As many of us have come to appreciate, homeschooling is no easy task. It requires stamina, planning, and a whole bunch of office supplies to keep you going.
Over recent years, teaching at home has grown in popularity. So, if you’re one of the many parents who has turned to homeschooling, you may find yourself burning through the crayons, and running out of double-sided tape at an epic pace. We hear you!
Which is why a whiteboard is an essential item for home teaching.
It’s all white
You’ve seen them in schools and used the in offices, but there’s a number of good reasons why magnetic whiteboards are particularly beneficial when it comes to home schooling. Suitable for kids and ‘teachers’ to use, here’s why:
Quick and easy to use
Whatever stage your child is at, a whiteboard is a versatile way to jot down answers to quick homework or school questions and consolidate understanding. As they can be wiped clean easily, you can keep a steady and efficient pace of learning.
Keep focused
Teaching from home is littered with distractions at every corner. Using a whiteboard helps young children to stay focused. The novelty of writing words or drawing images that can be wiped clear appeals to their learning process.
More economical
We’ve all become more aware of our green credentials in recent years. Paper is one of the essential office supplies kids get through very quickly. This isn’t exactly great for the environment, or our pockets. However, whiteboards can be used repeatedly making them a sound investment.
Participation
Without other children to engage with, you’ll need to go the extra mile to encourage participation. Whiteboards bring an element of active involvement to your home classroom. They’re great for practising spellings, doing maths calculations and many other curriculum-based activities.
Hone writing skills
Using a whiteboard is a great way to hone writing skills. It offers a viable alternative to shouting out answers, forcing youngsters to practice without realising they are doing so. Bonus!
It’s fun
Let’s not forget that play is an integral part of development for young children. Whiteboards to the rescue, bring an element of fun to learning, as well as a social element when interacting in the classroom environment.
Choosing The Right Whiteboard
From magnetic whiteboards to desktop whiteboards, who knew there was so much to choose from?! But, before you whip out the credit card, take a moment to check out which whiteboard is best for your teaching from home needs.
Small whiteboard or lapboard
Ideal for note taking, the compact (450 x 450mm) glass whiteboard is super handy and takes up little room. The tempered safety glass surface is also magnetic making it robust and durable; with the highest resistance to ink stains, pen marks, scratches and dents. Younger kids will find it a welcome break from worksheets, as well as easy to use.
Large whiteboard
A large whiteboard is ideal when you’re teaching from home. Not only does it create a professional environment for learning, but it allows you to share ideas in a clear way. Opt for a magnetic whiteboard and you’ll be able to hang pictures and notecards off it to bring an extra spark of creativity. Used with dry erase markers, you can also add a pop of colour that dry wipe with ease.
Blackboard
Then again, you can just keep it old school with a black glass whiteboard; the modern version of the traditional blackboard. Using liquid chalk pens, it helps bring creativity and clarity to homeschooling. It’s particularly popular with older students that can use it to check-off completed tasks and keep on top of schoolwork. Or position it in your home office and watch it come to life with ideas!
