Image 5: Flexible PVC toy spinner. Change toys with the season, theme, or interest of the child.
Image 4: A varierty of tools for play can be constructed from PVC pipe and connectors including grasping assists and tablet or toy holders.
sheet sets that keep the sheets stacked and folded, from pizza boxes, or by turning a three-ring binder inside out and stabiliz- ing it on shelf liner. An advantage of using the three-ring bind- er as an easel is that it can also be used to display step-by-step pictures inserted into sheet protectors to guide or structure play activities. Pizza box easels are great inexpensive do it your- self supports. They are lightweight, portable, and adjustable. Depending on how they are assembled, they can be collapsed and art tools and materials can be stored inside (Image 6).
PVC PVC pipe, PVC joints, end PVC cutters, found at any hard- ware store carrying plumbing supplies can be used to build and customize an endless array play supports (Image 4). This inexpensive material is lightweight, fairly easy to cut, and many of the items constructed from easels to sensory tables can be disassembled in minutes. PVC is sold in various lengths and diameters. A 10-foot length of 1/2 in diameter PVC pipe costs less than $3. The connecting joints (T joints, elbow joints, end caps) range from around $0.35 to a dollar and are less ex- pensive if bought in bulk. PVC can be combined with toys and other items of interest. The Paths to Literacy website provides ideas on how to engage children using PVC frames as starting points. A large clear plastic lidded jar “threaded” on a PVC frame so that it can be spun can offer endless possibilities for explora- tion (Image 5). The PVC: Practical, Versatile, Cheap AT Supports booklet from the ATEN Coordinating Unit at Orange County Schools in Florida contains easy-to-follow directions for switch stands, tilting eye gaze frames, mobile floor stands, toy “corrals” and much, more. For additional PVC DIY ideas, type DIY PVC (fill in the blank) into your browser. EASELS Easels can be used to support books, communication dis- plays, pictures and other objects providing an angle that is eas- ily viewed. They are especially useful for children who cannot hold these materials themselves. Additionally, easels allow play partners to display materials and have their hands free to assist the child during play. Easels can be constructed from PVC, from the U-shaped cardboard packaging insert found in some bed
Image 6: Collabsible pizza box easel can double as an art supply container.
25
February / March, 2022 | www.closingthegap.com/membership Closing The Gap © 2022 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
BACK TO CONTENTS
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator