Earplugs are a simple way to enhance the performance of a
student who has trouble focusing on one task.
They are a discrete way to block out background noises in order to work
with fewer distractions. Earplugs are
low-tech devices that enhance a student’s ability to stay on task for longer
periods of time without becoming distracted or losing focus in a classroom
setting. They can also be used for
students with sensitivities to noise. A
student who is bothered by loud noises can insert the earplugs before attending
a concert , performance, or assembly in order to enhance his/her ability to
attend the event without having to leave and without experiencing anxiety or
anger.
TASK B
For younger students with fine motor difficulties, it is
often a struggle to use a pencil to form letters. In order to enhance the learning experience
for a student who has difficulty completing simple writing tasks when learning
to spell in a classroom setting, I have created a simple solution. This can be used to encourage spelling
without the stress of having to form the letters. Students can then learn to form the letters
separately.
ITEMS REQUIRED:
- - 5 cm wide magnetic strip
- - Package of coloured plastic cutting boards (4)
- - Letter stickers
- - Heavy-duty scissors
- - Roll of magnetic tape
- - 2 specialty ice cube trays
- - Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- - Optional:
stand and suction cup hangers
Initially, I thought that having magnetic letters would
solve the problem of having to form letters using a pencil. Upon further
investigation, I realized that even standard magnetic letters would be
difficult for a child with fine motor challenges to grasp. Instead, I found ice cube trays with large
round shapes that would be easy to grasp and manipulate. I then cut them out and attached them to
strips of plastic cut from the cutting boards.
Each strip had a letter. For
vowels, I used a green ice cube tray and for consonants I used red. This would provide a quick visual reference
for the student when learning to spell simple CVC words. For the letters and cutting boards, I used fun, bright colours to enhance the overall visual presentation. Finally, I
added the suction cup hooks to the ends of the magnetic strip for easy
movement of the entire unit. This
provides independence for the student.
The strip can also easily be placed on a stand to provide a slanted
angle for the student. This creation is
a low-tech way for a student to independently manoeuvre letters around in order
to spell words. It bypasses the need for
pencils, erasers, and much adult assistance.
This project will take less than an hour from start to finish and is
well worth the effort.
If you have time to browse, dollar stores really do have a plethora of great products and materials that can be made into, or already are, assistive technology devices. Here are some examples that I found in my travels:
1) For only $2 you can purchase a stylus for an iPad. This is a great tool with a budget price!
2) This laser is labelled as a pet toy, but could be used by a student to direct attention to a project on the board or to focus on an answer. It comes complete with batteries!
4) This catch toy allows the user with reduced mobility or gross motor skills to catch a ball. The velcro face and hand strap on the back are great features. This bookmark has multiple features.
5) In addition to saving pages, it magnifies words and letters for easy viewing and also is a ruler!
6) These markers are ideal for students with fine motor challenges. Their large, triangular shapes makes them easy to use!
7) Everyone should own a pair of these assistive tech. devices! No-slip ice treads fit easily over shoes and enhance performance in even the worst outdoor conditions.
8) The suction cup clock is perfect for many surfaces. It's combined function and versatility make it a great device.
9) This pen can easily be attached to a desk or wheelchair table and will not be easily lost!
10) These brightly coloured tongs are long for easy grasping and are quite easy to squeeze making them the perfect grippers for picking up all sorts of objects.
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