From dusty chalkboards, to messy dry erase boards...I'd like to move to clean, nontoxic, hand-held Boogie Boards for student response and writing practice.
I teach in a large, urban, public school district.
My school is the most culturally diverse in the district. In any given year, I have between 3-5 languages/cultures represented in my classroom. Some students are recent refugees and speak little to no English. Most of my students would be considered at-risk.
Included in my classroom are special education students. Despite the diversity, we have many things in common including the desire to learn and make progress. My first graders are full of enthusiasm. They excite in showing what they know and want to share their ideas and answers.
My Project
Student Boogie Boards would be used in small groups for teacher demonstration and frequent student written response. The boards would be used across subject areas. I like my students to think about a response to a question, then discuss responses with a partner or group, and last, change their idea (or not) based on what they heard from others.
In reading, it could relate to story characters. In math, it could include a picture and explanation for a story problem. In writing, students might brainstorm ideas for a narrative or list synonyms. The ideas are endless.
In social studies, students may draw pictures of how they view citizenship. In science, they could draw and write about the life-cycle of a butterfly. The goal is to get students thinking, writing, discussing, and responding more. I can already see the amount of language and vocabulary development that can occur. The Boogie Boards are environmentally friendly and eliminate use of paper.
Boogie Boards are new and motivating for both teachers and students.
Using them daily for individual or group response will increase student engagement. The boards will help hold students accountable. Frequent use of the boards will improve student writing, foster discussion, and promote higher level thinking. Please help me boogie for my first graders! Thank you!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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