I have not written so much this year - it's been a long year already, 4 months in. Reading Academy, double course load in grad school, a self-reflective program in my district, 2 student teachers, and some behaviors. But the last one is to be expected, and welcomed in my class!

The year started off the same as any. For a few of my tiny humans, I went directly to my toolkit, pulling out old favorites and taking data. I did the visual scheduled, when/then, if/then (basically the same thing in my view), first/then, reward chart, visual cues, preferred seating, frequent breaks...and a variety of them, but something was off. It was manageable, but my humans are a little different this year. So I created something new for my toolbox. Instead of having battles and using when/then (or if/then or first/then) charts, I knew my humans needed breaks and didn't have the emotional regulation or social skills to choose their behaviors to "earn" the preferred items. So I did myself a favor and eliminated the battles. I didn't want to choose my battles and I didn't want to "win" my battles. It worked. In the words of Bruce Almighty himself, it worked B-E-A-U-tifully!

My humans have made so many gains and so much growth in a record amount of time! Now, I know no two humans are the same, but this may work in your favor as well. My humans have gone from:

Human 1: 8 built in 15 minute breaks to 6 built in 5 minute breaks! That's an extra 90 minutes of academic time! Not only that, but this human now joins us on the carpet for EVERY lesson. At the beginning of the year, it was no lessons and only small group learning. Wow!

Human 2: 10 built in breaks to 5 built in breaks! We've ditched the carpet fidgets and follow direction the FIRST time!

I mean - holy cow! Wow, humans!

What did I do? Oh. You want to know? We have a visual schedule, customized to these humans, with two preferred tasks built in. These humans are "easy" in that the preferred tasks are the same daily, so I don't need a menu. Half are highly preferred toys and half are iPad. I know, I know. iPad?! But we've reached the point where the iPad activities are academic. Can you believe that! One proud teacher heart here!

So if you're finding your resources dull, or not working, try ditching the battles. Build in preferred tasks so students know they'll get to them no matter what. See what your data shows you after that! It may work in your classroom, too!

Good luck!