Community-based instruction (CBI) is a huge component of many special education classrooms. CBI trips are a great way for students to practice a variety of skills in the community during school hours. In this post, we are diving into all things CBI with my friend Heather. We also have a podcast episode all about this topic that you don’t want to miss.
Hello! My name is Heather Cacioppo and I am a middle school functional life skills teacher. I’ve taught life skills for 6 years and it is my heart and soul! You may know me from my Instagram @full_SPED_ahead where I have been actively sharing my teaching journey.
Community Tips and Tricks!
Community planning can be nerve wracking! Believe me, nothing scares me more than taking my students out of their familiar classroom! However, there are so many skills and goals you can work on in alternative environments!
Here are a couple of tips to get you started:
Start Small
When I started planning trips, I planned trips that I felt comfortable enough to handle. When I started community trips, we started walking trips to local parks, the walking trail and Mariano’s. This way, it wasn’t an extra cost for a bus (for the school), and I was close enough to the school for any emergency (which never happened, but made me feel safer). Previously, I have done walking trips to work on crossing the street safely, community sign identification and scavenger hunts. When all else fails, start with something you feel comfortable with and build from there!
Add Some Spice
Once you feel that you can handle a walking trip, try taking a short trip to a fast food restaurant. The name says it all — FAST FOOD. When all else fails, you can always order your food to go! Whether you are concerned about behaviors, medical needs or bathrooming during community trips– fast food restaurants is the way to go.
Once you truly feel you can master these community trip things, try to change it up! I try not to take the students to the same place every week or every month. One month we may go bowling, the next month to the library. Add some variety so that you and your students do not get bored of McDonalds every week. Try Wendy’s, Burger King, Subway, etc.
Use Your Student Interests
This is my favorite tip! Find out what places your students like!! This is the best motivator to get their work done before a trip. Previously, I had a student that loved the public library. Students will work harder knowing they have a favorite place that they will be going to! Plus, watching a student’s face on the trip is absolutely priceless. Overall, your students will have more fun when their interests are included and quite frankly you will too!
