Rebekah Poe Teaching

I don't expect "whole body listening" in my classroom because listening doesn't always look the same for every student.

Some students listen best while doodling, fidgeting, looking away, or moving their bodies. I care more about engagement and understanding than eye contact or still hands.

When we stop policing what listening looks like, we create classrooms where more students can thrive. Want to learn more? Check out my book BLUEPRINT FOR INCLUSION for strategies you can use right away to build a more inclusive classroom. https://a.co/d/07xMFwYi

New special education teachers, skip the cute extras and put these four things on your classroom wishlist immediately!

Dry erase boards: Every student gets a chance to participate without the pressure of getting it wrong.

Math manipulatives: Students need to touch it, build it, and see it before they can truly understand it.

Visual timers: Clear expectations and smoother transitions make a huge difference for students who struggle with attention or anxiety.

Play-Doh: It’s more than a toy. Strengthening fine motor skills, providing sensory input, and giving busy hands a productive outlet can help students stay regulated and ready to learn.

The best classroom supplies aren’t always the fanciest. They’re the ones that help students feel successful.

Veteran teachers, what would you add to this list?

I am so super excited to incorporate even more games into my classroom this year, starting with Sight Word Guess Who, and it’s available NOW in my store. I’ve included sight words from pre-primer to third grade level along with multiple sets of directions for different ways to play (including ways to differentiate the games to make them accessible for all learners) and “question prompts” for students to use as needed to encourage game play.

Last year, board games were a huge hit, so I’m looking forward to introducing them to something new! What games do you play in your classroom?

Comment GUESSWHO for the link to the entire game bundle!

Literally the fastest way to practice multiplication facts. I bought this at the CEC conference last week, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite things. I roll out some math problems on post-it’s and leave them on the students’ desks for bell ringers, because they can always use some extra math fact practice! And the other side of the stamp is division facts! They also have addition and subtraction, plus all different kinds of writing lines. You’ll definitely want to check them out for yourself!

Ready to elevate your skills, connect with experts, and drive real impact in the classroom?

I’m presenting at and I want to see you there!

Join me for my poster session “Data Driven Behavior” on March 13, and surround yourself with fellow special education professionals and the TOP SPECIAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE in the nation.

See you there!!