Action-Reaction : My Innovative Teaching Aids.

Some teaching-learning practices I have implemented in my classes are shared below:

1 Games using Snake & Ladder Mat

During my interactions with young learners I realized that some of our old games could be used to bring out the concepts in an interactive way. One such game is the ‘Snakes & Ladder’. I’ve got a mat size Snakes & Ladder with a big dice to play it. We play it regularly in class.

The same mat is used to bring out the concepts of numbers, zero, counting, addition-subtraction etc. and even for themes like ‘Feeling & Emotions’, ‘Directions’, ‘Ordinals’ etc.

My Reflection: This idea works so well in my classes that I wonder why I didn’t think of it with my children at home! Maths/Numeracy skills could be enhanced in such interesting way using this game, which we had been playing for generations. Yet I never saw or heard of it being used with children in classes. I think the best part with this idea is “…seen it, know it, have it…” feel it gives to children.  They all have seen snakes & ladder and most often play it too. This familiarity ensures instant connect with children. Of course, the huge size and colours work liking an icing on the cake; and learning is enjoyed by kids as eating the cake! Hope this KEY idea will help learners & teachers add the most vital ingredient of ‘FUN’ in their classes.

2. Puzzles and flash cards with pictures from old newspapers/magazines & Use of Egg Cartons/Fruit Trays

The puzzles and flash cards used in class are made with realistic pictures from old newspapers, magazines etc. rather than flash cards normally available with animated images. Young children relate to what they see and find in their environment better. This not only aids in making the learning process closely related to reality, but also helps contribute my bit towards environment. 

My Reflections: I have an eye for scanning each object to see if it could be used in some way in class? This has contributed immensely to my ‘junky cubby’. I then come up with ideas to put these things to use. Egg cartons and fruit trays being used in my classes is one such aid. The best part of it is that it is easily available and costs nothing more than a visit to the vendor; and can be used freely by children without the continuous “…be careful…be careful…” chanting in class.