Modifying the Chaos

Beth

Buried under IEPs and endless prep? Welcome to Modifying the Chaos, a podcast dedicated to helping special educators navigate the self-contained classroom. Hosted by a veteran teacher, we deliver actionable strategies using modified curriculum so you can reclaim your weekends. From solving small group scheduling to mastering 15-minute instructional rotations for varied levels, we break down real classroom workflows. Stop laminating for a second, hit subscribe, and let's modify the chaos together! Join me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModifyingTheChaos

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    Modifying the Reading Block Pt 2

    You’ve set your 15-minute rotation timers, grouped your students, and locked in your schedule. Now... what the heck do you actually DO during those 15 minutes? Welcome back to Part 2 of our deep dive into the self-contained small group reading block! In this episode of Modifying the Chaos, I am pulling back the curtain on my exact 3-part reading formula: an introductory activity, the book reading, and an instructional activity. I’m breaking down exactly how I use Unique Learning System (ULS) lessons to target Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 students all at the same table, how to seamlessly integrate fine motor skills, and my exact week-by-week lesson plan layout. Grab your coffee, and let's modify the chaos!  GRAB THE FREE SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN: https://ko-fi.com/s/23a6e0ad2f  ONE-PAGE SENTENCE WORK TEMPLATE: https://ko-fi.com/s/960012f19c  WATCH PART 1 FIRST:   TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro 1:26 - The 3-Part Reading Formula Overview 2:07 - Component 1: The 2-3 Minute Vocabulary Intro 2:52 - Component 2: The 7-8 Minute Read-Aloud Block 3:54 - Differentiating Read Alouds for ULS Levels 1, 2, and 3 5:07 - Spicing Up Repetition (Highlighters & Scavenger Hunts!) 5:48 - Day 5: "How Much Can You Read?" (Data Collection) 6:41 - Component 3: The 5-Minute Fine Motor & Instructional Work 7:40 - Week 1 Lesson Layout (Vocabulary, Phonics, & Comprehension) 8:42 - Week 2 Lesson Layout (The Reading Quiz Hack) 9:40 - Week 3 Easy Reader & Reverse Comprehension Order 10:25 - You Are the Chef: Customizing this Template for Your Room  CONNECT WITH BETH Podcast: Modifying the Chaos  If this episode gave you some fresh ideas for your reading block, subscribe for more bite-sized special ed strategies! Remember, you can do hard things, and you are never on an island. See you next time!

    11 min

  2. 4d ago

    Modifying the Reading Block Pt 1

    Wondering how to keep 8 to 11 intensive support students engaged for an entire hour-long reading block without your self-contained classroom melting down? In this episode of Modifying the Chaos, I’m breaking down the exact math and schedule blueprint behind running flawless, 15-minute small group reading rotations. We’ll talk about how to use your student pre-assessment data to group kids effectively, how to handle leveling, and how to maximize Unique Learning System (ULS) leveled materials without spending your entire weekend printing and prepping. 📥 GRAB THE FREEBIE: https://ko-fi.com/s/23a6e0ad2f 🛒 ONE-PAGE SENTENCE WORK TEMPLATE: https://ko-fi.com/s/960012f19c ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:02 - What Can You Do in 15 Minutes? 0:53 - The Secret Weapon: ULS Modified Readers 2:10 - Step 1: The Math Behind a 1-Hour Reading Block 2:50 - How to Group Students (and Why Group Size Matters) 4:20 - The "First-Then" Schedule Trick for Transitions 4:47 - Step 2: Differentiating and Leveling Your Groups 5:54 - Repetition is Key 6:29 - Week-by-Week Breakdown (Weeks 1 to 4) 8:13 - How to Tweak This Template for Your Room If you found this episode helpful, please hit Subscribe! Remember, you are not on an island—I am right here in your corner. Keep bringing that positivity into your classroom, sensibly modify the chaos, and I’ll catch you next time!

    9 min

  3. 4d ago

    Unique Learning System Made Simple: A Practical Start for Special Educators

    In today's episode of Modifying the Chaos, we are diving deep into the Unique Learning System (ULS) and how to stop the content overload. If you've ever felt overwhelmed with the amount of resources ULS provides, we're sharing how to plan themes, handpick materials, utilize communication boards, and leverage digital tools for your self-contained room. 🕒 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - The Sunday Scaries 1:20 - What is Unique Learning System (ULS)? 4:17 - How to Avoid Content Overload 6:43 - My Top Instructional Pick: ULS Leveled Readers 7:30 - My Favorite Tool: Communication Boards 9:00 - Today's Action Step: Going Digital 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED: n2y.com ko-fi.com/modifyingthechaos 💜 ABOUT THE PODCAST: Modifying the Chaos is a podcast dedicated to helping self-contained special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents find tailored, modified curriculum to meet the unique learning needs of their students. Subscribe for weekly strategies to conquer the chaos and reclaim your weekends!

    12 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Buried under IEPs and endless prep? Welcome to Modifying the Chaos, a podcast dedicated to helping special educators navigate the self-contained classroom. Hosted by a veteran teacher, we deliver actionable strategies using modified curriculum so you can reclaim your weekends. From solving small group scheduling to mastering 15-minute instructional rotations for varied levels, we break down real classroom workflows. Stop laminating for a second, hit subscribe, and let's modify the chaos together! Join me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModifyingTheChaos

Information

  • Creator
    Beth
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Beth
  • Show Website
    Modifying the Chaos