Low Tech Devices

It was an interesting process to look for products at the Dollar Store that would help students work more productively in the classroom. The possibilities are endless. From my own teaching practice I have used objects in the moment that will work to fit a students need. As bizarre as it seems I have used a paper towel roll quite effectively to prevent a student from having  a melt down. When he puts it upright it indicates to me that he needs assistance. When it is lying flat I know that he is working well independently. Assistive technology does not have to be fancy it simply has to work. Another object that I have come to use often in my class are lengths of resistance tubing that I have cut into sections and have made into "bracelets."     

These have very successful. They are only a dollar to make, the students seem to enjoy them and they are virtually indestructible! The old cliche is so true - necessity is the mother of invention.  Living an hours round trip from any shopping district has made me resourceful. I look around to see what it available to meet the needs of my students. However, I hate paying what seems like a ridiculous price for things that have been marketed as being "educational" and I hate buying products that are designed to be used once and then thrown into our landfills. However, I think there is a middle ground to be had where if people are willing to think outside the box durable, cost effective tools can be found.

During this weeks class, I loved to see the other inventions people have made. Amy's pencil holder had so many great things going for it. It was easy to grasp, worked as an eraser and as a fidget toy! I don't think I will ever look at a turkey baster in quite the same way : )

Janna's scissors I thought were brilliant. With a few modifications to make them more stable and less pointy, many students could find them helpful.

My other two favourite inventions were the dice roller, which as an elementary teacher believe should be in every classroom and the popsicle tray made into a paint tray. The paint tray, especially once it was stabilized could work very well for a number of students. Overall it was a pleasure to see the other students ideas and creativity.