What you write is just as important as how well you organize the blackboard. It helps center the class and brings the lesson in focus. The blackboard is the most visually centered piece of equipment available to a teacher. So why not make it as user friendly as possible?
How do you use the blackboard?
I always start with writing the date and the lesson agenda on the board.This is my teacher organizer. For each lesson, I always run a list of three or four objectives or goals. This list looks like this. 1. checking homework, 2.listening to types of music, 3. write about your favorite quote 4. summing up.
I also write approximately the time I want to spend on each activity. I find that this helps focus the students. When I finish an activity, I check it off. This gives the lesson continuity and progress. Some like the feeling of knowing “in advance” what they are going to learn. After using chalkboards for many years, I am much happier with using a whiteboard. It’s easier to clean and dust-free! If you have access to one, it’s infinitely better than using chalk. I also try to appeal to the visual layout by using lots of colorful markers each lesson.
Organizing the Board.
I write the aim or goal of the lesson always on the topic high so all can see. Depending on how large your board is, you will need to consider the main points of your lesson. It is preferable to use a larger part of the board for the main content while the minor and detail points that come up, keep them on one side, perhaps in a small box.
Consider what should take up the most space
Writing everything isn’t helpful, creates too much clutter and in the end, doesn’t help the students focus on the main part or the bulk of your lesson. Brainstorming is a main part of how I begin my lesson but I try to vary it with other opening activities depending on the class keeping in my my objectives for the lesson. I also keep an ongoing vocabulary list on one side for the lesson. You need to see what works for you and your objectives.
What else goes on the board?
It depends on the main part of your lesson. The general rule of thumb of any lesson, is to connect the two parts of your lesson: the beginning (or pre) and while (or middle - main part of your lesson) and the same goes for blackboard use. Students do need to see the connection. You can always vary your post, or sum up activities frontally without any board range since the information has been written already and the students are familiar with the information. In a reading lesson for example, I have the prediction questions on the board on a table and on the right, the students need to fill in the information after they've read the text. I use colored markers appropriately to connect both stages: prediction or guessing and confirming their answers.
Some other Tips
Space the amount of Content. Don’t clutter your board too much.
Charts and tables help organize information
Write clearly, legibly and keep the font size reasonable. Bigger is better.
Give students time to copy. Don’t erase too quickly.
Have blackboard monitors or helpers. Kids love to erase the board!
The blackboard can also be a part of the learning process. Students love to play teacher.
A few five minute blackboard (or whiteboard) Games. (for ESL/EFL teachers - can be adapted according to subject)
Erasing the board. Give students a few minutes to “photograph” a list of words or phrases or whatever points you have taught them. Erase the board. Ask them to recite from memory.
What’s that word? Write a four or five letter word. Give students time to “photograph” it. They spell the word from memory.
Blackboard Bingo. This can be used for virtually any class for any learning item.
For experimentation sake, I suggest looking at the board from far away pretending you are a student. What is appealing or motivating? What needs improving? What is helpful and what is not?
Remember, tomorrow is a new day! Learn from your mistakes and move on.
I look forward to reading your comments on blackboard use.
