Itinerant Tools and Treasures

Objective

Explore and share instructional materials used by and created by itinerant teachers.

Content Information

Most itinerant teachers and interpreters require access to textbooks used by students they serve. Having access to curriculum materials and resources is very important in order to effectively support a student in a mainstream or inclusion environment. Often, schools do not have "extra" books available to provide on loan. In this case, what is an itinerant teacher to do?

Another item of concern for many itinerant teachers is the use of "busy work" kinds of worksheets that do not support the academic goals of a unit. Often these kinds of materials are used in cases where a substitute teacher is present or if another situation prevents focus on the unit. One way to avoid wasting time with students who require supplemental practice on vocabulary, concept development, and other academic skills, is to have "Teacher Tools" software programs or websites that allow quick creation of worksheets or quizzes specific to the unit. (RMTC's Teacher Resources Website )

Many itinerant teachers create their own materials based on vocabulary and concepts being covered in a student's content area courses. Teachers can create learning activities and worksheets to meet student's individual learning needs. There are many tutorials available that can assist teachers in learning to use technology to make the process of material creation quick and easy, with some practice of course. ;c)

There are many resources available on the Internet that can be used for both remediation and enrichment. Using activities found on the Internet can save lots of time and energy. One example that offers both free and subscription activities is Fun Brain. This Web site has quizzes and games that cover some of the same skills you might provide to a student on a worksheet. The big differences include: 1) students are motivated because they are working on the computer, 2) student get immediate feedback telling them if they were right or wrong, and maybe the best feature 3) student scores can be emailed to the teacher after the student completes the quiz.

Collaboration Activity - Post a note in the Discussion Forum -

Option 1 - What kinds of instructional materials do the schools you serve provide you? What kinds of materials do you buy and/or make?

Option 2 - Do you have access to and do you use the Internet with the students you serve? If yes, what strategies do you use while implementing activities using the Internet?

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The Florida Deaf Education Professional Development Online Community (FL DEPDOC) is made possible in part by a grant from The Theodore R. and Vivian M. Johnson Scholarship Foundation. The Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RMTC: D/HH - FDLRS) is funded by the State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Public Schools and Community Education, Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services through federal assistance under IDEA, Part B and state general revenue funds.