Engaging Special Education Students with High-Interest Reading and Games

As a special education teacher in an upper elementary and middle school classrooms, finding ways to keep students engaged by using games and high interest reading can be a daily challenge. Many of our students need more than traditional methods to stay focused and motivated. You always want to cover the same material, but at a level they can access. That's where high interest reading materials and interactive activities like games, crack the code puzzles or escape rooms come into play.

The Power of High-Interest Reading

High-interest reading materials are designed to captivate students’ attention and draw them into the learning process. Whether it’s a piece on weird, endangered animals like the aye-aye or axolotl, an odd animal that appears in animated movies like sloths, a book about their favorite subject, or a graphic novel, these materials meet students where they are and help them build literacy skills without it feeling like a chore.

One of my favorite strategies is to pair high-interest readings with reading games. For example, after reading a short story, students can participate in a trivia game based on the content. This not only reinforces comprehension but also adds an element of fun to the learning process.

Games and Escape Rooms: Learning through Play

Games are an excellent way to bring energy into the classroom. Whether it’s a simple board game that reinforces vocabulary or a more complex digital game that challenges students to solve math problems, games provide a hands-on way for students to engage with the curriculum.

One innovative approach I've found particularly effective is using escape room-style activities. These are interactive challenges where students must solve puzzles or answer questions to "escape" a scenario or Crack a code to find the final answer. I often create these activities based on the content we're covering in class. For instance, if we're learning about ecosystems, I might set up an escape room where students have to solve clues related to different habitats to unlock the next stage of the game. Earth Science Human impact on the environment extinction endangered (teacherspayteachers.com)

Escape rooms/Crack the Code experiences promote critical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance. They also provide an opportunity for students to apply what they've learned in a real-world context, making the content more meaningful and memorable.4th 5th grade science rainforest worksheet habitats endangered animal activity (teacherspayteachers.com)

Utilizing Free Resources for Classroom Supplies

As any teacher knows, resources are often limited, especially when it comes to specialized materials for special education. However, there are plenty of free resources available that can help make your classroom more engaging without breaking the bank.

Websites like Teachers Pay Teachers, Canva, and Pinterest offer a wealth of free posters, worksheets, and activity templates. These can be customized to fit your classroom needs. For instance, you can find free posters that promote a growth mindset, social-emotional learning, or reading strategies. These visual aids can be incredibly helpful for students who benefit from visual reinforcement of the concepts you're teaching. Here is a link to places that offer free Science posters

https://docs.google.com/document/d/16TQGfx9HcD0Z4sf6YlKjQR6315s9LiuF5Li3FSZBOjU/edit?usp=drive_link

(AT the time of this posting this link had free calculators to teachers who taught math!

https://www.numworks.com/educators/offers/)

Additionally, don’t forget to tap into community resources. Local libraries, educational organizations, and even other teachers can be great sources for free materials. Many libraries offer free access to digital books, audiobooks, and educational games that you can incorporate into your lesson plans.

Making the Most of Your Classroom

By combining high-interest reading materials with engaging games and utilizing free resources, you can create a dynamic and supportive learning environment for your students. The key is to be creative, resourceful, and responsive to your students' needs and interests.

Remember, the goal is not just to teach but to inspire a love of learning that will stay with your students long after they leave your classroom.

Don't forget to get your free resource! It is the CUTEST butterfly flip book activity AND a 3d butterfly. This is part of a bigger set we sell on TPT

get it here! thelearningcurvellc.eo.page/2s2bn