Classroom Hacks: Whiteboards

Get a class set of white boards for you students. I personally think this is one of the best tools you can provide your students with, especially for math, literacy and numeracy lessons. I know when I was young, a student, and even now to this day, I LOVE writing on my white board, and I still use one today. I map out my thinking, do the majority of planning, scheduling and  organize random thoughts and reminders that pop into my head throughout the day. For students, its a fantastic tool to do all of this as well, and do their schoolwork. It’s an organizational tool, a visual tool, and a brainstorming tool that can be used throughout the school day, from subject to subject or just help students organize their thoughts. Students need a concrete and visual representation of what they learning and the whiteboard is the perfect way for them to do that. For example, in math class, students are able to jot down their thinking and explore new methods with their white board so that they are not afraid of making mistakes and they simple erase and keep going! There are sooo many ways you can incorporate whiteboards into everyday lessons. For math strings, morning bell work, having students raise their boards with the answers. It also helps them keep track of their mathematical thoughts and be mathematicians by exploring new ways to help their understanding in a visual way. Also, writing things out helps them visualize their thought process and know and remember what they are doing. It’s also a great tool for brainstorming. Students tend to struggle with knowing where to start, in math and in language. Having this tool allows them to brainstorm ideas and keep track of them so they confined a path and continue on! 
Tip: Don’t buy those expensive whiteners that are sold individually. Go to your local hardware store. They sell large sheets of whiteboards they they will cut down for you into your preferred size. 
Tip: Make them the size of the students desk and have seller ones handy for side work 
Tip: Get your students a set of whiteboard markers each that they will be responsible for in their desks to use throughout the year
Tip: Dont throw out your old mismatched socks, save them! They make fantastic and affordable whiteboard erasers.