A Good Whiteboard is Hard to Find

Whiteboards are a standard part of the classroom and whilst they’re great for stimulating learning, they have become somewhat commonplace. Although the standard whiteboard is pretty much a necessity in the modern classroom, there are some alternative whiteboard forms that can be included in your teaching and can even help to inspire your whole class.

Handheld whiteboards -

Smaller, lap-based whiteboards are a great way to move from the big screen to a more individual learning style. Providing each child with their own whiteboard is a great way to encourage a more active learning style within the classroom and can also work to liven up any particular lesson.

Not only are mini whiteboards perfect for engaging each child but they’re also a good way for you to gauge how well each student is keeping up with the learning pace that you’ve set. More importantly though, it’s important to express the ability to erase mistakes easily and this in itself can help to boost confidence in some children.

Desktop whiteboards -

Perhaps mini whiteboards aren’t always the best option. Although they encourage individual learning, it is often more important for children to learn to work together. Transportable and multi-sided desktop whiteboards are perfect for group work and provide the perfect platform for children to gather round and all have an input into what is going on the board.

The larger surface area means that everyone can write on it and there is less chance of fall outs between those who want to be in control. More importantly, these desktop whiteboards can be used whilst still at their desks.

Easel whiteboards -

If you’re looking for something that perhaps requires a little more movement, then a mobile easel might be a better option. This takes the learning from the big board to a smaller one and can also be used for group work or even during playtime.

Although these whiteboards are ideal for children, they can also be used by the teacher in a different scenario. Whilst sitting on the floor as a group, an easel is perhaps a better way to communicate with the children and provides a closer, more accessible surface to write upon.

Activity centre with built in whiteboard -

Using whiteboards during playtime is important for children expressing their creative side and for a completely unique whiteboard style, perhaps an activity centre will work better? As well as being mobile, an activity centre like this one can be instrumental within a learning structure and also encourage children to take it in turns, to work in groups and to be more active within the classroom.

Why whiteboards are so great

There are many advantages of using different whiteboard formats within your lesson and these benefits extend further than the engagement of your pupils. Of course there is the opportunity for some children to become distracted but the pros far outweigh the cons.

Additionally, the ability to cut back on paper and other resources is something that many schools may be looking to do. Whiteboards reduce the amount of workbooks and paper used in the classroom, especially for activities that don’t necessarily need to be recorded.