Sticky Note Alternative

Sticky Note Alternative

- Cindy Henderson

 

The last few years, sticky notes have not only become my best friend, but also are in high demand.  Reading Apprenticeship has brought me into the world of annotations, but with all the extra paper, it has also brought me into a world of misuse—not so environmentally friendly.  Thinking about this, I have come up with an idea to cut back on paper use. This year, I required all of my students to purchase a dry erase marker with their school supplies.  While taking annotations when reading, students get to do something most teachers would shudder at: write on their desks.  Yes, these shiny topped desks are like mini dry erase boards.  As students read, they make annotations on their desks instead of sticky notes.  Once they have completed this, they go to another person’s desk and read their annotations to cover any issues they may have missed in their own notes.  Finally, they are given an opportunity to take a picture of their desks to record their notes.  The students love it and as you can see below, were very involved.  The markers erase with a cloth or a little soap and water if they leave residue.