NoodleNook: A Podcast for Special Ed Teachers with Tips, Tricks and Tools Just for SpEd

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Welcome to the NoodleNook Podcast with Ayo Jones. We are breaking down strategies, tools, and resources to help self-contained educators teach students with significant disabilities including Autism. Learn tips and tricks to manage behavior, improve communication, and build vocational skills in less time and with less stress. Work smarter, not harder. Ayo Jones has coached hundreds of teachers, trained thousands of educators, and her blog has reached over a million readers.

Episodes

Wednesday Jul 08, 2020

7 Symptoms of Teacher Stress and 9 Tips to Cope

Wednesday Jul 08, 2020

Teaching can be so stressful! In this interview with Dr. Jennifer Cooper Scott, we talk about the 7 symptoms of teacher stress and outline 9 effective and essential strategies to deal with stress and overcome anxiety, especially for special education teachers. Listen now and start implementing these excellent coping strategies so you can survive and thrive in the classroom.

Background Information:

Vanderbilt’s IRIS Center says over the last 20 years Special Ed Teacher Turnover is approximately 25% annually.

#1 reason (37%) is to escape the classroom

#2 reason (32%) is ‘personal’.

And schools with lower socioeconomic status fare far worse.

For those in the classroom, stress comes from:

-Lack of support

-Large caseloads

-Excessive paperwork

-Student behavior

Plus several more, but way down the list is salary or finances.

So Dr. Scott, you’re here today to talk with us all about teacher burnout. Where would you like to start, because after the last few months, I know a lot of teachers that are struggling with it all.

Listener Question- Lori asks:

This year has been hard and I am totally burnt out, what can I do to take care of myself and feel more ready for next year?

Don’t forget to like this episode, comment on what you’re going to start implementing today, and subscribe so you don’t miss future podcast episodes!

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CONNECT with Dr. Cooper: https://www.facebook.com/groups/475460453216023/

Dr. Cooper by Email: advocatedforteachers@mail.com

COOPER’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

The ABC’s of Special Education: https://amzn.to/2N5vjbS

Teaching with Anxiety: https://amzn.to/2N28e9F

Working with Paraeducators in the Classroom https://amzn.to/3d8Pdgy

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Check Out some Teacher Swag that I LOVE: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NookedStreetwear

My Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Noodle-Nook

Noodle Nook Website: http://www.noodlenook.net/

Try Amazon Prime FREE for 30 Days! https://amzn.to/2XfFEqa

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Find me on my other social media platforms:

INSTAGRAM: @thenoodlenook

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/noodlenooknet/

PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/noodlenook/

PODCAST: http://www.noodlenook.net/podcasts/

BLOG: www.noodlenook.net

E-MAIL: ajones@noodlenook.net

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*Please note: Dr, Scott is not a medical doctor and any advice offered is as a scholar and educator backed by research and experience. Please consult a medical physician if you are experiencing symptoms of stress and anxiety or before changing personal habits that impact your health.

*My description may include referral codes/links that allow me to earn points or credit that can be redeemed for products and/or subscriptions. When you use my referral code/link, you are helping to support me and my channel! Thank you for your support!*

Wednesday Jul 01, 2020

Visual Timers: Why Use Them and How To Implement in Special Ed.

Wednesday Jul 01, 2020

Visual Timers: 4 Reasons to Use Timers in Your SpEd Class AND 5 Steps to Implement Timers in the Classroom Successfully!

This podcast helps special education teachers in the classroom by walking them through why and how to implement visual timers so you can survive and thrive in special ed, self contained, and life skills. Perfect tutorial for teachers on visual timers for students with Autism and how to make timers work with Special Education students.

This podcast will walk you through:

0:27- The Reasons Why You Should be Using a Visual TImer in Special Ed

2:21- The 5 Steps to Implement Timers in Your Special Ed Classroom

7:30- Bonus Tip for Successful Implementation in an Autism Classroom

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and ring that bell so you don’t miss future podcasts!

8 Special Education Teacher Tips (for your First, Second and Third Years)

Wednesday Jun 24, 2020

Are you a first, second or third year special education teacher? Listen now and score some excellent tips for teachers on special education classroom setup, classroom management, working with paraeducators and dealing with teacher stress… all in one fun interview with Emily Posch.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss future podcasts!

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ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS INTERVIEW:

University Of Kansas Degree Program

https://educationonline.ku.edu/online-degrees/special-education-department/autism-certificate

AFIRM Modules: https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/afirm-modules

Behavior is Communication Tee Shirt

https://nooked.net/products/behavior-is-communication-unisex-jersey-short-sleeve-tee

Dollar Store Task Boxes Printable

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Dollar-Store-Work-Task-Boxes-20-Activities-with-Visuals-Directions-2771052

------ Kayla’s PRODUCT SUGGESTIONS

Laminator

https://amzn.to/37W3KuX

Teacher Bag/Purse

https://amzn.to/2YZNkO1

Plastic Sleeves

https://amzn.to/2BrQlia

Gallon Measuring Set

https://amzn.to/2YpFuOO

------ EMILY’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

The Behavior Code

https://amzn.to/3dmmLI5

Controversial Therapies for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities:

https://amzn.to/31cpscH

Connect With Emily

https://www.instagram.com/smilingthroughsped/

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My Teachers Pay Teachers Store:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Noodle-Nook

Noodle Nook Website:

http://www.noodlenook.net/

Try Amazon Prime FREE for 30 Days!

https://amzn.to/2XfFEqa

__________________________________________________________________

Find me on my other social media platforms:

INSTAGRAM: @thenoodlenook

FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/noodlenooknet/

PINTEREST:https://www.pinterest.com/noodlenook/

PODCAST:http://www.noodlenook.net/podcasts/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1bIKdHNJIXR8l5HqfDkQ8Q

BLOG: www.noodlenook.net

E-MAIL: ajones@noodlenook.net

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Wednesday Jun 10, 2020

Improving Outcomes for Students with Disabilities: an Interview with Maya Bechi

Wednesday Jun 10, 2020

Have you ever wondered if the IEP goals that you are writing actually connect with the outcomes and life a student is preparing for post-secondary? This interview with Maya Bechi helps special education teachers in the classroom by explaining the difference between IEP goals and student outcomes so that you can make meaningful plans for the students in your classroom. Listen for more about improving educational and transition outcomes for students with disabilities including Autism.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe so you don’t miss any future podcasts!

YOU MIGHT LIKE: Presumed Competence on Noodle Nook

http://www.noodlenook.net/presume-competence/

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Maya’s Recommendations:

Exceptional Minds by Corinne Levitt: https://amzn.to/3eOH1mG

Prepare, Plan, Prevail by Maya Bechi: https://www.robsonandpuritan.com/product-page/pocket-guide

Crip Camp on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/81001496

Student Strengths Form: https://www.robsonandpuritan.com/product-page/strengths-survey

Connect with Maya: http://Linktr.ee/RobsonAndPuritan

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Noodle Nook Teachers Pay Teachers Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Noodle-Nook

Noodle Nook Website: http://www.noodlenook.net/

Try Amazon Prime FREE for 30 Days! https://amzn.to/2XfFEqa

__________________________________________________________________

Find me on my other social media platforms:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thenoodlenook/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/noodlenooknet/

PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/noodlenook/

PODCAST: http://www.noodlenook.net/podcasts/

BLOG: http://www.noodlenook.net

E-MAIL: ajones@noodlenook.net

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Wednesday Mar 04, 2020

3 Ways to Enjoy Your SpEd Job Again

Wednesday Mar 04, 2020

Welcome to The Teacher Nook with Ayo Jones of NoodleNook.Net, where we break down strategies, tools, and resources to help self-contained educators teaching students with significant disabilities including Autism. Learn tips and tricks to manage behavior, improve communication, and build vocational skills in less time and with less stress. Work smarter, not harder. Ayo Jones has coached hundreds of teachers, trained thousands of educators, and her blog has reached over a million readers.

This episode is all about helping special educators in the classroom find love for their jobs again. Check out the full post on NoodleNook.Net

Question from Lissa:

"I feel like I started teaching to make change with my students but I'm not feeling like change is actually happening. I just push paperwork and tick tally marks... what can I do to be more excited about my job when the BS gets in the way?"

When you've been in the classroom for awhile, it can be easy to feel like your job isn't as rewarding.

Here are three ideas to reignite the love and reignite the fire.

One: Before we talk about anything else, let's talk about progress. Keep data on goals and also on classroom activities that are not related to individual student IEP goals. I know that seems counterproductive, but when you work with students in special populations, it can take YEARS to see growth. You may want to keep data on activities and goals for all the students you work with so that you can see growth unrelated to specific IEP goals. It will help you see positive growth over time and feel more satisfied overall.

Two: Bring more you into the classwork and in the classroom. We spend so much time and energy investing in our classroom and in our students. They are long days. You may find more satisfaction if you bring a little of you to the classroom. Include your passions and your loves in the classroom. Incorporate it into what your students are working on and make it feel like a place you and your students love to be.

Three: Connect with what brought you to the classroom in the first place. For the amount of education, time, and energy we spend to make our classrooms and students successful is not proportional to our pay. You didn't get into teaching to be a millionaire. Far from it. You got into education with special needs students because of something much deeper and likely more heartfelt. I want you to take a moment to reconnect with what brought you to the classroom in the first place.

As an aside, it is okay to take a break from special needs populations if you think you need it. A year or two working with another group of students may give you enough of a break to reinvigorate you and pull you back. Acknowledge that this is a lot of work and a lot of effort... and it takes a toll. Accepting and allowing yourself to take a break for awhile is okay. It is about what is sustainable for you and what is in the best interest of your family too.

Wednesday Jan 08, 2020

Student Says HELP Too Much!

Wednesday Jan 08, 2020

My Student Says HELP Too Much...

What can you do as a SpEd Teacher when your student repeats a phrase over and over in the classroom? This podcast answers a teacher question about a student who repeats the phrase "Help" dozens of times a day... even when he doesn't need any help!

Check out more on the Noodle Nook website by visiting www.NoodleNook.Net

And connect with us on social media at:

Tips, tricks, resources, and FREE tools for teachers in Special Ed and Autism Units. Listen, read and watch to learn how to be more successful at Noodle Nook. And be sure to subscribe to the monthly newsletter TODAY!

Wednesday Dec 04, 2019

Breaking the Chain of Bad Behavior in Self Contained

Wednesday Dec 04, 2019

Breaking the Chain of Bad Behavior in SpEd- Strategies for changing negative behavior in your Autism or SpEd Classroom.

I feel so much empathy for teachers who work in classrooms with students that are aggressive or violent. Lately it seems like most of my classroom questions are from teachers in classrooms who are dealing with significant behaviors. So, what can you do about breaking the chain of bad behaviors and stopping aggression in a self contained SpEd classroom or Autism Unit?

4 Strategies to Change Behavior

Lots of times when a teacher is at the point of reaching out to me, they are at the edge. They’ve spent all their patience. They have stressed themselves out. They are battling a sense of failure or defeat. First off, I want you to know I have been there. I have been beaten, abused, bruised, and defeated. I know exactly what that feels like. But, just like all other challenges in the classroom, there are a few things to try that can help. Below are 4 strategies you should think about when it comes to dealing with behaviors in your classroom.

Read more about this at Noodle Nook or by visiting the companion post.

Wednesday Nov 06, 2019

Ideas for Community Based Instruction Sites

Wednesday Nov 06, 2019

Community Based Instruction for Students with Disabilities…

Are you a SpEd Teacher racking your brain trying to think of meaningful places to go in your community as part of extending classroom instruction? Learn more about partnering real life experiences with community learning opportunities for students with significant disabilities.

If you are a special ed teacher, then your brain is always spinning! You’re thinking of your students and how best to prepare them for the future. Community Based Instruction (CBI) plays a large role in getting students ready for transition. I remember my first CBI trip. I was just glad to get all my students to the site safely and not to leave anyone behind!

When you're first starting out as a SpEd teacher, it's the little things, right?

After a few trips I realized I wanted to make my CBI more meaningful. Let's face it, a group of six students working from one grocery list and then going as a gaggle to the cashier is not real life. That's when I had to sit down and reassess the purpose of CBI.

3 Phases of Community Based Instruction

If you are wondering about the larger purpose of your CBI trips, it helps to think of them in three phases:

Phase 1: Campus Based Trips

Phase 2: Community Based Instruction

Phase 3: Vocational Community Training

Categories of Community Based Instruction

Now that we have reviewed the three phases of Community Based instruction, let's talk about the categories of CBI sites.

Site Category 1: Retail

When most teachers plan Community Based instruction trips, they target retail sites. It makes sense! As a consumer, most of our time and money is spent at retail stores.

Site Category 2: Restaurants

Most people make at least one trip to a restaurant every week. Typically, it's to a fast food restaurant to grab a snack or a quick meal. Not quite so commonly, we dine at a sit-down restaurant.

Site Category 3: Daily Living Sites

By far, the first two categories make up the bulk of community sites a student needs to master as part of Community Based Instruction.

Wednesday Oct 02, 2019

5 Steps to Set Routine and Procedures in SpEd

Wednesday Oct 02, 2019

How to Set Up Classroom Routine in Special Ed- Strategies for Daily Rules and Routines in a self contained classroom for better classroom management.

How to Set Up Classroom Routine in Special Ed

Any teacher will tell you that establishing rules, routines and procedures in the classroom is a lifesaver! If you take time in the front end to teach your classroom expectations and routines, then you will save yourself from a huge headache later. So, when it comes to teaching Rules, Routines and Procedures in Self-Contained, how do you get it done? That is the question we answer in this episode of The Teacher Nook podcast.

Steps To Set Up Routine and Procedures

It can sometimes feel like the chaos of a self-contained classroom is impossible to rangle in. There is so much more going on than a general ed classroom like restrooming schedules, personal care needs, behavior modifications, outside therapists coming in and out, as well as a million other unexpected things that are just part of the daily classroom.

BUT… you have to get some sense of routine going from day one. If you don’t, you’ll be fighting that chaos all year and, unknowingly, feeding future behaviors.

Listen now to find out the 5 steps you should follow to establish routine and procedures in your SpEd class or Autism unit. Then read more at Noodle Nook on which routines you should establish first at http://www.noodlenook.net/set-up-classroom-routine-in-sped

And don't forget to follow Noodle Nook on social media. Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or iTunes!

Wednesday Sep 04, 2019

What Do You Need to Know?

Wednesday Sep 04, 2019

Hey Y’all I am so glad to be back with you!!!

I am not lying when I say that the podcasts here at the Teacher Nook are a part of Noodle Nook that I love!

If you were wondering where I have been, I spent the last 2 months in Ghana, an African country on the Ivory Coast with my family. It was amazing. Not only experiencing the culture with my kids and exploring new places and cuisines with my husband… but also having the opportunity to visit schools for the disabled. Getting back to work here in the states reminds me of how lucky we are to live here, how lucky our students are to have the services we provide, and how universal the concerns are of educators who teach students with Autism.

Now that I am back, I really look forward to helping teachers here as they work in self-contained classrooms with students who have low incidence disabilities. I want to make sure you have what you need to be successful as well as provide the best and most beneficial classroom experiences for your students.

In order to do that, I want any teachers out there who are struggling to grab their cell phone and take a second to email me their burning question about how to survive and thrive in self-contained. I am going to put my email in the show notes. What do you struggle with? What tools do you want to become better at using? How can we help?

The next Teacher Nook podcast will be October 2^nd and we will be answering your questions… so don’t be shy. Email me today at ajones@noodlenook.net.

Just a reminder, if you haven’t already, subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss our return show that first Wednesday of October.

Before I sign off, I want to wax poetically about the kind of students we work with. Our students can sometimes be a challenge. We work long and hard for small incremental growth. And those breakthroughs may be small, but they are huge in the lives of the kids we help. I know you have tough days; remember those miracle moments… because your students need you and all that you bring to their classroom.

Please… stay strong and teach on.

Till next time Mighty Teachers!