Well, it’s no secret that this little blog has been terribly neglected! This school year has had me through a whirlwind (in a good way) and I have SO SO much to write about now that I’ve had the time to catch my breath!

This year, I have been working in a classroom that serves students with autism in grades K-3. I was so apprehensive about taking this job because I had always been a resource teacher and I sincerely enjoying working with different grade levels throughout the school and building relationships with all the students, teachers, etc. When my husband accepted a new job that forced us to move several states away, I received several job offers in various positions, but it was the autism classroom (AU1) that really caught my interest. I have always been certified in autism and I have had students with autism in the past, but I knew this position would be a challenge for me. 

Bottom line is.. I’ve totally fallen in love with my job! I’m sure those of you that work with this population can totally understand where I am coming from. These kids are A-MAZ-ING and sooo interesting! Any who… to start off my 2014 (a little early), I wanted to sincerely apologize to all of my wonderful followers for deserting you! I promise to be a better blogger starting NOW! After reading a blog post where I am listed as a SPED blog to follow by Autism Classroom News, I realized I had to highlight some of my favorites as well. 

Also, I wanted to give a shout out to some of the talented ladies that helped me get through the first 5 months of my position! Two online classes and a few praxis tests for a certification = I was going into this job without a clue of what I was supposed to do. So, for those of you that are like me and need a little help every now and again…

The Autism Helper: Sasha is like the autism teacher whisperer. I am telling you. She has posted on literally EVERYTHING you can think of. After accepting my position, I swear I printed off about 50 of her amazing step by step posts! If you are new to setting up an AU classroom or if you need some sprucing up in the organizational department, you have to check out her “7 Steps to Setting Up a Stellar AU Classroom.” She will make you want to RUN to target and buy a million plastic tubs, binders, notecards, and velcro and you won’t even mind that you just spent 300 bucks. 🙂

Autism Classroom News: In my first week of school, my OT offered to let me borrow a book on setting up a classroom that supports students with ASD, and I noticed that the author sounded very familiar. Sure enough, it was Christine from Autism Classroom News! I indulged in her blog many times while trying to prepare for my new position and also knew her from A Special Sparkle, where we both contribute (her waaay more than me). Her blog is a wealth of knowledge that is sure to help you!

The Adventures of Room 83: Melissa teaches students in grades 3-6. Her classroom is so colorful and bright and her blog is sure to give you a ton of ideas on how to work with students with ASD and always students with other various disabilities. She is great with ideas on how to save time and pre-plan. A favorite recent post that has made a major difference in my planning arts and crafts is this one, “Organizing Arts and Crafts.” 

Now.. I know there are a TON of more Autism blogs out there, I just haven’t found you yet! I have searching HIGH and LOW for an AU blogs that focus on younger students (K-3). I mean besides me, the slacker. 

I hope everyone is enjoying the last few precious days of winter break and if you get a chance, leave a comment with a favorite SPED blog or clue me in if you know of any blogs that gear towards the younger crowd.   😉

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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2 Comments

Christine Reeve · December 31, 2013 at 6:22 pm

Thanks so much for the shout out and so glad you are loving your job! Thanks especially for the shout out on the book and I'm so glad it and the blog are helpful!

Chris
Autism Classroom News

Sasha Long · April 6, 2014 at 6:32 pm

A little late – but thank you so much for the super sweet shout out! Glad the posts are helpful and you appreciate my (OCD like) organization, haha!

– Sasha
The Autism Helper

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