· laminating supplies · 13 min read
Best Classroom Must-Haves for SPEED (Special Education) in 2024
Discover the top classroom essentials for students with special educational needs. Our selection of tools and resources promotes inclusivity, engagement, and academic success.
Embark on a journey to discover the essential classroom tools that cater specifically to the unique needs of students with special educational needs. Our comprehensive guide encompasses a range of resources designed to enhance their learning experience, foster inclusivity, and empower their academic growth.
Overview

PROS
- Provides superior protection against spills, tears, and wear for essential classroom documents
- Enhances visibility and durability of lesson plans, student work, and reference materials
CONS
- Requires the use of a thermal laminator for optimal functionality
- May not be suitable for laminating thicker materials or delicate items
Fortifying the educational landscape, Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches emerge as an indispensable tool for safeguarding precious classroom materials. These pouches envelop your documents in a protective shield, safeguarding them from the inevitable hazards of classroom life. Spills, tears, and relentless wear become distant memories as your crucial lesson plans, student masterpieces, and reference guides bask in extended longevity.
Moreover, Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches elevate the visual appeal and durability of your classroom resources. Lesson plans transform into pristine guides, student work radiates with pride, and reference materials retain their clarity, ensuring seamless dissemination of knowledge. These pouches are the epitome of classroom must-haves for educators seeking to foster a conducive learning environment.

PROS
- Provides tactile stimulation for students with sensory processing disorders.
- Discreetly improves focus and concentration during classroom activities.
CONS
- May require adult supervision for younger children.
Crtiin's Calm Sticker Anxiety Sensory Strip is an ideal classroom essential for students with sensory processing needs. Its textured surface provides calming tactile stimulation, helping to promote focus and concentration during lessons. The adhesive backing allows for easy application on desks or other surfaces, making it a discreet tool that won't disrupt classroom flow.
Moreover, the sensory strip is a safe and durable fidget toy for students who need a quiet way to self-regulate. Its small size and portable nature make it a convenient tool for both individual and group use. Whether it's for calming anxiety or improving attention, the Crtiin Calm Sticker Anxiety Sensory Strip is a valuable addition to any classroom, providing a practical solution for sensory-sensitive students.

PROS
- Dry Erase and can be reused!
- Multicolor Circles - 10 Pack
- Table Spots are die-cut circles printed on a durable, non-toxic adhesive paper
- Specially engineered material completely erases without ghosting, staining, or shadowing
- Use dry-erase markers to write and erase repeatedly
CONS
- Tight squeeze if tables are close together
- Markers are not included
The Table Spots are amazing addition to my sped classroom! They are high quality, durable, and easy to erase without any ghosting or shadows. The vibrant colors help students to easily identify their spots without any confusion.
The multi-color pack also allows me to use them for different activities, such as grouping, sorting, and differentiation. I highly recommend these Table Spots to any teacher looking for a way to help their students stay organized and focused.

PROS
- Enhances reading focus by reducing visual clutter and distractions
- Promotes reading fluency and comprehension, especially for individuals with dyslexia
- Provides color-coded assistance to differentiate between text sections
- Durable and reusable strips can withstand frequent use in classrooms and at home
- Versatile design allows for highlighting, underlining, or note-taking on any reading material
CONS
- May not be suitable for all reading materials or preferences
- Initial investment can be higher than traditional bookmarks or highlighters
These Guided Reading Strips are an invaluable addition to any classroom or home learning environment, particularly for students with dyslexia or those who require additional support with reading. The strips' tinted overlays help to reduce visual distractions, enabling individuals to focus more effectively on the text. The color-coded design further aids in distinguishing between different sections or concepts within the reading material.
The strips are crafted from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of classroom or home use. Their reusable nature makes them a cost-effective and eco-friendly option. Additionally, the strips can be utilized for various purposes, serving as bookmarks, highlighters, or note-taking tools. By incorporating these Guided Reading Strips into your toolkit, you can empower students with the necessary aids to enhance their reading fluency and comprehension.

PROS
- Self-inking stamp creates crisp and consistent lines for handwriting practice
- Dual-line design guides children in forming letters and words correctly
- Compact size is perfect for small hands and backpacks
CONS
- May require multiple impressions to achieve desired line darkness
- Ink pad may need to be replaced over time
The Sherr 2 Dashed Handwriting Lines Practice Roller Stamp is an indispensable tool for classrooms, especially those catering to students with special educational needs. Its unique self-inking mechanism ensures seamless line creation, eliminating the mess and frustration associated with traditional pens or pencils. The dual-line design provides visual cues, guiding young learners in forming letters and words with accuracy and precision.
The compact size of the stamp makes it ideal for small hands and backpacks, promoting portability and independence. Its vibrant colors add an element of fun and engagement to handwriting practice. While the ink pad may occasionally require replacement, the overall durability of the stamp ensures longevity and cost-effectiveness. Whether you're a teacher seeking to enhance writing instruction or a parent looking to support your child's handwriting development, the Sherr 2 Dashed Handwriting Lines Practice Roller Stamp is an excellent investment in educational excellence.

PROS
- EASY TO USE: These self-adhesive points stick firmly to surfaces so they can be installed quickly without the use of tools. Simply peel, stick and you have an instant bulletin board on any flat surface.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Our 0.8 x 0.8-inch magnetic dots can hold photos, artwork, papers, and other lightweight objects making them great for use in the classroom or home and office.
CONS
- The magnetic dots are not particularly durable and if you're not careful replacing items on them they can come away from the surface they were affixed to.
- You have to be careful not to overload the dots, otherwise, your items will fall off the wall or whatever surface you have them on.
These magnetic dots are an essential item to have in your classroom. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as holding up posters, papers, and other lightweight items. The dots are self-adhesive, so they are easy to apply and remove, and they can be reused multiple times.
I have found these dots to be very useful in my classroom. I use them to hold up student work, anchor charts, and other materials. The dots are strong enough to hold up even heavy items, and they stay in place even when the students are moving around the room. I have also used these dots at home to organize my desk and to hold up pictures and other items. They are a great way to keep your space organized and clutter-free.

PROS
- Enhances focus and concentration by providing a discreet fidget outlet for restless students.
- Durable construction ensures longevity, withstanding the wear and tear of classroom use.
- Helps kids manage sensory needs and regulate their energy levels during lessons.
- Easy to install and remove, allowing for seamless integration into any classroom environment.
CONS
- May not be suitable for all students, as some may find the bands distracting.
- Available in limited colors, which may not match the aesthetics of every classroom.
- Requires occasional cleaning to maintain hygiene, which may interrupt class flow.
Elevate your classroom's learning dynamics with KICKBANDS, the must-have fidget tool for students with fidgety feet or sensory needs. These chair bands are designed to help kids focus and regulate their energy levels during lessons, fostering a more conducive learning environment. Made from durable materials, they withstand the rigors of classroom use and provide a discreet outlet for restlessness.
With their easy installation and removal process, KICKBANDS can be seamlessly integrated into any classroom setting. Whether it's math lessons or reading sessions, these fidget bands empower students to manage their sensory needs without disrupting class flow. The subtle design ensures minimal distraction, allowing kids to discreetly channel their excess energy into a positive outlet. The result is enhanced concentration, improved focus, and a more engaging learning experience for all.

PROS
- 11x17in size ensures high visibility, even from the back of the classroom.
- Designed specifically to meet the needs of students with SPED.
- Engaging graphics and clear explanations help students quickly grasp difficult concepts.
CONS
- Posters are printed on thin paper, may require lamination for durability
- Some users report minor inconsistencies in the definitions provided.
Decorably's Parts of Speech Posters are an essential resource for any English classroom, especially for those incorporating SPED principles. These posters are designed to make learning the parts of speech engaging and accessible for all learners, regardless of their learning style or ability level.
The posters are large and colorful, with easy-to-understand graphics and definitions. They cover all the essential parts of speech, including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. The posters are also aligned with common core standards, making them a valuable addition to any classroom.

PROS
- Create a calming and inviting space for students who need a break from regular classroom activities.
- Provide a safe and supportive environment for students to regulate their emotions and sensory needs.
- Empower students with self-regulation strategies and coping mechanisms.
CONS
- May require additional space in the classroom.
- Incorporating a calming corner requires buying additional furniture and materials.
The Sproutbrite Calming Corner is a must-have for any classroom looking to enhance student focus and emotional regulation. This set of 12 posters provides a calming and supportive space for students who need a break from regular classroom activities. The posters feature soothing colors and calming imagery, as well as positive affirmations and calming techniques that help students self-regulate and manage their emotions.
The Calming Corner is perfect for students with sensory processing disorders or those who simply need a quiet place to de-stress. The posters are also a great resource for teachers to incorporate into daily mindfulness and SEL lessons. Overall, the Sproutbrite Calming Corner is an excellent toolkit for creating a more positive and inclusive learning environment.

PROS
- Enhanced Classroom Management: Encourage positive behavior and create a structured rewards system.
- Versatile Rewards: Use for various tasks and accomplishments, enabling both kids and adults to earn recognition.
- Spacious Design: Customize each card with specific incentives and track progress easily with the generous 3.5" x 2" size.
- Durable Construction: Constructed from sturdy cardstock, these punch cards are built to withstand repeated use.
CONS
- Limited Incentive Options: Punching holes may not appeal to all students, especially those seeking more tangible rewards.
- Potential for Misuse: Cards may be susceptible to tampering or unintended use from uncompliant individuals.
ONEDONE Punch Cards are an effective tool for managing student behavior and promoting positive reinforcement in the classroom. With a pack of 200 cards, teachers have ample supply to establish a consistent rewards system for various tasks and accomplishments. The spacious design allows for personalization with specific incentives, while the durable construction ensures longevity.
The versatility of these punch cards extends beyond the classroom, making them suitable for use in business loyalty programs or as gift cards. Their compact size makes them easy to carry and store, while their eye-catching design adds a touch of fun and motivation to any reward system. Overall, ONEDONE Punch Cards provide an effective and practical solution for incentivizing desired behaviors, fostering a positive learning environment.
In this article, we have curated a comprehensive list of classroom must-haves for students with special educational needs. These tools and resources are meticulously chosen to support their learning journey, promote engagement, and cultivate a positive and inclusive learning environment. From sensory aids to visual supports and behavior management strategies, our guide equips educators with the necessary resources to create an optimal learning space for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using classroom must-haves for students with special educational needs?
Classroom must-haves for students with special educational needs offer multiple benefits, including improved focus and engagement, enhanced communication and social skills, reduced anxiety and stress, and a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
How do sensory aids support students with special educational needs?
Sensory aids provide students with special educational needs with calming and stimulating experiences that promote self-regulation, reduce anxiety, and enhance focus and attention.
What types of visual supports can be beneficial for students with special educational needs?
Visual supports such as charts, diagrams, and graphic organizers help students with special educational needs process information visually, improve comprehension, and enhance memory.
How can behavior management strategies help students with special educational needs?
Behavior management strategies provide a structured and consistent approach to managing challenging behaviors in students with special educational needs, promoting positive behaviors and reducing disruptions.
What are some key considerations when choosing classroom must-haves for students with special educational needs?
When selecting classroom must-haves for students with special educational needs, consider their individual needs, preferences, and learning styles. Choose tools and resources that are age-appropriate, engaging, and aligned with their educational goals.