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TOOL BELT Theory
WHAT?
The Tool Belt Theory is the idea that students need to be able to choose effective tools that will support them in the classroom and beyond. It is our job as educators to coach students to assemble learning tools that will support the TASK at hand, their ENVIRONMENT, their SKILL set, and the availability of TOOLs. WHY? Tools matter. Humans are tool users. When I first thought of tools, I have to admit, I immediately thought about humans back in the day. I also thought of construction workers. I imagined humans using spears to hunt or construction workers using hammers and screwdrivers to build houses. After digging deeper into my brain, I realized, we all use tools daily. If we need to hang up a picture -yes we may grab a hammer and nail. However, we use other tools daily too. If we are tired of swimming-we use a life jacket! If it's too far to walk- we jump on a bike! If it starts to rain-we grab an umbrella! If we keep on forgetting something-we write it on a sticky! Tools are everywhere and necessary! In school it is similar. Different students choose different pencils to write with. Some prefer mechanical and some prefer thicker. Some students find writing on a computer easier. Text-to-speech is helpful to some students and others prefer predictive text. There are paper books, picture books, magazines, ebooks, and audio books now too. Different students prefer different tools at different times! There are many tools out there to support our students in almost every way. Tool Belt Theory is designed to: *Break the dependance cycle *Develop lifespan technology skills *Limit limitations *Empower student decision making *Prepare students for life beyond school WHO? The tool bet theory is for everyone. Students with or without learning difficulties will benefit from building a tool belt. It is a necessary skill set for everyone to learn. HOW? In order for students to choose appropriate tools, they need experiences to try out different tools. Teachers need to provide opportunity in their classrooms for students to explore various tools. After exploring, allow time for students to evaluate and discover what is available to them and what works for them. Considerations: TESK TASK: What needs to be done? What is the Task at hand? ENVIRONMENT: Where must this be done? SKILLS: What strengths and skills can I bring to this task? TOOL: What tools would work best with the skills I have and skills I need to complete the task? Remember: What works for one student may not work for another. What works for one environment may not work for another. Students and tools are both constantly changing. Exploring tools and re-evaluating your tool box should be on going! Allow room for failure-and maybe chaos! Happy Tool Shopping Everyone! A TOOLBELT In PracticeImagine: a student who struggles with reading, writing, and working memory.
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