In a recent meeting at Langford Elementary School, educators shared innovative teaching strategies centered around the use of vertical whiteboards, a tool designed to enhance student engagement and collaboration. The initiative, inspired by the \"thinking classrooms\" model learned during their training at the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education, aims to empower students to take ownership of their learning.

Teachers highlighted various classroom activities that leverage the whiteboards to facilitate interactive learning. For instance, a fourth-grade teacher described a math lesson where students worked in pairs to create story problems based on equations involving whole numbers and fractions. This approach not only encouraged creativity but also allowed students to visually represent their understanding through drawings.

Similarly, a third-grade teacher demonstrated how whiteboards are utilized in literacy lessons, where students independently break down two-syllable words while collaborating with peers. This method keeps students engaged and active, contrasting with traditional worksheet tasks.

In a second-grade math session, students tackled story problems by reading them multiple times and using base ten blocks to visualize their solutions. The collaborative aspect was emphasized as students exchanged ideas and strategies with their partners, fostering a supportive learning environment.

The initiative has received positive feedback from both teachers and students, with many noting increased engagement and quicker task initiation. The whiteboards, provided by the district, are now a staple in classrooms from kindergarten through fifth grade, allowing teachers to tailor their use according to the needs of their students.

Principal Callahan has been a key advocate for this initiative, promoting the integration of these tools across all grades. The educators expressed a commitment to continue utilizing the whiteboards, recognizing their potential to transform learning experiences and enhance communication within the classroom.