Know Your Options: Writing Surfaces in the Classroom
A Guest Article by Angela Petteys
Sometimes, the best way to teach or to learn is by picking up a pen (or a marker or a piece of chalk) and physically writing something down. As important as computers have become in education, a good writing surface is still is one of the most valuable tools a teacher can have. But if it’s time for you to get a new writing surface for your classroom, it’s important to remember that not all writing surfaces are created equally. There are several different options out there and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Melamine Whiteboards
Melamine Whiteboards
If you’re looking for an inexpensive whiteboard option, melamine whiteboards are one of the most affordable options on the market. Melamine whiteboards basically consist of a plastic laminate mounted to a board. Not only are they affordable, they’re very lightweight and easy to install. However, melamine surfaces are porous, meaning they’re prone to ghosting and staining because ink from markers can seep through the surface.
Melamine whiteboards also aren’t very durable and to get the most out of a melamine board, they need to be cleaned very frequently. Between the low durability and the porous nature of melamine, they’re not an ideal option for a board that gets a lot of use, such as the main whiteboard in a classroom. However, if you need whiteboards for other purposes in your classroom that wouldn’t be used as frequently and would be easy to replace as needed, melamine whiteboards might fit CONTINUE READING: Know Your Options: Writing Surfaces in the Classroom - Teacher Habits
