Built in Whiteboard Table Update

built in whiteboard tables with dry erase paperThese are the original tables I made back in January in my classroom.

 
They were made with the Dry Erase Adhesive paper I had leftover from my chalkboard makeover. I am really happy with how they have held up overall. There are a few dents and scratches (I think the afterschool program kids may have written on them directly with pen) however they still work really well!

The problem was only four or five students could use the table at a time, which left the other ten feeling a bit sad! So I decided to improvise in a different/cheaper way!

built in whiteboard tables with dry erase paper

I covered two more tables but this time I used White Contact paper. I was really excited because it was cheaper than the adhesive paper and I knew it would be easier to apply, whiteboard paper is a lot thicker! It was easier, for the most part, the paper had dried out a bit so I had a hard time getting the backing off some pieces. However now we have the downside: It does not erase. At all! It smudges and fades but never comes off completely!

I have tried dry erase markers and crayons, but they will not erase. Neither with whiteboard spray, lysol wipes, rubbing alcohol, windex, magic erasers nor with soap and water. Nada. I really should take a closeup picture so you can see the rainbowy look they now have! I did read that WD-40 cleans a lot of things so I think I shall try it out on Monday - with fingers crossed!

I put my type-A-ness aside and let my students use it anyway. It really does save lots of time as they do not have to run to get whiteboards, markers, journals or pencils anymore. I think I will stick with the traditional whiteboard paper next year - unless someone holds the secret for cleaning white contact paper! And if you do, please share in the comments below!

I must admit, I think I love writing on my tables as much as my students do! It has definitely been my favorite classroom feature this year. What is your favorite part of your room?

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14 comments

  1. Great idea!! Have you tried the citrus based cleaners?

    Crystal Shepherd
    lucytumnus@gmail.com
    The lamppost in 1st grade math

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    1. Ooh, no! I hadn't thought about those! Thanks, I will try that out! :)

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  2. I know I just told you this but I LOVE IT and am definitely doing this next year. Which means you have to help me, unfortunately hahahaha!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Eh,I'll just look at it as practice for my own tables! Bwah haha!

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  3. You could try a laminated sheet of paper taped down with some fashionable duck-tape. It would mean that eventually the duck tape would have to be changed out cause of peeling and dry erase dirt making it yucky, BUT it would erase.

    Love the look by the way. I have to do this next year too.
    Mels

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    1. Hmm, I wonder if that would erase better! Thanks for the great idea Melissa! You should definitely do it, it is pretty & a huge time saver! :)

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    2. thanks, it is on my to do list. I REALLY want to do it for my guided reading/ small group table. I am a little afraid of the contact paper though. I need to take lessons from you. Better yet come do it for me, I'll pay you. j/k Ha ha ha.
      Mels

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    3. Hehe, it isn't really too bad! As long as the paper is the repositionable kind it will be easy!! Oh yah, and never try it on a humid day. Trust me, it will be a disaster!! I think I am still having nightmares about it!! ;)

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  4. What a smart idea! Loved this so much I shared it on my Five on the Fifth post!

    Megan
    I Teach. What's Your Super Power?

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  5. This is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing. I'm visiting you from I Teach. What's Your Super Power?

    Angie
    Teaching with Class

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  6. What a great idea. I am definitely going to do this next year! A teacher I worked with in first grade had someone cut a piece of shower board that matched the top of her kidney table. She paid him to sand the edges and put some type of laminate around it so there would be no rough edges. It was awesome and the kids loved it. Of course that was too much money to spend for me so this idea is great! Pam

    Visit Me At Teaching By The Sea

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    1. Thanks Pam, they really have worked out great!!

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