Low Tech Devices (Plus! How to make them!)

Reading & Writing Low Tech Devices:

Reading


•  Page fluffers
To make the pages of a storybook easy to turn, just add page fluffers.
1.  Packing peanuts can be glued or paper clipped onto the book pages.
2.  A flattened drinking straw could be paper clipped onto a page.
3.  On cardboard books, a dot of hot glue in the corner also works great.


•  Felt board
A store that sells fabric on bolts will be happy to give away the cardboard bolt end. Simply
cover with felt (and hot glue) and it's ready for story time.


•  Reading guides
Cut see-through colored plastic page protectors into strips. Place on reading material.

Writing

• Rubber stamping letters and numbers

Make a rubber stamp handle using a mini M&M's candy container (or any small container).
Stick a rough piece of hook and loop fastener (Velcro) to the end using self-adhesive
fastener or a strong adhesive. Add a smooth piece of fastener to the back of the rubber
stamp. Put together and stamp! Stamps are easily changeable.

•  Raised line writing paper

A variety of options are available when making your own raised line paper. Puff paint
(available at a craft store) or glue can be drawn on the paper and allowed to dry. A
seamstress's tracing wheel can be rolled across the paper and the raised line is felt on the
opposite side of the surface. This same effect can be accomplished by stitching (without
thread) the paper on a sewing machine.

• Quick pencil grip

 There are many styles of pencil grips available for purchase. But, in a pinch, grab a thick
rubber band and wrap it around a pen or pencil to help keep fingers from slipping.

• No slip grip

Place a foam 'tube' from a foam hair curler around a pencil, toothbrush or disposable razor
to make them a little larger and slip resistant. These gems not only come in pink, but also
green and black (for the guys!)

• Practice ball pencil grip

Insert a pen or pencil into a practice golf ball. This makes a larger grip and it is lightweight.

• Ball grip

Make a hole through a rubber ball (this is a bit tough). Push a pen or pencil through to
desired length. This creates a large and heavy grip.

• Molded grip

Crayola makes "Magic Mold" which is pliable and soft, not to mention fun to handle. Using
an appropriate piece of this material shape around a pencil, utensil etc and squeeze your
personal grip into the foam. Foam dries in 24 hours but remains soft.

• Magnetic slant board

Slip a magnetic pattern holder into the clear plastic cover pocket of a 3" or 4" binder. The
pattern holder may come with a magnetic ruler. If not, stick magnetic strip (available from a
craft store) to the back of a wooden ruler.