Using student-sized dry erase boards has become a standard part of our classroom instruction. Many years ago we created class sets out of old dry erase boards that were taken down from classrooms, but these are now very old and don't wipe clean, so it is time for new. Dry erase boards are used every day across the curriculum in a variety of ways to support student learning and teacher ability to check for understanding, and are invaluable instructional tools for many reasons:
1. Using dry erase boards engages every child in every single lesson.
2. Teachers can check for understanding easily by having students 'chin it' and show their work so we know exactly who’s grasping the concepts and who needs reteaching or support.
3. Students love them because they’re fun. Mistakes made during guided practice can be easily erased.
4. Using dry erase boards saves paper, so are environmentally and budget friendly.
5. Dry erase boards can be used in whole group instruction, small guided groups, learning centers, and individually.
6. The use of dry erase boards is an integral part of the professional development TTUSD provided in Explicit Direct Instruction to support high levels of engagement in learning for all.