What is Working? Remote Teaching Pre-K Special Education

It’s January…sigh…let’s talk about what’s working right now.  I am still teaching remotely and feel like I am in a good groove and routine that is predictable and consistent for my students.  They know what to expect during my circle time and also what to expect during our small group times.  What is working?  Here is some of the changes I have made since the beginning.  

1. Materials!  I have done two big material pick-ups for the families.  This includes visuals both for schedules and for circle time activities, art projects, bingo matching games, paper, markers, scissors,glue and play dough.  Having more materials has been key to engagement with my pre-k sped students.  
2. Consistent routine/schedule- I run my circle time schedule the same everyday and just change the activities.  We also complete the same activities, stories, and music for one whole week (yes, I get bored with it, but my kids have become more engaged).  During small group, I have the kids do an art project one day per week, play bingo one day per week, and do show and share one day per week.  It is the same each week along with their schedule.
3.  Visuals in front of them- it has helped so much to have my students have visuals right in front of them to point to or use to follow along with the routine.  They each have a calendar book that they use to follow along during circle time.  Below shows the schedules I use for both circle time and small groups.  

Circle Time Schedule

1. Listening Song- Second Step
2. Hello Song
3. Counting Objects- related to the theme
4. Message of the Day
5. Music- Youtube song related to the theme
6. Mystery Box- theme related vocabulary words
7. Story- related to the theme
8. Alphabet song- follow along with visuals
9. Music/Movement (Choice Board)- pick a student to choose their favorite song

• Click the link for a video of my circle time

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18biGTDjfdLL8Rk7n22U-zxdJ7OaNRVtG/view?usp=sharing

Small group Schedule

1. Listening Song
2. Story- related to topic or theme
3. Music-related to topic or theme
4. Work Activity- art activity, bingo, show n share, or academic boom cards
5. Play (choice board)

• Click the link for a video of my small group time

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D141bb2393alPLbI75ZcgAteKifON2C_/view?usp=sharing