Easy O&M Lesson Plans for April
Apr 06, 2021
Welcome to A Step Forward, Episode 63 – Easy Lesson Plans for April that you probably haven’t thought about yet. If you're in need of some fresh, creative ideas for this month’s lessons, you're in the right place. As we all know, April can be a busy and transitional time, but I’ve got you covered with lesson plans that are simple, fun, and impactful.
Reflecting on the Current Educational Landscape
It's hard to believe it’s already April. We're nearly four months into the year, and yet, it still feels like we’re in 2020 in many ways. Despite the challenges, I’m loving the growth and transformation happening in the educational world. We're at a pivotal moment where we get to decide what stays and what goes in education. The way we teach is evolving, and I believe we're on the verge of creating a system that honors the unique strengths of every student, giving them more autonomy, independence, and the opportunity to truly shine.
The past years have taught us that perfection isn't necessary to be effective. We can show up every day with the best of intentions and integrity, and that’s what truly makes an impact. And that's why you, as a dedicated educator, deserve all the recognition. Whether you’re teaching in person or remotely, the effort you put into your students' growth does not go unnoticed.
A Heartfelt Apology for the Delay
Before we jump into lesson plans, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and apologize for the delay in posting this episode. We were busy behind the scenes organizing our biggest virtual conference to date, and while that was exciting, it meant I had to step away from my usual routine. I didn’t have the bandwidth to record a fresh episode and create the content you’ve come to expect. But here's what I’ve learned through that experience: sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. The best thing we can do when that happens is to acknowledge it and keep moving forward.
April: A Time for Reflection and Growth
As we enter April, it's the perfect time to take a step back. This month is about letting your students flourish by giving them the space to shine. Whether it's stepping back physically or figuratively, give them room to take on leadership roles and discover their own strengths. This is the moment where they will truly surprise you. If you’re someone who tends to jump in and help right away, try counting to ten in your head before you respond. Give your students a little more space and time to think and react. What you’ll witness is a beautiful blossoming of their independence.
Easy Lesson Plan Ideas for April
There are a few key themes in April that make for perfect lesson planning opportunities. Two standouts are Autism Awareness Month and Explore the World Month—both of which offer unique and meaningful learning experiences for your students.
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Autism Awareness Month
- One of my favorite ways to engage students with autism is by encouraging them to step into leadership roles. You’d be amazed by how much confidence and growth can come from a simple activity where students share their favorite things or talk about what makes them unique. A great activity for this is the Puzzle Piece Game, where students reflect on aspects of their personality and use the puzzle pieces to share those traits with others. It’s a creative, interactive way to celebrate diversity and individuality.
- You can also introduce a social story focused on a new experience or activity, helping students prepare for or reflect on something they’ve encountered. Grocery shopping is a great example, as it’s a routine with many nuances that can be difficult for students with autism. A well-crafted social story can alleviate anxiety and help students navigate the complexities of everyday tasks with confidence.
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Explore the World Month
- Exploring the world doesn’t always mean traveling to distant places. You can explore the world by diving into concepts like geography, address systems, or different cultures—right from the comfort of your classroom. Using tools like Google Maps or Google Earth, students can plan routes, learn about different locations, or explore virtual landmarks. It's a wonderful way to teach them practical skills like understanding address systems and navigating their surroundings, even if you can’t physically take them to those places.
A Special Gift Just for You
As a thank you for tuning into this episode, I have an exclusive offer for you. If you leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts and take a screenshot of you listening to this episode, I will send you April’s full clarity digital downloads, which include 10 lesson plans and all the materials you need to implement them. Just tag me at @AlliedIndependence on Instagram or @KassyAlliedIndependence on Facebook, and make sure to do this by April 23rd to receive your free materials.
Final Thoughts
April is a month of new beginnings, both for you as an educator and for your students. Let’s embrace this time of growth, exploration, and reflection. By stepping back just a bit, we allow our students to take on new challenges and gain the independence they need to succeed.
I hope these ideas spark some creativity and help you craft meaningful lessons this month. As always, thank you for all the work you do to make a difference in the lives of your students. I look forward to hearing how you implement these ideas and how your students thrive.
Take care, and I’ll see you in a few weeks with more inspiration to help you move forward in your teaching journey!
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