Ashley Chesser

In this quick 5-minute introductory lesson, special education students will share personal details about themselves and their families to help the teacher get to know them better. This activity builds rapport, fosters a supportive classroom climate, and gives each student a voice. (Tier 1 Classroom Lesson, 1 session, 5 minutes)

In this 20-minute first-day icebreaker, high school non-verbal students engage in a cut-and-paste welcome activity and a visual summer reflection worksheet. This Tier 1 classroom lesson helps students express themselves through images, builds community, and eases the transition back to school.

In this 30-minute first-day scavenger hunt, 7th-grade special education students will explore the classroom and school environment through engaging clues and teamwork. This Tier 1, single-session activity builds comfort, introduces routines, and fosters collaboration to start the year with confidence and fun.

Students will learn basic food preparation and kitchen safety as they make pigs in a blanket. This hands-on cooking lesson builds fine motor skills, following directions, and healthy eating habits for 7th grade special education. 1 session, 30 minutes.

In this 30-minute Tier 1 icebreaker, high school self-contained students with significant disabilities will complete a classroom scavenger hunt to share personal interests and build connections. This engaging activity fosters communication, reduces social anxiety, and creates a welcoming community.

An engaging interest survey designed for 7th grade students with significant disabilities to complete on the first day of school. This survey helps teachers learn students’ preferences, strengths, and needs to build a supportive classroom community.

In this 10-minute session, high school autistic students will learn step-by-step visual strategies for brushing their teeth independently. This lesson builds daily living skills, boosts confidence, and supports oral health through engaging visuals and hands-on practice.

In this 30-minute, single-session Tier 1 life skills lesson for 3rd graders, students will explore the power of kindness and learn practical ways to show empathy and support to peers. This lesson fosters a positive classroom community and equips students with lifelong social-emotional skills.

In this 15-minute Tier 1 lesson, students will practice introducing themselves and describing their summer break using verbal and nonverbal responses. This lesson supports access points learners with hand-over-hand assistance, visual prompts, and adaptable activities to build communication skills and confidence.

In this 10-minute morning meeting, high school access points students will share and discuss summer break plans, fostering communication and social skills. This Tier 1 lesson builds community and helps students practice expressing preferences, with supports for nonverbal learners and hand-over-hand assistance.