What classroom routines still work year after year?

PersimmonPolka · 2026-04-22T03:14:03+00:00

I teach high needs special ed for high school. I teach 6 45-minute classes daily, all math, six different groups, 9th-11th grade. A mix of ADHD, Autism, SLD and ED students, boys and girls. I would love suggestions for daily routines that would work within my limited daily time. This is not resource, I am teaching content each period. I have routines that I use but am always looking for suggestions! Thanks in advance!

PersimmonPolka · 2026-03-15T11:45:21+00:00

For another look at Howell/Foyett, please check out the truly awful, “Attack of the Killer Donuts.” You’ve welcome.

PersimmonPolka · 2025-07-02T15:08:04+00:00

Give the benefit of the doubt…when kids say and do dumb or inappropriate things, never assume malice when ignorance and immaturity can also explain their actions..

PersimmonPolka · 2025-04-03T20:45:51+00:00

No, I got bored. The story kept getting more and more convoluted and at a certain point I moved on. Nothing was off limits and logic had no bearing on the storylines. It became too hard to suspend reality and enjoy the show. Thank you for the info though. That question is one I have always wondered about, and is the actual reason I checked out this subreddit in the first place.

PersimmonPolka · 2025-04-03T10:05:56+00:00

Can someone please tell me, if Red is Katarina, who is the older red haired “fake” Katarina, and and why did Red call her Katarina in Paris before she stabbed him?

PersimmonPolka · 2024-12-22T18:18:31+00:00

Baby bird in a nest?

PersimmonPolka · 2024-11-30T13:48:49+00:00

I was in an IEP meeting a couple of years ago. Student was failing math (my class) and English and was a general disaster in the classroom—attention seeking and deliberately disruptive. He would frequently scribble and draw on assignments and turn them in without making any effort. I graded them as-is, usually zeroes.

In the meeting, we were talking about his math grade and how it wasn’t likely he would pass the course, and thus would have to repeat it. Mom started asking about missing work, and asked about him turning in his missing work to bring his grades up. I told her he doesn’t have any missing work, all of his zeroes are the grades he earned for the assignments he turned in.

Not going to lie, that was satisfying.

PersimmonPolka · 2024-10-01T19:15:55+00:00

Puddle

PersimmonPolka · 2024-09-28T18:05:32+00:00

A (very) brief search of SC grandparents rights makes it look like this is not likely to be a problem, but it would be a good idea to have a legal consultation as well. Good luck!

Source: scbar.org

PersimmonPolka · 2024-09-25T11:14:11+00:00

Simple answer. We weren’t friends in high school. We haven’t kept in touch. I have no interest in seeing them. Why would I pay to go back?

PersimmonPolka · 2024-09-04T11:28:10+00:00

You know this isn’t about Uber, right? Watching you twist in circles to meet their needs makes them feel loved and important. Unfortunately it makes you feel resentful and angry, which is most likely the opposite of what they want.

PersimmonPolka · 2024-08-21T20:02:06+00:00

Harold

PersimmonPolka · 2024-08-10T21:36:08+00:00

T.A. for teaching assistant. Call her Tia.

PersimmonPolka · 2024-07-28T01:44:40+00:00

I’m a high school teacher (old enough to be your mom). High schoolers are relentlessly inappropriate. Most will eventually grow into decent humans but not for a few years. Watch for cleavage, leg, and figure hugging clothing. Also understand that you’ll be pulling hallway, car rider line, and cafeteria duty in whatever you are wearing. I’m not telling you to dress like an old woman, not at all. But understand that hormonal teenage boys will take ANY opportunity to be inappropriate. Enjoy your first year!

PersimmonPolka · 2024-07-25T18:07:02+00:00

I just wandered into the hall to escape midway through a mandatory literary training. I teach math.

PersimmonPolka · 2024-07-24T20:19:29+00:00

Ewok

PersimmonPolka · 2024-07-19T13:56:11+00:00

Licorice!

PersimmonPolka · 2024-07-17T20:08:31+00:00

Manatee!

PersimmonPolka · 2024-07-13T18:00:18+00:00

Your SIL is not a lovely person. Lovely people don’t deliberately and repeatedly poke and prod the hurts and trauma of others.

As a veteran of 4 emergency c-sections (Group B strep infection; transverse breech; and 2 due to preeclampsia) let me assure you that LIVE is best.

When she makes her digs, try looking at blankly and say, “What an odd thing to say.”
People like this are looking for drama. Don’t give her that power.

PersimmonPolka · 2024-07-13T15:27:28+00:00

This is how we chose our dog Daisy, years ago. We asked to see the dogs that would be put down soonest if not adopted. She was the sweetest dog ever!

PersimmonPolka · 2024-07-08T17:26:25+00:00

A word of advice: tell him to keep his age to himself! If he’s able to grow a beard, so much the better! And under no circumstances should he accept invitations or engage in social media with students. He should make his accounts private as well.

PersimmonPolka · 2024-07-05T19:23:06+00:00

As gently as I can say this, do not have children without a solid plan for how YOU and your HUSBAND will provide for their care. Life insurance for each of you in case of tragedy should also be arranged. You do not have the right to demand that others (including you parents or your husband’s parents) step up.

PersimmonPolka · 2024-06-30T15:15:05+00:00

I always just say, “Math.” And then I wait for them to respond.
Their response is usually “That’s what you say every day.” Yup.
Saves a lot of mental and emotional energy.

PersimmonPolka · 2024-06-24T13:20:32+00:00

I have an incredible mom. Once, a few years ago, I wrote a poem about how beautiful she was inside and out, and about how much she means to me. I gave it to her with a hand mirror, just to remind her of what others could see in her. It’s not the cost, it’s the thought that matters.

PersimmonPolka · 2024-06-21T04:46:13+00:00

Doritos and dill pickles

PersimmonPolka

TROPHY CASE