The other day I got a bit fed up trying to clean a large blackboard sticker that we use as a memo board on our pantry. It worked great at first, but over time it's become harder and harder to clean and is generally looking a little tatty.
I decided I needed a new solution and after a bit of browsing at the shops, came up with a new idea. Before I ended up completing my new idea to use for myself, however, it occurred to me that this same idea could be used as a fun new way to help my preschooler developing her early literacy skills.
Now I need to make more! haha
You will need cheap photo frames (These A4 size picture frames were $2 each at the Reject Shop) some backing paper (what ever colour you like... mix it up. I like black) and some Liquid Chalk.(These are different from whiteboard/dryerase markers as they are waterbased and very vibrant! They write on all non-porous surfaces and they are available all over the place. Try art/office supply shops, cheap variety shops or ebay)
Put the backing paper behind the glass and there you have it. An instant writing board!
But, why would you use this instead of a conventional whiteboard or blackboard?
Well, besides looking cool, the ability to change the background of your writing surface to whatever you like makes this board multi-functional.
Here are just a couple of ways you could use the writing board. There are many more!
Print out your child's name on a piece of paper, put it behind the glass and let them practice writing their name.
I use the handwriting script that is used in Victorian schools. (Victorian Cursive). In Microsoft Word, put in your text, highlight it, right click, font, then tick "outline." This will give you the same sort of effect that I've used here.
You can do the same for writing the alphabet
Practicing numbers
Try putting lined paper underneath
And just wipe away the writing with a tissue or cloth and use again and again.
I find that if the writing stays there and dries for a long period of time, a damp cloth is best.
The reflective nature of the glass with the black paper behind it is fun (although very difficult to photograph well haha). They can draw patterns, designs, pictures, learn colours, just doodle, scribble whatever. Wipe off and use again and again and again.
Now, it goes without saying that if you are allowing children to use this, you must remember that it is glass and must be treated with care. You're the best judge to know whether you would trust your child using this or not. And hey, if you'd rather they didn't use it... YOU CAN! :)
Debs :)
If you haven't come over to play with us on facebook yet, we'd love to see you there. Hey, we're also on Twitter now too. You can also subscribe (top right) so that you don't miss any fun activities.
Very cool!!
ReplyDeleteCindy @ love2learn2day
Thanks Cindy :)
DeleteGreat blank surface usage, the different backgrounds are awesome!
ReplyDeleteCheers Heather :)
DeleteLove the idea for on a long summer car ride. Does anyone know if plexiglass would work?
ReplyDeletePlexiglass should be fine. Liquid chalk works on all non porous surfaces so that should be fine :)
DeleteOh goodness Deb...you just reminded me i brought frames and lovely scrapbook paper to do a family organiser for the wall many months ago...still hasn't happened...perhaps i shall try your easier kid friendly version first lol!
ReplyDeleteLove your extension activities with it...where did you get your chalk...i haven't seen them around here...would spotlight have them you think?
Love your idea, Debs... may not be able to find this kind of liquid chalk here in Malaysia, though... TQ anyway!
DeleteJode and Chandrika... I got this set of liquid chalk from ebay. They were shipped from Hong Kong!! You should both be able to get them no worries and they were probably about $10 including the shipping and have lasted me well over a year.
DeleteSpotlight should have them as well though Jode. :D
This is a fantastic idea! The different backings are brilliant- I think the glass would make me a bit nervous knowing my son's tendency to break stuff- but I can see that I could totally use a plexiglass or plastic insert, instead. Love this!
ReplyDeleteThanks tricia. Yes, I did think that whether this is used with kids or not will completely depend on the kids! :)
DeletePersonally I only let my daughter use it on a flat, stable surface and always when we're around but we've had no issues. Appreciate the comment :)
Now that you've mentioned that, you've got me thinking that we actually have some plexiglass stuff that we bought from Bunnings a while ago that I could cut a piece out of and pop in instead of the glass... Then I can get my ones back again! haha Thanks!
Deleteactually genius!
ReplyDeleteWhy Thank you :D I'm glad you liked it. Yay!
DeleteThis is a great idea! Love that glass warning lol. ;)
ReplyDeletehaha... told you it was coming ;)
DeleteThats AWESOME .... will definately be using this idea for sure with the tots :) Thanks so much for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment. Glad you liked it :)
DeleteI'm following you from the Tuesday Tots Linky Party. Great blog you have! I google+ it. Hope you'll visit my blog sometime: Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Children.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan :) I'll be sure to come and have a look. Debs :)
DeleteLove this idea!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the comment, Lorie :)
DeleteThis is great! I'm definitely going to pin this for when my boys are just a bit older. Love the inserts for writing practice! Thanks for sharing! ~Holli at www.fullhandsfullheartblog.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Glad you liked it :)
DeleteHi there! Foun you through Cheerios and Lattes and this is a fabulous idea! I will have to pin it and use it soon with my little girl. Ill be following your blog now, too- looks like oyu have lots of great ideas for little ones. :)
ReplyDeleteHow kind of you. Thank you so much :)
DeleteHi Debs Fantastic idea that I just cant wait to share. Thank you for sharing and helping make parenthood and learning just that whole lot easier :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet. And thank you for making me smile :)
DeleteDebs, what a great idea! I do this with dry erase, but over time the dry erase boards go bad. Thank you for sharing this on Saturday Show and Tell. I hope you'll be back this week.
ReplyDelete-Mackenzie
http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com
Thanks Mackenzie. Yes, we found the same thing with the dry erase boards eventually. This one, so far, so good! haha
DeleteLove the versatility of this board. I would have never thought to use it for handwriting practice. Brilliant! Pinning right now! Vicky from www.messforless.net
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Vicky :)
DeleteGreat idea. I can't wait to make one for my daughter. Thanks for sharing at Mom's Library!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Tulip :)
Deletelove it!! I'm thinking about using a big mirror and hanging in my office !! :)
ReplyDeleteI've just been thinking about which markers would be best to use on glass/acrylic - thanks for doing the work for me :D
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