Getting Organized...Starting with my Desktop

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One of the things that I have become fanatical about at work, is being organized. This is something that only started a couple of years ago when I taught in the self-contained setting. I was responsible for grades K-5, and between the kids, lessons, and various other activities happening...I become CRAZY organized. Every since then, when things start to feel cluttered or chaotic, I start organizing. Color coded everything? Yes please. Labels on everything? Absolutely. That's why I was so excited when I found a post on Pinterest about organizing my desktop.

Without realizing it my computer had become cluttered with photos, projects, and IEP's (every time we print an IEP, it downloads it to the computer.) I was so excited to read this post about how to become better organized. In the article the author shows how to go about making your own cute desktop photo and setting it as your background, so you can become better organized as well.

Luckily, there are some amazing bloggers with some great designs, so it was fun to start creating. I'm a huge fan of chevron, turquoise, and hot pink....and soooooo.....

After reading I was so inspired I immediately made my own. Isn't it cute? I love it! I use it to keep my folders and files organized and easy to find. For me the Print section is especially useful-helps me keep all my case management documents ready to go for meetings! My co-workers are very impressed, so I haven't told them how quick and easy it was to make. Shhhh!

Reminder Notes Rule!

Well, I finally finished scheduling seven meetings for next Wednesday. Yes, you read that correctly, SEVEN meetings in one day. So. Much. Paperwork. Schedules to make, coverage to arrange, student surveys to complete, Notice of Meeting to be sent out, eligibility reports to file. So. Much. Paperwork.

Anyways, after scheduling the meetings and sending home the Notice of Meetings, I was able to finally able to stop and take a deep breath. I finished crossing off the final items on my to-do list, and felt very accomplished. Then I started creating a new to-do list. One of the items that I always send home one to two days prior to an important meeting is a reminder note. We work hard at our school to help our families be active members of their child's education, and attending Special Ed. meetings is an important way to stay involved. I usually print out these notes on bright paper and staple them to the students agenda book. Most of our parents check these nightly. Here's a quick peek of what they look like. (Click here to get your copy.) You can check my Teachers Pay Teachers page to download the complete pack of Meeting Reminder Notes.

The families are not required to sign or return the note-it's just there as a friendly reminder. I've actually seen an increase in parent attendance since sending these letters home. Hope you enjoy them!

Welcome!

Welcome!

The Full Spectrum is a blog created for Special Education teachers. There are some truly amazing teachers and bloggers out there, and I'm hoping to show how materials can be easily modified or adapted to meet the needs of all kids.

A little about me, I'm on my 6th year teaching Special Education in Virginia. I moved to VA in 2009, after Massachusetts began cutting both new and experienced teachers due to budget deficits. I have one amazing husband, and 2 amazing dogs. Brady is the Golden Retriever and is almost 8 years old. Daisy Mae is 1.5 years old...I'm a little obsessed with both of them.

Seriously, the happiest day of my life!

Brady (7) Daisy (1)

I taught in a Self Contained classroom for several years. This was one of the most challenging times of my life, yet also one of the most educational. I have taught kids with many different diagnosis, behaviors, and medical issues. It has helped me to learn and become more aware of the challenges our kids face in the classroom everyday. I am currently teaching in the inclusion setting, which I absolutely LOVE! I am so fortunate and work with a great group of teachers and kids. More on that later!

This is all new to me, but I am so excited to start blogging about the adorable activities I have been able to do with my students, and eventually share some of the materials that I am making myself. Thanks for stopping by!