7 Great Ways to Use White Boards in the Classroom

Keeping students engaged in the classroom is tough – especially with all of today’s modern distractions, such as cellphones and tablets. When it comes to keeping students engaged, and excited to learn, whiteboards get the job done. No, we’re not talking about those crazy expensive smartboards that cost $5,000+. We’re talking about old-school whiteboards. Whiteboards are an amazing and inexpensive way to engage students. Here are seven great ways to use whiteboards in the classroom.

1. Brainstorming

Brainstorming is an amazing way to review, or explore a new subject/concept. There’s no better way to brainstorm than with a whiteboard. Divide your students off into groups of two or three, giving each group a whiteboard or set them up in groups on whiteboard tables. Give your students a concept to brainstorm about, and have them take turns writing on the whiteboard.
Bonus: Give them different colored markers so you know who is contributing!

2. Q&A Session

Students are notorious for not liking to be called out and answer questions in class. With the convenience of a whiteboard you can ask your entire class a question and ask them to write out their short response on their whiteboard. Either pass out individual whiteboards, or have them write on their desks if they have whiteboard desks! 

3. Practice Vocab

Practicing vocabulary words has never been easier. Teachers can write out multiple choice answers on the whiteboard at the front of the classroom, while students write down which answer they think is correct on their small whiteboards at their desk, on their whiteboard desks, or scratch paper. It’s simple, effective, and keeps the entire classroom engaged.
Bonus for Language classes: Have your students conjugate directly on their desks!

4. Math Problems Made Easy

Let’s admit it – most students don’t enjoy math. Writing out math problems on whiteboards give students the freedom to retract/erase their steps, and work through the problem. Solving math problems on whiteboards gives students the freedom of working on a clean slate. Plus, as the teacher, you can come around with a colored marker and annotate directly on their desk! 

5. Pictionary

We all love a good game of Pictionary! You can have your students play games of Pictionary for new vocab words, or to review for a quiz coming up. Play a game of Pictionary with whiteboards, and you’ll be amazed at how excited your students are to learn! (here's a photo below of Pictionary from a recent work event we did!)

6. Use it for One-On-One

If you have a student who continues to struggle with a topic, sit with them one-on-one and have them work out the problem on their whiteboard. This will give you the opportunity to see exactly where the student is making a mistake. Once you figure out that, you’ll be able to guide them in the right direction.

7. Spelling

Whiteboards are great for younger students who still have spelling bees and quizzes. Students are more likely to retain information when they hand-write it down. Break your students off into groups of three or four and let them take turns spelling out the words. Turn it into some friendly competition by offering the winning group bonus points.

These are just a few ways to use whiteboards in the classroom. Not only are whiteboards a great way to engage students, but they’re cost effective and better for the environment.

If you have tables and desks that are not currently dry erase, feel free to check out our Whiteboard Table covers and Whiteboard Desk covers here!

Also, not sure if you should cover your tables or not? Check out our video below!