290. How I Use Fall and Thanksgiving Activities to Build Communication and Core Vocabulary

Dawn Ellis

13 November 2025

 In this episode, Dawn shares how to use seasonal adapted units like Fall Leaves and Thanksgiving to hit AAC, core vocabulary, math, and reading goals in special ed classrooms. Seasonal doesn't mean shallow. In this episode of BTE, I'm walking you through how I use my Fall Leaves and Thanksgiving-themed adapted units to build communication and core vocabulary—without adding more to my plate. You'll hear: Why seasonal units improve engagement How I hit multiple IEP goals with one activity Easy ways to incorporate AAC, fine motor, reading, and math What's included in the Fall Leaves unit How to set up paras to run stations with confidence Whether you're a new SPED teacher or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you real-life ways to simplify and strengthen your November planning. 🎧 Listen now + grab the Fall Leaves Unit today. 👉 TPT Fall Leaves Unit 👉 Exceptional Collective Link 👉 Fall Fine Motor Freebie + free Digital Slides November Leaves Blog Post Thanksgiving Ideas for Special Education Classrooms