What is your favorite tool to teach with? I am sure everybody has a tool that helps shape their online classroom environment. A tool that helps to explain tough grammar topics, spell hard words, and practice phonics. Something multi-purpose and handy when you run out of ideas.
My essential tool is my whiteboard.
Why is it an essential tool?
A whiteboard is essential for many reasons:
1. It is reusable.
It is better not to use paper to complete different activities each class because we are environmentally aware teachers, right? Whiteboards allow us years of use. There is also an option to recycle your markers and I do believe that there is a way to refill them once they are used up. It is possible to refill them and use them again, I just checked. :D So for those of you who are interested, take a look into this option as well.
2. It can teach a wide range of topics.
a. Phonics: Writing a letter on a board is so one of the fastest, easiest things you could do to practice phonics. Or you can use magnets and put up a colorful letter. This saves on whiteboard marker usage too. Once you write it on the board, repeat the sound over and over again and then have the student do it independently.
b. Sight words: This is very similar to the phonics part. Write the word or words on the board and then practice them. You can clap and spell them, say them over and over, have the student find the correct one. You can even have the student correct your spelling, which is fun for the student, because the teacher is wrong. 😉
c. Grammar: Yay for grammar. Haha If you have a grammar point that you are trying to teach, you can use the whiteboard to write out sentence examples for your students. Giving multiple examples can help your students see how to apply these rules.
d. Sentence structure review: Write out the sentence and then underline the correction that you are trying to make. This can be shown also with your fingers if it is a short sentence. Writing it out and underlining the correction will emphasize what the student was missing or what they need to work on.
e. Fill in the Blank: This is a great way to learn any type of grammar or vocabulary word. Leave a word out and have the student figure out what is missing from the sentence. It is good practice for awareness.
f. Vocabulary development: You can either write the word out or attempt to draw a picture that represents the word you are trying to teach.
3. You can use it for reward systems.
When you use a whiteboard as a reward system, you need to keep in mind what motivates the student and how you can use it to create a teaching moment while giving the reward.
Stars
Sometimes I use it to give my students stars. They can choose the color, size, location, etc. I typically use stars for smaller children.
Pictionary
I also play a Pictionary game with my students. I attempt to draw the vocabulary words they are trying to learn during the lesson. This way we get vocabulary practice in while they play a fun game!
Point System
This can be used for older students. If a student does well, then they get a point, but if you answer first, or they aren’t paying attention, then you get a point. I am extremely competitive and so I tend to look for any opportunity to get points. Older students don’t really go for stars, but they may go for Pictionary or a point system, This gamifies the lesson, thus creating a more fun and relaxed classroom atmosphere.
*Remember that you have to use reward systems that are suitable for your student’s age. Don’t make the same mistake I did. If you would like to read about my mistake, check out my article on reward systems. Haha*
4. It is easy to use.
I think this one is straightforward. If you have markers and/or magnets, it is handy and versatile.
What are some setbacks to using a whiteboard?
Even though there are so many uses for a whiteboard, it isn’t the only tool we should be using in the classroom. It is also beneficial to have a whiteboard that is small enough for you to hold, but not so small that you can only fit one word on the board. You need to find what works for you as a teacher though. If you are less likely to use a whiteboard in class and decide you only need a small one, that is awesome! But if you are like me and want to use it for multiple things, try to get a bigger board.
That is it for my thoughts on whiteboards. Please feel free to subscribe and give comments. 😊 Thank you and bye!