The board is one of the cheapest teaching tools, and one of the most misused. A full board is a wall. A clear board is a map. Here is how to keep it useful.
Divide the board
Use three areas: the lesson aim, new words, and examples. Keep them in the same place every lesson.
Write the aim at the top
Students should see what they are learning.
Today: asking for the price.
Write big enough
If the back row cannot read it, it is not useful.
Use pictures and arrows
A small drawing can replace five words.
cup → £2
Do not talk while you write
Writing and speaking at the same time is hard for students. Write, turn, then speak.
Leave space
An empty space can hold a new word later. A full board cannot grow.
Clean one area, not all
Keep the aim and the new words. Clean only the examples area.
Words to remember
- board — the large writing surface in class
- aim — the one thing you are teaching
- area — one part of a space
- example — one case that shows the rule
Questions & answers
Q: Should I write everything students say?
No. Write the useful sentence, not the whole conversation.
Q: What if I make a spelling mistake on the board?
Correct it openly. It shows that mistakes are normal.
Q: Is a digital board better?
Not always. A simple board and a clear hand work well.
Q: How do I stop students copying without thinking?
Ask them to change one word in the example.
Q: What should be on the board at the end?
The aim and one useful sentence. That is what they take home.