The leap from kindergarten to first grade is a big one, bringing new routines, expectations, and classroom schedules. Find practical tips on how to support your child in making a smooth transition to first grade. 

Pre-correcting and prompting remind students of behavior expectations before potential behavior problems occur. Learn how to use this behavior strategy in your classroom, using gestures, visual or verbal cues and supports, or modeling.

Using nonverbal signals — also called silent signals — is an effective way to foster communication while limiting interruptions during instruction. Learn how to use this strategy and why it works, and see it in action.

The when-then strategy helps nudge students toward appropriate behaviors. You explain clearly what you expect — and the positive outcome that will result. Learn how to use when-then sentences (a printable template is provided).

Respectful redirection is a quick, in-the-moment classroom strategy to give corrective, clear feedback to students in a neutral way. Learn how to use this strategy, why it works, and see it in action. 

Building social-emotional learning (SEL) skills at home and in school is important for children's social, emotional, and academic well-being. This article busts some myths about SEL, including this one: social-emotional skills aren’t as important as “hard skills.”

Share these six social-emotional learning activities with your students’ families. Activities include a growth mindset action plan, a strengths chain, and an accomplishment box. Downloadables are available in English and Spanish.  

Positive behavior strategies (PBS) are research-based approaches to changing challenging student behavior. In this overview, you'll find out what PBS looks like in the classroom and how to put it into practice. You'll also learn how families can support PBS at home.

Award-winning author of acclaimed middle-grade novels Sally J. Pla talks (The Someday Birds) about how her own autism informs the characters and stories she writes.

Get the basics on social and emotional learning (SEL) — the five key elements, why it's important, how to integrate SEL practices into the classroom, and more.

Discover five key facts about social and emotional learning. A systemic and strengths-based approach to SEL can bolster academic achievement and give students opportunities to build on their unique talents, interests, perspectives, and experiences. 

Discover 10 ways that schools can create a culture of inclusion for school activities that take place outside of the regular curriculum, including science fairs, school plays, choir, band, sports, and more.

When children feel accepted and supported by their school community, it builds a solid foundation where all students can learn and thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Discover ways that educators can create a culture of inclusion in their classrooms, school-wide, and for school activities that take place outside of the regular curriculum.

Learn the basics about inclusion, characteristics of inclusive classrooms that work, and things you can do to implement inclusion principles right away — including setting up your classroom, creating effective learning groups, and adapting your curriculum.

With thoughtful planning, reading and writing instruction can be adapted to meet the needs of every student in the classroom. Get ideas to help you design an inclusive language arts program, including tips about your classroom library, integrating technology, visual supports, read aloud strategies, teaching comprehension, and more.

Learn how to adapt your classroom to help students with sensory issues feel comfortable and ready to focus on learning and socializing with peers. You'll also find information about innovative ways public places such as museums and performing arts centers are creating sensory-friendly experiences.

Special literacy events and celebrations can be a great way to get kids excited about books and reading. But for kids who struggle with reading, these kinds of events can challenge their self-confidence. Here are 15 strategies to help you plan a successful, joyful reading event for all kinds of readers and learners.

The social curriculum conveys the values, belief systems, and expectations of behavior in school. It is just as important as the academic curriculum, but is often "hidden" for children with learning challenges. Here you'll find some effective strategies to intentionally facilitate social inclusion in your classroom and school-wide.

Strong social skills are essential for success in life. Discover nine ways to create a more inclusive classroom and support social skill development in your students.

Brain breaks are quick, structured breaks using physical movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities. Learn how to use this strategy andwhy it works, and see it in action. A printable "brain break" bank is also provided.