Question for Inclusion Teachers??

Question

I just graduated from college, and I am moving out of state. I was recently hired for my first teaching job, and I am going to be the special ed. inclusion teacher for fifth grade. I will be traveling from class to class in fifth grade to work with the special needs students. Anyway, to make a long story short, I currently work at a teacher resource/ supply store and I get a good discount. Considering the fact that I won't have my own classroom, can you think of any materials I will perhaps need to buy? I want to buy them soon (while I can use my discount) since I will be leaving this job in a few weeks. Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Answer 1

I am a middle school teacher of a reading remediation course and also a mom of a high functioning autistic mainstreamed child.  I am glad to see there is a school doing it right!  There is supposed to be an "in-between" for students besides pulling them out or leaving them to sink or swim. I would suggest you get one of those milk-cratish type things with handle and wheels.  That way you can not only take the things you need, but you can take things like extra paper, pencils, pens, etc.  Many special needs students lose things a lot or forget things (my son does).  Also, if they have any nifty items to help with things like visual schedules I would suggest that as well.  It may also be a good idea to bring extra fidgets and earplugs in case students forget theirs and it's in their IEP.  I hope I was a help...I may not have told you anything you don't already know.  Welcome to the world of teaching...I am really glad you joined us!

Answer 2

I am an educational assistant and I work with special needs students.  The stuff you will need will really depend on the students that you will be working with and the level at which they can function in a regular classroom.  Pretty much anything you can use as a reward system such as stickers  are usually a good bet with kids.  Good luck on your new job as a teacher, I am sure you will do fine!

Answer 3

I would like to second the rolling cart, basic writing supplies, and manipulatives ideas.

You also might want to get a timer or stopwatch or two (for those who have time management issues and/or assessments that have to be timed).  I'm a big fan of the visual timer that goes from green to yellow to red.  It helps kids who have no concept of the passing of time and might be something the whole class could benefit from.

You also have to keep a lot of work samples and such, so some type of filing system could help.

Also, my school system requires all paperwork be signed in blue ink (to tell the difference between original and copies) and I'm always running out of blue pens.

Don't buy a lot of workbooks, storage, or decorations.  Those are best bought if and when you get your own space.

Good luck!  It's hard work, and not everyone will love the idea right away, but it is worth every second!

Answer 4

I would suggest manipulatives and practice workbooks. I work as the gen. ed teacher in an inclusion classroom and those were the main items that my spec. ed. inclusion teachers used the most often. Also get work books for 1-2 grade levels below and above the grade level that you will teach.