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Creating MaterialsThere are many teachers out there who like to ?stay in the lines?. They like to follow the syllabus and/or workbook, and don?t take the time to come up with other ways to interest and engage the students. Not to be mistaken, following the workbook does have its advantages, but it also has its downfalls. From a student?s point of view, it can get repetitive and boring seeing the same activities and format over and over throughout the course of the year. Most workbooks usually repeat the same format in each unit while utilizing the different information in each chapter. One thing that I think can help to break up the monotony of a workbook or previously planned syllabus is creating unique materials. Creating materials allows the teacher to utilize their creative side. Created materials can be anything from crossword puzzles, to word searches, role play activities as well as flash cards. Most teachers, myself included, enjoy finding different ways to keep the students interested in the material being taught. Generating interest in a class or topic is something that can often times be difficult for a teacher, however, by introducing unique, created materials, the teacher is bringing change to the class and keeping the students from getting bored using solely the workbook. When students come into a classroom and find that they are utilizing created materials, instead of the same old materials that come from the class book, in my opinion, they are more excited about the class. Providing the students with a wide variety of materials and activities keeps them engaged. It is often times difficult to, throughout a year, continuously keep the students interested in a class. Sole use of the workbook is predictable and boring. By using created materials, the students have something different to look forward to throughout the class. Another benefit of created materials is that the teacher is able to tailor the materials perfectly for the needs of the students. A teacher knows what will best engage the students, what they enjoy doing the most, and what type of materials will best foster a positive learning environment. By using created materials, a teacher is able to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the students, giving extra reinforcement on certain areas where it is needed. Created materials, the teacher can come up with provide the students additional worksheets, games, flash cards or other activities. These allow for a more interesting class environment for both the teacher and student. Where the teacher finds holes in the course book, they can supplement the information with created worksheets. The teacher can also create role playing activities to ensure that the students are utilizing what they are learning throughout their different units. In my opinion, created materials are a necessity in every classroom. They are an integral part of each and every lesson a teacher prepares. They show that a teacher cares to take enough time to put forth the extra effort to custom make lessons that will engage, interest and foster the learning of each and every student. They are important for extra practice, reinforcement and to break up the monotony of what can become routine lessons that are solely pulled from a class book. Created materials not only interest the students, but they allow the teacher to ensure that every activity is a perfect fit for the class.
