Without the luxury of an unlimited budget, we have to spend our money wisely.  There are many eye-catching items on the market said to promote learning for students, but often they are very limited to one use or theme, and only catch the interest of a few students in the classroom.

Will it be of interest to most students, perhaps in different ways?

Is it an open-ended item that can be used a variety of ways, for a variety of purposes and themes?

Does it promote creativity?

Will it render a variety of results depending on who uses it and what they do with it?

Does it encourage cooperative play and communication?

Does it lend itself to being used with other items or centres already in the class?

Can it be used by students of varying abilities (gifted, special needs, dual language learners ) with minor adjustments of expectations?

Does this item present an engaging challenge for the children that will have them thinking critically?

Is it good quality material that will last through the years?