Medium-sized (2-3' x 3-4') whiteboards are an essential tool of the model-based classroom. They allow students to work together to write and create editable representations of their thinking. They can also become a great place for students to record questions.
During gallery walks, whiteboards may replace posters as the medium for student products. They can also be brought to the front of the room for pulling together and/or evaluating classroom ideas.
Most teachers share a single set across periods (enough for one per student group), so be sure to plan ways for students to record the content of their whiteboard if it must be erased at the end of the period. Many MBER teachers have digitized student work by taking snapshots with a classroom iPad. If no classroom tool is available, have students take a snapshot with their phones. Images can even be inserted into the follow day's PowerPoint for review or evaluation.
If whiteboards cannot be made available to you, consider purchasing a roll of white butcher paper and pre-cutting a series of posters for both you and students to use in the classroom.
