Do you love the idea of whiteboards but dread actually using them? You know they’re great for quick checks without making copies, but the constant “Stop drawing!” corrections give you a headache before you even pull them out?
I’ve been there. You try giving students two minutes of free draw time first, thinking that’ll satisfy them. But then you’re still saying, “I already gave you two minutes – put the marker down!” five times during the lesson.
Here’s what changed everything for me: a clear, consistent routine. Will you still catch the occasional sneaky artist? Sure. But with a structured approach, those moments become rare instead of constant. Let me show you how to create a whiteboard routine that actually works.
Before You Start Using Whiteboards
Set clear expectations for how students should prepare their materials. I use the phrase “get set” to signal whiteboard time is starting.
When students come to the carpet, “get set” means sitting cross-legged with their whiteboard, marker, and eraser on the floor in front of them, hands in their lap. Make a big deal about the first few students who follow directions perfectly – the others will quickly follow suit. Teacher magic at work!
Teaching the Whiteboard Routine
Here’s the critical part: introduce the routine without the materials first. Talk through expectations using the whiteboard routine posters, then practice with actual whiteboards. Explain that whiteboards are tools that help us practice important skills, just like any other learning tool in the classroom.
I incorporate hand motions for each step with my first and second graders. This gives students both visual and physical cues for the expectations. Display these whiteboard routine posters where everyone can see them while you teach each step with its corresponding hand motion.
Review by saying only the key phrase with hand motions. Have students repeat with you. Then do it again. And again. Repetition is your friend here!
The 5-Step Routine
1. Listen
Hand Motion: Cup your hand behind your ear
Students must listen carefully to the directions so they know what to write. Emphasize that listening comes first – they can’t answer if they don’t hear the question.
2. Think
Hand Motion: Point to your brain
Students think about the answer before writing anything. This is a great time to remind them of strategies you’ve been teaching.
3. Write
Hand Motion: Pretend to write on your palm with your other hand
Students write their answer in the middle of the whiteboard, large enough for you to see from where you’re standing.
4. Show
Hand Motion: Use two hands to hold up an invisible board
Students turn their whiteboards around and hold them up with both hands, either in front of their chest or above their heads. Wait until all students have their boards showing before moving on.
Optional addition: You can add a “Share” component here. When you say, “Class, share your answer,” students say their answers aloud together.
5. Erase
Hand Motion: One flat palm “wipes” across the other palm
Students erase their boards (wait for your permission!) and get ready for the next question. Have them show you their clean board or return to the “get set” position with materials on the floor and hands in lap.
How to Engage Students during the Whiteboard Routine
Consistency is key. Use this script structure every time to establish a predictable routine:
“Ready? Get set.” – Wait for attention and hands are folded.
“Listen.” – Pause to ensure all eyes are on you.
“What number comes after 45? – Give clear instructions and thinking time.
“Write your answer.” – Allow 5-10 seconds of writing time.
“Show me your board.” – Students hold boards up at chest level facing you.
Provide specific feedback while scanning: “I see that Marcus has his answer up. I notice most boards are showing. We’re almost ready… and now everyone’s ready!”
“Class, what is the answer?” – Students respond together or you call on someone.
“46! Excellent thinking.” – Give feedback about the correct answer.
“Erase your answer.” – This resets everyone for the next question.
Practice Makes Permanent
I go through these exact steps every single time we use whiteboards. No shortcuts, no skipping steps.
Keep the whiteboard routine posters displayed at the front of your room for easy reference. During the first few weeks of school, review the routine with hand motions before getting materials out. As students internalize the expectations, you can jump right in, though I still say each step and use hand motions during the process.
The key is making it so routine that students know exactly what comes next without having to think about it. Their brain space goes toward the content, not figuring out the procedure.
Wrapping Up Your Whiteboard Time
When you’re finished, use a consistent closing phrase. I say, “Return your materials,” and students put everything away and return to their seats.
If you want to offer free draw time as a reward at the end, go for it! Knowing they’ll get that time can help maintain focus during the structured portion.
The Bottom Line
Stick to your routine. Keep it tight and consistent so students stay engaged with the learning rather than getting bored and drifting toward drawing.
With this structured approach, whiteboard practice becomes a quick, effective instructional tool for practicing and reviewing skills – without the headache. Your students will know exactly what’s expected, and you’ll actually look forward to pulling out those whiteboards.
Ready to get started? Grab the free whiteboard routine posters to display in your classroom and make this routine your own!
Happy teaching,
Katie
