that all families feel respected and included.Resources Mentioned:
FREE communication sheetFree training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode46
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In this Teach Task Box Inspire episode, Lisa delves into five effective strategies to help students manage big emotions. From active listening and co-regulation to providing space, using distractions, and encouraging creative expression, Lisa offers practical tips and insights for educators looking to support their students' emotional well-being. These strategies are essential tools that can be used in various situations to help students navigate their emotions and reduce challenging behaviors, ultimately fostering a more supportive and understanding classroom environment.
Episode Highlights:
The Power of Active Listening: Discover how truly listening to students can reveal the root of their emotional struggles and provide a foundation for support.Co-Regulation in Action: Learn how modeling calming strategies alongside your students can help them manage their emotions more effectively.Giving Space When Needed: Understand the importance of allowing students the time and space to process their emotions independently.Creative Expression as an Outlet: Explore how drawing, writing, and other creative activities can offer students a non-verbal way to express their emotions.Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomConnect with Me:
Instagram: @chalkboard_superheroJoin my Facebook group, Special Education SuperheroesJoin my email listShop my TPT storeShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode45
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In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, host Lisa Hollady shares 8 simple yet impactful Social Emotional Learning (SEL) practices to start the day, designed to set a positive tone for the entire classroom. These strategies are easy to implement and perfect for busy educators looking to enhance their morning routines. Lisa also highlights how her task boxes can be seamlessly integrated into these SEL practices, making them even more engaging and effective for students.
Episode Highlights:
Daily Greetings - Build rapport and reduce challenging behaviors with personalized morning greetings.Emotions Check-In - Help students identify and regulate their emotions with a quick morning check-in.Positive Affirmations - Boost confidence and set a positive tone with daily affirmations, supported by affirmation cards in task boxes.SEL Journaling - Encourage reflection with morning journaling prompts, easily integrated into task boxes.Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomConnect with Me:
Instagram: @chalkboard_superheroJoin my Facebook group, Special Education SuperheroesJoin my email listShop my TPT storeShow notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode44
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In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, host Lisa Hollady dives into the power of behavior-specific praise. Discover how this targeted form of positive reinforcement can transform your classroom dynamics by providing clear, meaningful feedback to students. Lisa explains the simple yet effective formula for delivering behavior-specific praise and shares real-life examples to illustrate its impact. Whether you're looking to boost student motivation or improve classroom behavior, this episode will give you practical strategies to enhance your praise game and create a more positive learning environment.
Episode Highlights:
Understanding Behavior-Specific Praise: Learn what behavior-specific praise is and why it’s a powerful tool for reinforcing positive behavior.The Magic Formula: Discover the three key components of effective behavior-specific praise and how to apply them in your classroom.Real-Life Examples: Hear practical examples of behavior-specific praise in action, including how it can help manage transitions, encourage teamwork, and more.Implementing Praise Effectively: Find out why using a 4:1 ratio of positive praise to corrections can improve classroom behavior and student engagement.Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomConnect with Me:
Instagram: @chalkboard_superheroJoin my Facebook group, Special Education SuperheroesJoin my email listShop my TPT storeShow notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode43
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In today’s episode, Lisa Hollady, the host of Teach Task Box Inspire, shares all about implementing an effective token economy in your special education classroom. A token economy is a powerful system for delivering positive reinforcement, encouraging desired behaviors, and reducing unwanted ones. Lisa will explain the basics of a token economy, practical examples of how it can be used, and essential dos and don’ts to ensure your token economy is successful. By the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to create a motivating and effective reinforcement system that promotes positive outcomes in your classroom.
Episode Highlights:
What is a Token Economy? - Learn the basics of a token economy and how it can reinforce positive behaviors by allowing students to earn tokens for desired actions, which can be exchanged for rewards.Practical Examples - Discover how to use token economies for various behaviors, such as completing assignments, following classroom rules, and encouraging positive social interactions.Dos and Don’ts - Essential tips for setting up a successful token economy, including picking the right target behaviors, using a variety of reinforcers, and being consistent in implementation.Implementation and Fading - Understand the importance of setting achievable goals, taking data, and having a plan for fading the token economy to naturally occurring reinforcement systems.Resources Mentioned:
Token BoardsPreference AssessmentsVisual SchedulesVisual AidsFree training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomConnect with Me:
Instagram: @chalkboard_superheroJoin my Facebook group, Special Education SuperheroesJoin my email listShop my TPT storeShow notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode42
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Implementing visual boundaries in the special education classroom can significantly improve students' understanding of where they are expected to be, reducing wandering and invasions of personal space. Using tools like painter’s tape, vinyl spots, and clear labels can effectively define these boundaries. Consistent teaching, reinforcement, and data tracking are essential to ensure students adhere to the boundaries and understand the expectations. This approach not only helps maintain order but also supports students in developing spatial awareness and independence.
Episode Highlights:
Effective Tools: Painter’s tape and vinyl spots are practical tools for creating visual boundaries in the classroom.Clear Expectations: Labeling student and teacher spaces helps clarify boundaries and reduce confusion.Consistent Reinforcement: Regularly reinforcing and redirecting students helps them learn and adhere to boundaries.Data Tracking: Collecting frequency data on boundary adherence helps track progress and celebrate successes.Resources Mentioned:
Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomConnect with Me:
Instagram: @chalkboard_superheroJoin my Facebook group, Special Education SuperheroesJoin my email listShop my TPT storeShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode41
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In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa shares the top five essential items she never goes without self-contained classroom. These tools help maintain a safe, functional, and happy learning environment, ensuring smooth and productive days for both staff and students.
Lisa delves into the importance of visual supports, timers, communication aids, sensory tools, and flexible seating options, providing practical tips on how to incorporate these items effectively to enhance structure, communication, and time management for students with autism.
Resources Mentioned:
Visual AidsFree training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education ClassroomShow Notes: https://chalkboardsuperhero.com/episode40
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