Using a whiteboard has been a big help with our homeschooling, since many times it helps to be able to demonstrate a concept visually and it saves
- Homeschool Resource and Tips Idea
money as well, since instead of paper, the kids can use the whiteboard to practice writing with.
Lately, I’ve looked into getting a chalkboard to add to our resources, but had to consider:
- Cost
- Size
- Storage
- Feasibility
and although, there are more options available these days, just buying a chalkboard wasn’t feasible due to cost and we have had to tighten our belts (haven’t we all) a lot more lately.
However, for the frugal home school mom, there is still a way to get a chalkboard without the cost and the same if you need a larger whiteboard but can’t afford the investment.
In comes, the tri-fold display board.
- Tri-Fold Display Board
Not only is it great for school projects, but with a little work, this handy dandy, tri-fold display board can be used for a quick, inexpensive whiteboard and/or chalkboard.
How you ask? Well, first of all, if you are wanting to add a chalkboard to your homeschool tools, it’s as easy as going to your local hardware store and buying paint.
Yes, you heard me paint, chalkboard paint, that is actually not only very inexpensive, but you can use to paint a chalkboard for your kids room as one parent did for theirs’ as shown here: Cabinent Chalkboards,
- Chalkboard Cabinent by Dana Fleming
where one mom got an old cabinent door (can find them at garage sales, thrift stores, look around or just get a piece of plywood) and converted it to a chalkboard that can be easiy hung anywhere, or with the chalkboard paint, if you want something more permanent,paint an area in the kids room to use.
Not only is this going green (hey your recycling), but you don’t have to break the bank for your child’s education. Sometimes, less IS more.
Want a pink chalkboard or a chalkboard that matches your decor? Not a problem…from Crafts at Home, there is this fantastic recipe for homemade, CHALKBOARD paint.
How does the tri-fold display board fit in?
With limit spacing that many homeschooling parents face and if you’re not handy with a saw (if you use a plywood, you can just get three pieces of wood, add hinges in the back, paint the surface so when you’re done for the week, you can fold up the blackboard and put it away for the weekend), I had the idea of just either covering the surface of the poster with contact paper and then, painting it over with the chalkboard paint so when I’m done at the end of the week, I can just fold up the board and put it away.
There are many ways to create a chalkboard of your own and it’s just a matter of using your imagination and the resources you have on hand.
Hey,if you have a better idea of creating a chalkboard using either store bought or homemade chalkboard paint, leave me a comment so other parents can get some ideas.
So where does the whiteboard fit in all this?
On babyparent.com, if you want a large whiteboard or even handheld without the cost, they recommend buying contact paper.
Not sure what will work? Try out this site that shows you various whiteboard surfaces you can get from around the house or at the local store:
Whiteboard Surfaces Recommendations
This is just me, but I like the following idea that I can use on a display board (once again, light, cheap (often under 4.00) and easy to fold and put away) :
Contact Paper
Just head to your local retailer and pick up a roll for a couple dollars. Quick and easy. Test it out before buying to make sure that your type of contact paper will erase cleanly because some textures and materials do not work with dry erase markers. Typically, the cheaper contact paper works better.
and hey, if you have access to a laminating machine, guess what..yes…you can make a whiteboard that way too!
Laminate
If you laminate tagboard, you can create fairly good dry erase boards without spending loads of money. This would work great for teachers who want each student to have a whiteboard, or if you want a cheap whiteboard to keep track of figures at your desk. I have used them while playing D&D to keep track of turns and my hit points during battle.
Pro: It is quick, easy, and cost-effective.
Con: When marks linger for a while, they may stain the plastic. It is not as easy to wipe off as a real whiteboard.
The method is simple: Just find some tagboard and laminate it. You may need to find a local copy shop or a school to get it laminated with one of those nice industrial-strength laminators. I have heard of bad results if you try to use some types of clear contact paper or a similar sticky plastic as a laminate. You want to find the type that is melded together by heat under a roller as a press.
So if you are on a tight budget and would like a whiteboard or chalkboard; You can still do it; It’s just a matter of thinking creatively and out of the box.
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1. We’ve used dry erase markers on colored index viewers and even cut colored transparent file folders. These worked over worksheets, too.
2. Purchase an 8′x4′ wallboard at a building supply store for between $10-$15. I wedged mine upright against the wall, so I haven’t needed any fasteners. A friend mounted theirs horizontally and put a tiny wood trim around the edges. The wallboard material can be cut with a circular saw into smaller sections.
Besides using for writing, posting assignments, etc. they make a great screen for projecting movies or Powerpoint presentations onto.
Diana(Quote) (Reply)
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You know, in my childhood I had a handy chalk board which I love so much. As i was fond of painting, it resulted in a mess around the board, so my parents got me a white board which was more handy and less messy. I liked the tri-fold display fold and I’m going to get one for my kid.
Shopper’s Mystery Blog(Quote) (Reply)
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