Day 5: Low Tech Invention Day!

We were introduced to many great Low Tech inventions today! Here are the highlights:

1) The Sticky Plate - a plate with double-sided suction cups holding on items. This would work for students who have trouble controlling movements and may frequently knock items over.

2) The Turkey Baster Pencil Holder -  This device made the pencil easier to grasp and hold and the top piece actually erases and doubles as a fidget toy.

3) The Weighted Squeeze Bottle Pencil - A salad dressing container was filled with rocks and sugar (or colored sand) and a pencil was placed inside.  The air pressure can be adjusted for more or less cushioning when writing.

4) The Spongy Whiteboard -  Sponges with castors were attached underneath a whiteboard to allow for easier mobility and an elevated surface for ease of use.

5) Spatula Scissors - Spatula ends were placed on scissors to provide a wider surface area for manipulation.  They were then clipped onto the edge of a desk for more stability. These would be great with a spring load of some sort.

6) Dice Master - A plastic butter dish with a clear top piece was glued together with dice inside somewhat  like the Boggle box.  This allows for easier manipulation of the dice and they won't be lost!

7) Swim Buddy -  For children who need AAC in the water, PECS symbols were simply placed inside a 2L clear plastic bottle on a piece of paper. They were swimming symbols already made and just printed off  the SetBC website. This was one of my favourite inventions. It was also one of the simplest.

7) The One-Handed Marker Pull - A heavy pot was filled with plaster and markers were placed in lid down and left to set.  Markers can then be pulled out easily with one hand.

8) Popsicle Paintbrushes -  Makeup sponges were placed on the ends of plastic popsicle sticks and formed in different ways.  Decorative fruits were stuck on the handles for extra grip.  These can be used with glue or paint and are washable. This item will most likely need something to help stabilize it on a surface - perhaps sticky tack.

9) Math Measure Assistant - Velcro was attached to a protractor and ruler and then attached to a plastic bath squeegee for easy maneuverability while measuring. This was another favourite of mine.

10) Skater Rex - This toy was adapted to encourage active play for students with special needs. It has a handle made of a child chew toy and is attached to a skateboard that has texture.

11) Fine Motor Letters - Letters of the alphabet were written on clothespins which were placed in a cut down milk carton.  They can be attached to the edges to learn to spell words while working on pincer grip. Also, found a camera floater attachment that can be hooked onto a zipper for easy pulling. Another suggestion was taping sandpaper underneath a student desk for discrete fidgeting.