Quick-deploy Mini Whiteboards

TLDR: Use self-adhesive pen loops + velcro tape for erasers.

One of the best ways to check for understanding in lessons is the use of mini-whiteboards. They are highly versatile and would work for any lesson of any subject.

Recently, I've been experimenting with how to increase participation and increase the frequency of embedding mini-whiteboards in my lessons. When you are timetabled quite heavily and moving across one classroom to another, implementing the use of mini-whiteboards can be practically challenging. Hence, how would I quickly deploy them at the start of each day or each lesson or at a whim in the middle of a lesson?

Known practical ways:

1. Students have planners with glossy whiteboard pages at the back of their planners and they are expected to have their own whiteboard pens.
2. The pack (mini-whiteboard + pen + eraser) in an individual zip-lock bag.
3. The pack placed in a pack/pouch hanging behind their chairs/side of the table.
4. Each item in a cleaning compartment tray with a handle for quick handing out.

The above are the typical ones that I'm aware of to enable quick deployment of whiteboards. None of them is good enough for me. I'm on the lookout for a one-ready-to-go set of whiteboards. 

Initially, I tried the LCD screen boards, since the pen has its own holder and clearing this board is as easy as a click of a button, so, all you need to do is hand out the boards - no other additional items to hand out. The downside of these LCD screen boards is the readability from afar is poor. As I'm at the front of the classroom, trying to read or scan through students' work, it is not as legible as black writing on a white background. 

Using the same principle as the LCD screen board, I then attempted to implement them to a classic mini-whiteboard. I found such an item called an elastic pen loop which meant for notebooks where you can keep your pen along with the notebook at all times, and a Velcro tape. They're both very cheap, especially purchasing them directly from China via AliExpress. Links below.

Putting them together is straightforward. I included some images below.

Total cost:

If you already have existing 30 mini-whiteboards + pens:

• 30 sets of elastic pen loop (pack of 10): £1.51 x 3 =£4.53
• 1 roll of 20mm width 3m length velcro tape: £1.93
• Total: £4.53 + £1.93 =£6.46

What I learned:

1. Make sure to clean the board before sticking the pen loop. I would wipe with alcohol-based wipes and let them dry where I would stick them. This would ensure it sticks perfectly.
2. I find 'Show-me Mini Whiteboard Pens' can be difficult to slide through the loop. They are also slightly costly and too highly pigmented, which means leaving marks stronger than others. I use Classmates or Re:Create brands because they have a slightly pointy end, which helps to slide them through the loop - and they are cheaper.
3. You only need a short/small bit of the Velcro for the sponge eraser. If you stick a long or large bit of Velcro, it will hold too well, and when the students remove them, the Velcro is stronger than the adhesive/glue, so the eraser will come off the Velcro.
4. If that happens, use contact glue to reattach. Tips for using contact glue: tiny dot on each surface (one dot on eraser, one dot on the board/pen loop base), let each dot air out for a few seconds, then place/stick them together. 'Airing' it out is key for contact glues.
5. To clean heavily soiled boards, use Graffiti Remover first (caution to ventilate the area or mask up), then once cleared and dry, apply board conditioner. Graffiti Remover will strip everything apart, so you must condition it after.
   1. Tip to clean boards: get a standard shallow Gratnell tray, spray the cleaner, and use a rotating cleaning brush. You can purchase cleaning brush attachments that you can attach to an existing hand drill. 
6. If the boards have been treated correctly, do not allow students to use any cleaning spray. Water would be sufficient.

Elastic Pen Loop Self-Adhesive

At the time of publish, this only costs £1.51 for a pack of 10.

Buy (Affiliate link)

Velcro Self-Adhesive Tape Roll

At the time of publish, this only costs £1.93 for 20mm width and 3 metres length version.

Buy (Affiliate link)

Hope this helps! Drop a comment what are your methods!