A New School Year

I received some exciting news this past week.  I am the new Special Education Teacher for Northeast Elementary in Glenwood, Iowa.  I am looking forward to getting the school year started and to getting to know my students.  As I have been preparing to step into the classroom and get things set up and organized, I have found myself feeling a bit overwhelmed, however, I am enjoying decorating my classroom and brainstorming ideas to share with my students.  As I have been looking over IEP's and assessments and trying to determine where to start and what to focus on with each student, I have been struck by the thought that first and foremost, I want to focus on all of the things they can do and all of the things they are good at.  I want to focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities.  I have developed several lessons that I feel will provide them with encouragement and a positive outlook and I am truly anxious to start the year and get these students motivated.  While I was researching ideas a for my lessons I found a great video that I am planning to share with my students.  I wanted to share it with you as well.....