Budget-Friendly Materials: Create affordable learning materials for Early Childhood Education. Here is a guide for you as a teacher’s trainer

Financial limitations are one of the hindrances to creating a conducive learning environment. Research by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) says that “high-quality early childhood programs do not require expensive materials.” The available resources are enough for teachers to create engaging educational DIY learning materials.

A. The Benefits of Do It Yourself Learning Materials.

 Beyond financial limitations, there are benefits to creating DIY learning aids. Here are some to take note of:

1. Teacher Empowerment: It would help the teacher be more innovative, have a sense of belonging and also aim accurately at meeting the student’s needs to achieve their curriculum objectives.
2. Promoting Sustainability: Helping the children learn how to be resourceful, valuable and conservative with the activities around their environment. A great sense of alignment.
3. Enhanced Engagements and Results: In-house resources frequently result in greater dedication, curiosity, and discovery in young children.

B. Innovative ideas for creating DIY learning materials within our environment:

Some ideas for creating DIY learning materials include;

1. Math and Counting:

1. Matchsticks Counting Boards: crafted shapes cut out of colourful paper can be glued on cardboard to aid them with the identification of shapes. The use of coloured buttons and dried beans can aid their counting also.
2. Recycled Egg Carton Puzzles: Cut into sized egg cartons and write numbers on them. Have the children put the cartons back together in the correct numerical order.
3. Pom-Pom Sorting Trays: Recreate using muffin tins and decorate them. This can be used to teach children colour recognition, fine motor skills and help them practice counting.

2. Language and Literacy Development:

1. Sensory Word Bingo: Cut squares from construction paper and write out sensory words on them, e.g. Soft, sweet, sour, etc. Place objects that best identify the sensory words and ask children to link them with their bingo card.
2. Homemade Story Sequencing Cards: Create picture cards from random cards showing the key events to a family story and have the children arrange the cards in the order of the story as they remember it.
3. Magnetic Letter Board: Create magnetic letters on cardboard using a metal baking sheet to cover it with contact paper. A way to help them practice letter recognition and spelling.

3. Science and Exploration:

1. Nature collage items: Have them cut features and leaves and take pebbles while on a short excursion with them. When they return back to the class, assist them in glueing those materials to a cardboard and creating a beautiful piece, coupling them together in appreciation of their environment and nature.
2. Sensory Bottles: Add water into an empty plastic bottle, glitter, a few beads and buttons with a few drops of food coloring in the water. Give it as a tool to the children as they shake and observe it.
3. Small volcanoes: Mix soda and vinegar to create a safe and small volcano model using a repurposed aluminium tray and play dough. This would help ignite their curiosity about chemical reactions.

 Beyond the materials: Partnership is essential.

 

Create an avenue where parents and the community can help cater for recycled materials to create learning aids. This brings a sense of community enhancement and a sense of belonging in the classroom environment.

C. Conclusion: It’s Beyond the Toy Box.

Through the creation of DIY learning materials, teachers can create a conducive, vibrant, and stimulating learning atmosphere that helps foster curiosity and exploration and birth the affection for learning in the children’s hearts.

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Mrs. Omotola Lawson is a seasoned Toy Distribution Entrepreneur and government-certified Instructor with a proven track record. She excels in attracting and securing international investors for Nigeria and designing and delivering comprehensive ‘Train the Trainers’ programs for child-focused organizations in both the private and public sectors. Notably, 15 years ago, she founded the first dedicated toy outlet in Lagos, a pioneering venture that has made a significant impact in the industry.