Ten low-cost teaching tools are presented: 1) scissors, 2) timers, 3) call bells, 4) pizza box lids, 5) dice, 6) colored markers, 7) sticky putty, 8) modeling clay, 9) playing cards, and 10) a stuffed animal or puppet. Each tool is described and examples are given of how it can be used for educational activities. The document recommends teachers design their own learning tasks using these tools and tailor activities to different student ability levels.

1. TEN GREAT LOW-COST
TEACHING TOOLS
Educational material created by Prof. Alejandra Masís Artavia, 2011.

2. INTRODUCTION
This presentation’s aim is to provide
teachers with ten low-cost teaching
tools. Moreover, it seeks to explain the
importance of using these tools and
how they can be used in several ways,
as Kevin McCaughey states in his
article.

3. Tool 1: Scissors (and scratch paper)
Importance of using scissors: they transform a single piece of
scratch paper into 10, 20, and even 50 paper squares.
These paper squares can be distributed to students for instant
writing tasks. The pieces of paper can be used to generate
describing and guessing games.
Craft-oriented tasks like cutting and slicing.

4. Tool 2: Timers
Importance of using timers:
- Students should know how much time they have to finish the task.
- Students know about their progress
- Time management and self-pacing are encouraged.
- Time limits can change the mood of a task.
Get a visible countdown device.

5. Tool 3: Call bell
Importance of using a call bell: teachers use this tool to call students’
attention without relying on their own voice; it fosters effective time
management.
You can use any sound device (a whistle, a buzzer). You can use specific
musical themes recorded on your MP3 player, computer, or cell phone.
You should have a different sound to START and STOP a task.

6. Tool 4: Pizza box lids
Importance of using pizza box lids: teachers can create board games on the
box lids.
The advantages of using pizza box lids:
- They are light, durable, flattish, and easy to carry.
- Students will enjoy creating their own board games.
- Students increase creativity and critical thinking.
All sorts of cardboard boxes will work: cereal boxes,
drink cartons.

7. Tool 5: Dice
Importance of using dice: Teachers can design countless activities.
Other benefits:
- Teachers can create advanced tasks with two or more dice per group or
dice of different colors.
- Students and teachers can create their own dice from paper or
cardboard, so dice allow for a lot of invention.

8. Tool 6: Colored markers
Importance of using colored markers:
- They are cheap enough.
- Having a selection of colors makes writing and artistic tasks more fun.
- Students can combine art and language in comic strips or sequential art.
- It is a solution to the lack of materials.

9. Tool 7: Sticky putty
It is a clay-like adhesive that sticks things together such as papers to walls,
windows, or desks.
Importance of using this tool: teachers can post students’ creations on
walls or windows.
Some benefits: it won’t tear paper, discolor walls, or damage wallpaper; it
can be recycled.

10. Tool 8: Modeling clay
Importance of using modeling clay:
- Teachers can create different activities. Examples: “dic-clay-
tion” and group project tasks.
- Teachers can make tokens or game pieces by using different
colors.

11. Tool 9: Playing cards
Importance of using playing cards:
- They can be adapted for countless language learning games.
- They foster student group formation.
They aid in group organization.

12. Tool 10: Javvy
Javvy is a small gray stuffed animal.
He has several functions in the classroom.
Teachers can give different uses to a stuffed animal or puppet.

13. RECOMENDATIONS
The author suggests some activities to be done in class
by using the teaching tools. However, teachers can
come up with other great ideas on how to design
learning tasks.
Students of different level can carry out the activities
proposed. Teachers decide the level of difficulty and
the emphasis given.

14. CONCLUSION
The author reflects his own
teaching style by pointing out what
teaching tools work best for him.
We, as teachers, can choose the
teaching tools that define our
personal beliefs.