12+ Hacks for Sped Prep

Prepping special education materials can take forever, right?! Well, that is, until you learn some tricks or find a good Netflix show to binge while prepping! ;)

 Check out some of these sped prep hacks and see how you can make your prep time more productive! (amazon affiliate links are included in this post)

Laminating Hacks

1. Cut laminating sheets in half - Only laminating half a page? Cut your laminating pouch in half, making sure to leave part of the front section (the folded part you put in first) on each half so that you can still insert each section correctly.

2. Don't cut first when laminating - I know some people will disagree with me here, but I have never cut out all the little pieces first (okay, except for a while when I figured it must be better, but I didn't notice a difference so I stopped!) and I have never had an issue with laminating peeling. So save a step, laminate and then cut!

(But I will trim so that I don't waste laminating stuff that doesn't need to be laminated)

3. Run two laminators at once - `Cut your laminating time in half by using two laminators at once! When you can grab them at under $20 on Amazon, why not! Then you will have a back up in case one ever breaks on you too.

4. Instant lamination - Need something laminated...like 5 minutes ago? Use packing tape or clear contact paper for a quick alternative to laminating!

5. Paper cutter - Don't cut everything by hand. Seriously. A paper cutter saves so much time! (Above is a picture of my Dad prepping BSE adapted books for our Etsy store!)

6. Use a corner punch for sharp lamination - This hack is especially great for when you are using 5 mil lamination, those edges can be pointy and sharp! Corner the edges quickly and uniformly with a corner punch! I like this one.

7. Tired of laminating glare? Use matte laminating sheets instead!!

Velcro Hacks

7. Post your Velcro rules - Whatever your system is, keep your Velcro use consistent (I follow the hard on the card + soft on the surface). And post those rules by your velcro / work station so that everyone remembers how to use the Velcro in your classroom!

8. Buy the dots - Velcro dots are amazing, no more cutting strips of Velcro. Can't believe I used to do that for everything! These ones are my favorite!

9. Designate a Velcro scissors - If you must cut Velcro, designate a scissors that is Velcro only and you might also want to sharpie "no Velcro" on your favorite scissors too!

Binding Hacks

10. Comb binding - Comb bindings aren't ideal, but if that's all you have to use and your students are pulling them apart, put the combs on the outside of the spine and then duct tape over them to help keep them in place.

11. Spiral binding: Use binder clips when putting together - When you are manually putting a coil through, binder clip the pages so that the holes don't move!

12. Ran out of binding rings for books? Use zip ties instead! - This hack is also great for students who like to take apart books ;)

The Final and Best Prep Hack

Okay, so maybe this one isn't quite a hack, but enlist help of anyone who is willing! (I've even had students help before.) My paraprofessionals were always fabulous at helping me put materials together too.

My Dad is always prepping materials for me and he even sells pre-made Breezy Special Ed resources on Etsy at etsy.breezyspecialed.com! So, technically, he can prep materials for you too ;)

What sped prep hack was your favorite? 

And what other tips do you have to share? I'd love to hear them!

What's on your Netflix list and prep list this summer? #teacherlife #iteachsped #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #spedtribe #btsreadywithtpt #breezyspecialedquotes

A post shared by Breezy Special Ed (@breezyspecialed) on Jun 25, 2017 at 2:06pm PDT