Materials

     As stated in my previous entries, when teaching children, we need to implement dynamic activities to catch their attention and make the learning process easier for them. Also, implementing activities while teaching makes our job easier. Moreover, to make the process even easier, there are certain tools or materials we can use in the classroom. Tools or materials such as:

• Flash Cards

These are very helpful in a class. They can be used for a variety of activities and topics, from reviewing a previous topic in a warm up activity to presenting a new topic. What is better about Flash Cards is  that they are inexpensive and easy to make. Therefore, we can adapt their design to our class.

• Modeling Clay

Moreover, modeling clay is a very useful tool to use with children. First, it is fun to use it in the classroom. Also, it helps children develop their find and gross motor skills. Aside from that, using modeling clay in the class, allows children show their creativity.

• Grouping Techniques

Furthermore, grouping techniques are very helpful in the classroom. There are several ways to make gropus in the classroom. For example, we can assign a number from 1-3 to each student, then ask 'number ones' to get together, the same with 'number twos' and so on.

• Musical Instruments

Aside from these, musical instruments can help us make the class fun, dynamic and easy to learn for our students. For example, when teaching the alphabet we can use a musical instrument, and assign a sound to each letter, to make the learning process easier for our students.

• Puppets

As well, Puppets can be used in a classroom activity. They are specially helpful with children from ages 5-7, because they catch children's attention and make them interested in talking.  Plus, it is very easy to make puppets ourselves.

• Spinning Wheel

In addition, we can use a Spinning wheel in classroom activities. It can be used to review a previous topic or to present a new one. It is important to mention how easy it is to use a spinning wheel, we just need to write the 'items' to teach or review on each part of the wheel; we can also just write the the 'items' in pieces of paper and stick them to the wheel.

To conclude, I must say this workshop was very helpful, because I learned about the different materials we can use for our activities in the classroom in order to make the class more enjoyable for our students. More importantly, I learned that all these materials are inexpensive and easy to make ourselves.