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independently as well as providing repetition. Learning materials, regardless of what kind,
all have some function in student learning.
Learning materials can also add important structure to lesson planning and the delivery
of instruction. Particularly in lower grades, learning materials act as a guide for both the
teacher and student. They can provide a valuable routine. For instance, if you are a
language arts teacher and you teach new vocabulary words every Tuesday, knowing that
you have a vocabulary game to provide the students with practice regarding the new
words will both take pressure off of you and provide important practice (and fun) for your
students.
In addition to supporting learning more generally, learning materials can assist teachers
in an important professional duty: the differentiation of instruction. Differentiation of
instruction is the tailoring of lessons and instruction to the different learning styles and
capacities within your classroom. Learning materials such as worksheets, group activity
instructions, games, or homework assignments all allow you to modify assignments to
best activate each individual student's learning style.
Getting your hands on valuable teaching materials is not nearly as difficult as it can seem
at first. The Internet has many resources for teachers, most of them free, that can
significantly increase the contents of your teaching toolbox. You can also make your own
materials. Every learning material you develop will be an asset to you when you next
teach a similar unit. An investment of time or money in good teaching materials is an
investment in good teaching.
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