Johns Hopkins CTE
10 Thingamajigs and Doodads- Simple ideas that work in the classroom
Summary:
Assistive Technology takes many forms. This paper provides ten easy to
use, inexpensive and low-tech ideas for classroom use.
Purpose:
Easy solutions for teachers.
Population:
K-12 students
Implications for the Classroom:
math instruction in the classroom.
The ideas presented support reading, writing and
from http://www.projectparticipate.org/reading.asp
1- Page Turners
Is your student struggling to turn the pages of their favorite picture book? Attach
popsicle sticks with clear
packing tape to each page of a
cardboard book and enable
students with physical
disabilities to turn pages
independently.
2- Wooden Dowel Marker Support
Drill a half-inch hole into a wooden dowel, insert a marker, add two rubber washers to
keep the marker secure and increase student participation in name writing or art
assignments. Add a maker with letter or number stamps so student
can practice writing the alphabet or counting.
3- Plastic Marker holder Plaster Marker Holder
JHCTE- Research
ASP/102
2/17/16
Johns Hopkins CTE
Instead of relying upon hand-over-hand assistance, enable students to select colors and
recap makers independently with a weighted marker holder. Find a plastic container that
will hold a one-inch base of plaster of paris. Add plaster of paris to the container, insert
markers cap-end down and let the plaster harden.
4- Cookie Sheet Cookie Worksheets
Cookie sheets and magnets give students with decreased motor
skills the ability to participate in many writing tasks. Students
can slide magnetic numbers into numerical order, sort by odd or
even status, attempt greater than or less than problems or add,
subtract or multiply in math class. In language arts, students can
use alphabet magnets to participate in activities such as letter identification, matching
upper and lowercase letters, or spelling tests.
5- PVC Pen Holder
Photo of PVC Pen Holder Construct a pen or pencil holder from the PVC pipe available
at most home improvement stores and enable students with a gross grasp to doodle, draw
or compose other written work. Drill a 1/4-inch hole into the center of a PVC tee. Attach
this PVC tee and another tee, to each end of a PVC Nipple. The parts are threaded and
will screw together. Thread the thumbscrew into the drill hole. Place a pencil, marker or
paint brush into the tee and tighten with the thumbscrew until secure.
6- Hairbrush Card Holders
Increase the ability of students to participate in card games by using a hairbrush as a
cardholder. Students can forget about the struggle to hold cards and focus on Old Maid,
Go Fish or even Crazy 8's! For more support, use Velcro to secure the hairbrush to a
non-skid
placement.
JHCTE- Research
ASP/102
2/17/16
Johns Hopkins CTE
7- Photo Cosmetic Bags
Insert photographs or picture symbols into makeup bags with clear pouches to create a
communication system that fits into fanny packs, lunch bags or
pockets.
from http://atto.buffalo.edu/registered/ATBasics/Populations/LowTech/math.php
8- Number Stamps
Stamps can be used for math activities instead of pens and pencils. Find them at office
supply or teacher stores.
9- Hi-Liter Pens (BIC)
These pens are great for highlighting text passages. They also help with figure/ground
problems when reading longer passages. Try different colors.
10- Built-up grips (Sammons Preston)
Some students can more easily grasp and hold pens, pencils or markers if they're built up
and made larger. There is several non-slip "pencil grips" on the market that can help.
(Students have slid a foam roller over a pencil grip to make it even bigger.)
JHCTE- Research
ASP/102
2/17/16