3 Low-Cost & Low-Tech Resources for the Classroom

Summary

In this PATINS TV episode, Jim Lambert introduces low-tech educational tools for classrooms. He demonstrates creating a choice board using cardstock and Velcro, a versatile learning cube with a cardboard box and sheet protectors, and a sentence-making activity with self-adhesive foam board. These simple, cost-effective ideas aim to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Takeaways

• 📦 **Cardboard Box Cube**: A simple cardboard box can be transformed into a teaching tool by attaching laminating film or sheet protectors to its sides, allowing for interchangeable learning materials on each face.
• 📄 **Cardstock Choice Board**: Cardstock can be folded into a tent shape and equipped with Velcro or Dual Lock to create a choice board for decision-making activities, such as selecting lunch options.
• 🔐 **Dual Lock Recommendation**: Dual Lock is suggested as a stronger alternative to Velcro for attaching items to the choice board, offering a secure hold without worrying about the rough or smooth side.
• 🎲 **Interactive Learning with Cubes**: Using two cubes, one for nouns and another for verbs, can facilitate interactive learning by encouraging students to create sentences.
• 🖊️ **Self-Adhesive Foam Board for Writing**: Self-adhesive foam board can be used to help students practice writing sentences by arranging text or symbols attached to it.
• 📑 **Versatility of Materials**: The materials mentioned (cardboard, cardstock, foam board) are versatile and can be used in various ways to create different learning tools.
• 🍕 **Decision-Making Practice**: The choice board exemplifies how students can practice making decisions and live with the consequences, which is a valuable life skill.
• 👨‍🏫 **Teacher's Role**: The script highlights the teacher's role in guiding students to use these tools effectively for learning and reinforcing concepts.
• 👨‍🎓 **Student Engagement**: The activities described are designed to engage students actively in the learning process, making education more interactive and fun.
• 📈 **Skill Development**: The use of these low-tech tools can help develop various skills, including decision-making, language construction, and recognition of symbols.

Q & A

What is the main topic of this PATINS TV episode?

The main topic of this PATINS TV episode is showcasing low-tech ideas that can be used in life skills classrooms or any classroom for educational purposes.

What are the three items Jim Lambert has gathered from office supply stores?

Jim Lambert has gathered a cardboard box, card stock paper, and self-adhesive foam board from office supply stores.

How does Jim Lambert suggest using the cardstock?

Jim Lambert suggests folding the cardstock in half to create a tent and attaching Velcro or Dual Lock to make a simple choice board for decision-making.

What is the purpose of the Velcro or Dual Lock on the choice board?

The Velcro or Dual Lock on the choice board is used to allow students to make choices, such as selecting what they would like to eat for lunch, and then commit to that choice.

What is Dual Lock and why is it recommended over Velcro?

Dual Lock is a stronger alternative to Velcro that doesn't require worrying about the rough or smooth side alignment. It hooks together with itself, making it more durable and easier to use.

How does the 6 by 6 inch cardboard box transform into a teaching tool?

The cardboard box is assembled into a cube, and laminating film or sheet protectors are taped along three sides of each face. This allows for educational materials related to colors, numbers, or symbols to be inserted and used for learning activities.

What activities can be done with the cardboard cube?

With the cardboard cube, activities can include learning colors, numbers, or recognizing symbols. It can also be used to create sentences by combining cubes for nouns and verbs.

What is the benefit of using the self-adhesive foam board according to the script?

The self-adhesive foam board is used to help students write short sentences by attaching text or symbols to it, allowing students to arrange them on their desks and practice sentence construction.

How does the use of self-adhesive foam board encourage students' writing skills?

The self-adhesive foam board encourages students' writing skills by providing a tactile and visual way for them to create sentences, thereby enhancing their understanding of language structure and composition.

What is the final message Jim Lambert wants to convey to the viewers?

Jim Lambert hopes that the simple low-tech ideas presented will be enjoyable and helpful for teachers and students alike, contributing to a successful school year.

What is the significance of the choice board in teaching decision-making skills?

The choice board is significant in teaching decision-making skills as it provides a tangible way for students to make choices and learn to live with the consequences of their decisions, which is an important life skill.