How to Make DIY Chalkboard Clipboards

This summer, I had a lot of time to prep my classroom. I knew I had to do something about my old wooden clipboards. They were ratty and covered in scribbles. With the help of my SuperMom, I decided to give my old clipboards a makeover. I've seen some fantastic clipboard makeovers on Pinterest, but I decided to try something new. Wouldn't it be nice  if clipboards served a dual purpose - where kids could also take notes without paper? I purchased chalkboard paint to give it a try.

We first painted the boards with white primer. We then placed lines of painter's tape along the top and painted on several coats of chalkboard paint, following the can's instructions (beware - there's a lot of wait time on this project). Finally, we put a few strips of painter's tape along the top to add our bright colour.

 We could have taken out the clip hardware to be precise, but I don't think it was work all of that effort to be honest. I'm quite happy with the way that they turned out.
Note: Before using them, we have to prime the surface with chalk. I'll get the kids to rub chalk all along the black paint.

I think they turned out very nicely, but I think it would also have been very interesting if we had gone the Whiteboard marker route. I don't know about you guys, but I feel like kids seem to prefer whiteboard markers to chalk.

Let me know if you end up trying out your own version of these chalkboards!

How to make DIY Whisper Phones

Whisper Phones, or Phonics Phones, are a fantastic way for kids to practise reading. When reading quietly into the phone, they can hear themselves echoed back. This allows them to pay special attention to tone, pronunciation, pace and fluidity, especially when reading in a second language. These phones are easy to assemble.

You will need:
1) 3/4″ PVC pipe
2) 3/4″ elbow joints (2 elbow joints for each phone) you can also use 1/2“ PVC pipe and elbow joints if you prefer.
3) Optional: patterned or coloured duct tape

To make the phones, cut the long PVC pipe into 4”  inch sections. My school has a fabulous caretaker who was kind enough to do this for me. Then twist on an elbow joint onto the ends of the pipe. Lastly, wrap fun duct tape around the centre.

Originally, the feedback that I got from my kiddoes was that the phones were too long. It's easy enough to get them cut a little smaller to fit your students' heads, even if you've already assembled and wrapped them. Now that they are a perfect size for little heads, my kids use them frequently in my Read to Self centre. One little boy told me that it helps him to hear his own voice because he can fix mistakes and slow down his reading. Win! DIY 1: Expensive store-bought phonics phones 0!