Whiteboards - It's Easy to Do if You Do It Smart

Whiteboards in the classroom are so underrated. They are a fantastic way to make sure students understand the material being covered. This subtle classroom management tool helps curb off-topic conversations among students all while giving you insight on where to strengthen instruction. Whiteboards also come with a host of other benefits.

They often help:

● shy students be vocal and get participation points without having to raise their hand and speak.

● students who might be struggling to feel empowered. They can participate without the fear of feeling less smart than their classmates who know the answers.

● students who always know the answers can participate without becoming the loudest voices in the class.

I 💓 chisel tip markers!

With the benefits in mind, you can make a sound decision on if it is for you and your students and how you would like to implement the practice. This includes what type of board you want for your classes. Be sure to select your board on criteria of cost and durability.

Your whiteboard options:

• Dollar stores - If you are worried about the affordability of a class set, check local dollar stores and value shopping centers for low-cost options. While materials may not be bundled, it is possible to get a class set for $30 or less!
• Teacher Supply Store - If dollar stores is not an option for you, another cost-effective option is card stock covered in 5mm laminate. For around$10, a class set can be made at local office or teacher supply stores. After the actual dry erase board, this is the sturdiest alternative. 
• Page protectors - If you find yourself pressed for time and restricted by budget, you can always use printer paper inside of page protectors. This option isn’t as durable or mess free, but it gets the job done.

Once you’ve selected your preferred whiteboard, it is time to establish guidelines of using whiteboards in class.

Some sample guidelines include:

● Whiteboards are only to be used for writing answers to the questions being asked. Only write on them when asked to or with permission.

● Dry erase markers are only for use on dry erase surfaces, not hands, books or paper.

● Everyone should try to answer the question with a response related to the subject. It’s okay to be unsure or incorrect, but an educated attempt is required.

● Once an answer is written, leave the whiteboard face down on the desk until instructed otherwise.

I highly recommend posting the guidelines in plain sight. This is great for you, those students that may have a hard time remembering and those that are visual learners. Using whiteboards with guidelines can be a little cumbersome in the beginning, but eventually, it becomes a part of the classroom culture.

Now that you’ve set up your guidelines, it is time to actually use the whiteboards.

5 Easy Steps to Using Whiteboard in Class

1. Have students set whiteboards face up with the markers on the desks while you ask the selected question. Once the question is asked, have them think about it for twenty seconds, enough time to think about the question and process it, then pick up the markers to respond. After students have written their answer, they are to put the whiteboards face down.

2. Have students show you their whiteboards when they’re done. This performs the temperature check and you can see who may not be connecting with the material.

3. After seeing all responses, have students return their board to face down and discuss their answers with a partner. If there is any confusion, this is a low-pressure opportunity to receive peer feedback without being called out in class. This is also when students are allowed to change answers. 

4. When partner collaboration is complete, ask one student to share their now correct answer and explain it. Those students that changed their answer will now have an opportunity to explain the correct answer which helps them retain the information.

5. Repeat! Walk through this process for two or three questions then move on with the main activity.

Using whiteboards is amazingly simple, but highly effective. Once incorporated into the fabric of the classroom, you’ll have the freedom to use this tool as a part of regular instruction and special occasions, like classroom observation.

How excited are you to try out these ideas? Your students are going to love using this in class, and I would love to see how you use this idea. Leave a comment below if you've tried this out or how you plan on using them 👍

If you are looking for some great tips on using whiteboards in elementary grades, check out this great list!

Want more info on whiteboards being used in class? Check out this fantastic list of resources.