One of the most interesting things I have learned is how important it can be for the success of students to have access to a variety of tools to support their learning.
Sometimes, these tools are used as whole class supports to reinforce an idea, concept or strategy. One that immediately comes to mind are Base 10's. I love using these to help students visually understand concepts and deepen their understanding. Some perks of using these manipulatives has to be the happy faces I see when we use them, and the comments that follow the end of a class: "Woah! It's lunchtime already?!". Success!
Other times, tools might be designated for specific students. I use timers to help particular students stay focused. One strategy I have for a student is centred around using a one minute timer. He must write or read for an entire minute. When the sand runs out, he can get up, walk across the room and touch the door. After that, he must turn and walk back to his seat, sit down, flip the timer and work for another minute.
There are so many intelligent and creative teachers out there who have discovered or created ways to use tools to support learning that it really is worth spending a few minutes of your day popping in to a colleagues room to say, "Hi there! So what would you do if..." Thanking/bribing with chocolate never hurts.
Below is a link that suggests other tools you could use support student learning. Hope you find it helpful!
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