Built in Whiteboard Table Update

These 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!

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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