Best Low-Tech and High-Tech Items for the Classroom

I will be featuring two low-tech items and two high-tech items, all of which would make a great addition to the classroom. They all foster learning in different ways, but the main goal of any technology is to keep the child engaged so learning can take place.

One of the most essential low-tech toys is the band in a box! This is a great item for circle time, because it gives the children the ability to participate while still remaining in their spots. The musical instruments get the wiggles out without too much wiggling. They can be used to teach rhythm, patterns, and taking turns. The picture shows a Melissa and Doug band in a box, and includes a tambourine, maracas, a triangle, symbols, a rhythm stick, and a clapper.

The next low-tech item is a paper roll dispenser. This dispenser holds blank paper and can be cut off in small pieces for individual projects or in a long strip for group coloring activities. The dispenser is a lovely feature because it can be left out on the table without worrying about the roll of paper falling, tearing, or getting bent. 

My first high-tech item is an interactive globe. Geography can be a hard concept for children to grasp, because they are born with an egocentric nature. An interactive globe teaches them about the world around them in a fun and engaging way. The "smart pen" allows children to explore the globe and learn fun facts about each country.

The second high-tech item is the Math Mat Challenge electronic game, and can help foster a child's math skills as well as gross motor skills and listening skills. You can choose a counting game, an addition game, and a subtraction game. The game will ask a question, such as, "what is 3 + 2?" The child then has to tap, slap, or jump on the correct number within a certain amount of time. The game speeds up as the child answers questions correctly to keep the child challenged and engaged. This would be a good game for a small group time with the help of an assistant teacher. Math is a hard subject for a lot of children, so adding movement can help engage children who don't like math.