As a special education teacher, you're constantly on the lookout for innovative and effective ways to engage your students and help them learn. One popular tool that can make a significant difference in your teaching practice is Boardmaker. Developed by Mayer-Johnson, Boardmaker is a software program that allows you to create visual aids and educational materials tailored to the needs of students with disabilities. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using Boardmaker in special education and provide you with 10 free Boardmaker printables to get you started.
The Importance of Visual Aids in Special Education
Visual aids are a crucial component of special education, as they help students with varying learning styles and abilities to better understand and retain information. Boardmaker is an excellent tool for creating visual aids, such as communication boards, schedules, and worksheets, that cater to the individual needs of your students. By using Boardmaker, you can create customized materials that:
- Enhance student engagement and participation
- Improve communication and expression
- Support learning and academic achievement
- Foster independence and self-advocacy
What is Boardmaker?
Boardmaker is a software program designed to create visual aids and educational materials for students with disabilities. It offers a vast library of symbols, images, and templates that you can use to create customized materials tailored to your students' needs. With Boardmaker, you can:
- Create communication boards and aids
- Develop schedules and routines
- Design worksheets and activity sheets
- Produce labels and signs
10 Free Boardmaker Printables for Special Education
To get you started with using Boardmaker in your special education classroom, we've curated 10 free printables that you can use to support your students' learning and development. These printables cover a range of topics, from communication and social skills to academics and life skills.
1. Communication Board Printable
This communication board printable is perfect for students who need support with expressing their needs and wants. The board features a range of symbols and images that can be used to communicate basic needs, such as "I need to use the restroom" or "I want a drink."
2. Feelings Chart Printable
This feelings chart printable is an excellent tool for teaching students to recognize and express their emotions. The chart features a range of symbols and images that represent different emotions, such as happy, sad, angry, and scared.
3. Daily Schedule Printable
This daily schedule printable is perfect for students who benefit from a structured routine. The schedule features a range of symbols and images that can be used to represent different activities and tasks, such as " breakfast," "math class," and "recess."
4. Social Skills Worksheet Printable
This social skills worksheet printable is an excellent tool for teaching students important social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperation. The worksheet features a range of scenarios and questions that can be used to prompt discussion and reflection.
5. Alphabet Matching Game Printable
This alphabet matching game printable is perfect for students who are learning the alphabet. The game features a range of uppercase and lowercase letters that can be matched and paired.
6. Number Tracing Worksheet Printable
This number tracing worksheet printable is an excellent tool for teaching students to recognize and write numbers. The worksheet features a range of numbers and tracing activities that can be used to support handwriting and fine motor skills.
7. Shape Sorting Game Printable
This shape sorting game printable is perfect for students who are learning to recognize and sort shapes. The game features a range of shapes and colors that can be sorted and matched.
8. Emotions Bingo Game Printable
This emotions bingo game printable is an excellent tool for teaching students to recognize and express their emotions. The game features a range of symbols and images that represent different emotions, such as happy, sad, and angry.
9. Life Skills Checklist Printable
This life skills checklist printable is perfect for students who are learning to develop important life skills, such as using the restroom, washing hands, and taking medication. The checklist features a range of symbols and images that can be used to support independence and self-advocacy.
10. Behavior Chart Printable
This behavior chart printable is an excellent tool for teaching students to recognize and manage their behavior. The chart features a range of symbols and images that can be used to support positive behavior and reinforcement.
Get Started with Boardmaker Today!
We hope these 10 free Boardmaker printables have inspired you to start using this powerful tool in your special education classroom. With Boardmaker, you can create customized materials that support your students' learning and development, and help them to achieve their full potential.
What is Boardmaker?
+Boardmaker is a software program designed to create visual aids and educational materials for students with disabilities.
How can I use Boardmaker in my special education classroom?
+You can use Boardmaker to create customized materials that support your students' learning and development, such as communication boards, schedules, and worksheets.
Are the Boardmaker printables free?
+Yes, the 10 Boardmaker printables provided in this article are free to download and use in your special education classroom.