Do you have a class set of dry erase boards? As you know, using dry erase boards is a great way to save paper and motivate kids. They sure do love writing on those boards, but organizing and managing them can be tricky. Read below to grab some whiteboard organization ideas!
5 Tips for Organizing and Managing Whiteboards
Below are 5 tips for organizing and managing whiteboards in the classroom.
1. Create Individual Whiteboard Toolkits for Students
The first on the list of whiteboard organization ideas is to set up individual whiteboard toolkits for your students. Basically each student will need three things: A board, a marker and an eraser. It works really well to keep all three of these things contained in packets for the kids to grab and use as needed, a gallon-sized bag works well for this purpose.
If you number your students consider also numbering a board, a marker and a bag. This increased level of ownership and responsibility will greatly decrease the mistreating of the boards and will preserve the life of the markers. I also find that limiting community supplies keeps your students healthier.
2. Use Dark Colored Cloths as Erasers
Use dark colored cloths as erasers. I recommend fabric over wipes and tissues because they are more environmentally friendly and also it makes for better classroom management as you can keep everything together as a kit. Using a dark color prevents them from looking really gross after just a few uses.
Some teachers suggest using socks because the students can leave them on the hand they don’t write with and easily erase as they work. Cutting up old shirts or towels works well too. If doing the latter I recommend using pinking shears as they will cut the fabric neatly and limit fraying.
Ask a parent volunteer to launder them for you every few weeks. Just send them home with a student on a Friday afternoon and ask that they be returned on a Monday morning.
3. Create a Small Group Toolkit
The third on the list of whiteboard organization ideas is to create a small group toolkit. If you use dry erase boards in a small group setting often, you will find it useful to create a basket of boards, markers and wipes specifically for this purpose. It will save you time to have everything at the ready when instructing your group.
4. Get Creative with What You Use for a Board
A class set of dry erase boards can be pricey, so you have to get creative and instead use plastic plates. At this time of year the kind I’m featuring are in abundance at places like Dollar Tree and Walmart. During other seasons Solo plates from party stores work too, but these are sturdier. They come in a bunch of colors. I bought a set of orange because the markers contrast pretty well with that color and I can see my kiddos’ work from afar. I love how easy they wipe clean. If you have little learners, you’ll find the edge of the plate is helpful as it contains the marker on the plate (said the mommy who has little ones who tend to color the paper and onto her table). I also love how they are light and easy to store. The entire class sets stacks and takes up only a few inches of valuable classroom space which helps to keep the room neat and organized. You can also use page protectors and even small trays from the Dollar Store instead of white boards to save money. Check out the whiteboard management and organization ideas below!
 |  |
5. Clean Your Whiteboards Regularly
Are the dry erase boards in your classroom looking old and worn? This teacher tip will remove ink from dry erase boards and restore them to their original condition. Spray a clean board with WD-40 and wipe dry with paper towels. The WD-40 fills in the dried pores of the board that hold in marker ink, making it easier to erase.
In closing, we hope you found these whiteboard organization ideas helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in my classroom organization guide as well as these posts:
- Paper Organization Ideas for Elementary Teachers
- How to Declutter Your Classroom
- How to Organize Your Substitute Teacher Binder
