Working with Instructional Materials for Primary and Secondary Education

Working with instructional materials for primary and secondary education fosters student development

By Renee Baumgardner
Incorporating instructional materials for primary and secondary education allows students to receive supplemental instruction in addition to that provided in the classroom. Since many individuals learn by doing, educational curriculum materials such as worksheets, games, puzzles and labs give students the opportunity to work through concepts learned in the classroom on their own or in a group environment.

When working with instructional materials for primary and secondary education, teachers need to consider:

1. Selecting primary education supplies that enable students to participate

2. Selecting secondary education teaching supplies that allow students to develop concepts

3. Selecting curriculum materials specifically designed for special education classes

 

Purchase primary education supplies and instructional materials that require student participation

It's a good idea to buy instructional materials for primary schools that encourage student participation. This reinforces ideas and concepts presented during classroom instruction time. Examples of such materials include flashcards and alphabet cards to develop spelling and phonics, coins, puzzles and fraction cubes to develop math skills, and wall maps to supplement lessons in social studies. Primary educational supplies such as stickers and certificates are excellent rewards for children and serve as motivators.
Try: School Teachers and A2ZTeachersOutlet market a variety of primary education teacher supplies to supplement classroom instruction in areas such as math, spelling, social studies and science.

Purchase secondary education supplies and instructional materials that supplement classroom learning

Choose instructional materials for secondary education that reinforce ideas and concepts presented during classroom instruction. Examples of secondary educational supplies include literature guides to supplement English classes, science labs and math exercises that apply concepts to real world scenarios.
Try: Education 4 Kids offers literature guides such as “The Great Gatsby” and "Macbeth” that teachers can incorporate into their lesson plans to allow students to gain an understanding of literary classics. Math Teacher Link lists mathematical exercises developed by teachers whose subject matter pertains to algebra, pre-calculus and trigonometry, which enables students to apply mathematical concepts into real life applications.

Incorporate instructional curriculum materials into special education classes to foster growth

Instructional materials for primary and secondary education students with special needs not only serve as an educational resource, but also allow these students to develop communication and motor skills. For instance, lessons in sign language allow students to communicate with others. Students can develop life skills through lessons dealing with money, time, cooking, health and social skills and physical exercises allow the development of motor skills.
Try: Items such as study carrels help reduce distractions and allow children to focus on assignments, while adjustable tables and beanbag chairs allow for the accommodation of children with special physical needs. Nasco and The Exceptional Company sell educational materials and supplies specifically designed for students with special needs.