Sunday, July 29, 2012

DIY Response Boards

Happy Sunday, everybody! It's becoming crunch time for those of us whose summer is coming to an end. I've started on all of those projects I've been putting off since May--which for me (and my ADD brain) means I start all of them at once and have 12 projects going without finishing any of them (you should see my blog drafts!!). This drives a lot of people crazy, but it works for me (somehow) and I end up finishing 12 projects at once instead of just 1!! :D (Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of "Flawed Logic".) ANYWHO, here is one I started and will finish sometime this week.....I think.

At Math Camp we used response boards quite a bit during activities to respond to questions, problems, etc. It is basically a little chalkboard. You write on it with chalk and can erase it very easily. These are the ones that were already prepared for us:

She cut chalkboard contact paper and stuck it onto poster board.

My two camp buddies and I headed to Michael's on one of the nights in search of this contact paper (among other things). We actually ended up finding this cool chalkboard scrapbook paper pad.


We decided that this paper would probably be better for what we were wanting to do. Plus, there are 36 double-sided sheets, so we figured it would last us longer. The paper feels AMAZING--feels just like a chalkboard. It's incredible what they can make nowadays. And the chalk goes on and off beautifully! AND did you see all of the fun colors it comes in?!?


Here is how I made mine--since the paper is 12" x 12", I just cut it in half.


By the way, this is what the paper looks like after one swipe of a tissue.

The chalk comes off really easily. I used a washcloth to get it off (mainly because I hate the feel of chalk on my hands). After cutting it I decided to give it a duct tape border to make it a little more durable. I left a little space between the outside edge of the tape and the actual edge of the paper so it didn't take up too much of my response board. And there is no need to glue it to poster board--the paper is thick enough to be used by itself!




In other news, my 3-5 Math Station MEGA Pack is finished!! Making this pack made me a little sad not to be teaching 4th again next year--oh, well...1st grade, here I come!

Head over to one of my stores to check it out!!

And I'm linking this up with Tara!! Go over to see some other neat stuff!

19 comments:

  1. ohmygosh!!! So, so cool and pretty Janaye!!!!

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    1. Thanks, Kristen!! I am pretty excited about them--you know, when I finally finish them! ;)

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  2. That is so cool! :) I love that and all the fun colors they come in. Just to clarify did you still glue that paper to poster board?

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    1. Good question!! The paper was thick enough so I didn't have to glue it to anything. Thanks for bringing that up--I updated the post! :)

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  3. I love chalkboards!! I need to find some of this paper!!
    ❤Teri
    A Cupcake for the Teacher

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  4. I had no idea this paper even existed! Oh the possibilities!!

    ❤ -Stephanie
    Falling Into First

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  5. That's brilliant! I have whiteboards cut from shower board, but the markers are smelly and they dry out so quickly. The chalkboards would be a nice way to change it up! Great idea!

    Christine

    Leapingintothird.blogspot.com

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  6. I love this idea about the chalkboard scrapbook paper & duct tape. Thanks for sharing the insider info! :)
    Antonia @ forkin4th

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  7. Oh my goodness! I have been following you for a while and I really enjoy your blog... I didn't realize you are going from 4th to 1st this year! I am as well and have mixed feelings right now. I am excited, but I also feel like I have a blinder on right now. Anyway it was great to find that little connection!
    jankordians.blogspot.com

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    1. How neat that we are both doing the same thing! And we are feeling the exact same way...good luck to you this year! :)

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  8. I was just out looking for black contact paper to make these- no luck! I wish I would have seen this post before I went as I was in Michael's.
    I went to a Kim Sutton workshop this past year. It was fabulous! I am working on getting things ready for math tool kits for my first graders.
    Carol
    Still Teaching After All These Years

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    1. Oh no! Well, at least you know now so you can get the paper instead of the roll! ;)

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  9. Looks awesome... But I hate chalk! It's so gross on the fingers! Lol

    Http://fourthgradefeedingfrenzy.blogspot.com

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  10. I bought these on sale at Michaels today for only $5.99! I can't wait to use them at school this year for response journals. Thanks!

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