Universal and Versatile Materials to Enhance Learning Spaces for K-5 Students
1. Cookie sheets
· Using magnetic letters to build words
· Using magnetic pattern blocks to create designs and patterns
· Coating with sand to have kids write words or numbers in
· Using magnetic story board characters for retelling a familiar story
· Glue felt on the other side and can use letters, numbers, shapes, and other cut-outs
2. Chalkboard or whiteboard paint
· Paint tabletops or wall so kids can write or use to display ideas.
· Use magnetic chalkboard paint- letters, numbers, pattern blocks, unifix cubes, plastic coins, game pieces
· Use a frame or border around the painted area so kids can create bulletin boards or art they’re proud of.
· Use chalk or chalkboard markers – maybe even use another color of chalkboard paint… other than black.
3. Magnets
· Letters, numbers, pattern blocks, unifix cubes, storytelling pieces, plastic coins, game pieces, popsicle sticks, sorting materials
4. Crates
· Seating option (cover with a top and put materials inside the crate)
· Book bins
· Storage for classroom materials
· Used to define a classroom space by stacking or arranging
· Used for construction or building
· Used for sorting bins
· Use as a tool for NOT A BOX theory – For example, add wheels or add weight and it’s a whole new thing… allows for new creations
5. Muffin tins
· Sorting materials
· Fraction work and illustrating
· Turn tin upside down and use rubber bands and use as geoboard
· Matching uppercase and lowercase letters
· Division
· Multiplication/Repeated Addition
· Teaching healthy eating – portion size
· Mini science experiments
· Art containers (also- experimenting with color)
6. Velcro strips
· Use as a storyboard (fiction or non fiction)
· Use as a number line
· Use to show daily schedule
· Use as a graph
7. Felt boards
· Same uses as magnetic board
8. Dry erase circles
· Adhere to surface or wall so students can write, draw, or illustrate learning, reusable
9. Legos
· Use for different kinds of sorting
· Construction/building
· Put words on Legos to build sentences
· Use as manipulatives for teaching concept of word
· Use to illustrate a bar graph
· Use Legos as stamps for art work
10. Mirrors
· Write on with dry erase markers to label.
· Pattern block symmetry
· Science concept of reflection
11. Short and tall tables/lapboards/mini dry erase boards/pillows/bean bag chairs/other seating options
· Offers students choice with how they would like to situate themselves when creating and learning – Are they working independently or in a group or with a partner? What surfaces would best meet their needs for the work they are engaged in?
12. SMART board/tablets
· Using applications for creation of work
13. Sensory Tables
· Fill with rice, beans, or sand and have students dig through to find artifacts in an architectural dig scenario.
· Write sight words or numbers in sand.
· Fill with water to conduct science experiments.
· All hands on work can become impetus for writing/journaling.
1. Cookie sheets
· Using magnetic letters to build words
· Using magnetic pattern blocks to create designs and patterns
· Coating with sand to have kids write words or numbers in
· Using magnetic story board characters for retelling a familiar story
· Glue felt on the other side and can use letters, numbers, shapes, and other cut-outs
2. Chalkboard or whiteboard paint
· Paint tabletops or wall so kids can write or use to display ideas.
· Use magnetic chalkboard paint- letters, numbers, pattern blocks, unifix cubes, plastic coins, game pieces
· Use a frame or border around the painted area so kids can create bulletin boards or art they’re proud of.
· Use chalk or chalkboard markers – maybe even use another color of chalkboard paint… other than black.
3. Magnets
· Letters, numbers, pattern blocks, unifix cubes, storytelling pieces, plastic coins, game pieces, popsicle sticks, sorting materials
4. Crates
· Seating option (cover with a top and put materials inside the crate)
· Book bins
· Storage for classroom materials
· Used to define a classroom space by stacking or arranging
· Used for construction or building
· Used for sorting bins
· Use as a tool for NOT A BOX theory – For example, add wheels or add weight and it’s a whole new thing… allows for new creations
5. Muffin tins
· Sorting materials
· Fraction work and illustrating
· Turn tin upside down and use rubber bands and use as geoboard
· Matching uppercase and lowercase letters
· Division
· Multiplication/Repeated Addition
· Teaching healthy eating – portion size
· Mini science experiments
· Art containers (also- experimenting with color)
6. Velcro strips
· Use as a storyboard (fiction or non fiction)
· Use as a number line
· Use to show daily schedule
· Use as a graph
7. Felt boards
· Same uses as magnetic board
8. Dry erase circles
· Adhere to surface or wall so students can write, draw, or illustrate learning, reusable
9. Legos
· Use for different kinds of sorting
· Construction/building
· Put words on Legos to build sentences
· Use as manipulatives for teaching concept of word
· Use to illustrate a bar graph
· Use Legos as stamps for art work
10. Mirrors
· Write on with dry erase markers to label.
· Pattern block symmetry
· Science concept of reflection
11. Short and tall tables/lapboards/mini dry erase boards/pillows/bean bag chairs/other seating options
· Offers students choice with how they would like to situate themselves when creating and learning – Are they working independently or in a group or with a partner? What surfaces would best meet their needs for the work they are engaged in?
12. SMART board/tablets
· Using applications for creation of work
13. Sensory Tables
· Fill with rice, beans, or sand and have students dig through to find artifacts in an architectural dig scenario.
· Write sight words or numbers in sand.
· Fill with water to conduct science experiments.
· All hands on work can become impetus for writing/journaling.