Forbes Elementary adopts innovative vertical whiteboard teaching strategy school-wide

The recent meeting at Forbes Elementary in Utah highlighted the school's innovative approach to enhancing student engagement through the use of vertical learning surfaces, specifically vertical whiteboards. This initiative, which has gained traction over the past few years, aims to transform instructional practices and foster collaboration among students.

During the meeting, educators and students shared their experiences with these vertical surfaces. Fifth grader River explained how the collaborative nature of the boards allows students to work together effectively, with one partner writing while the other guides the thought process. This method not only encourages teamwork but also helps teachers better understand student thinking, enabling them to provide targeted coaching.

Another fifth grader, London, emphasized the benefits of using vertical boards across various subjects, including language arts. She noted that being able to see peers' work helps students learn from one another, reinforcing the idea that collaboration is a valuable part of the learning process rather than cheating.

Florence Pay, a professional learning communities coach at Forbes Elementary, discussed the evolution of this initiative from a math team project to a school-wide practice. She highlighted a successful book study led by a first-grade teacher, which saw over 90% faculty participation. This engagement has been instrumental in implementing the vertical learning surfaces effectively across the school.

Looking ahead, Forbes Elementary plans to continue expanding this initiative. With the support of grants, the school is acquiring additional vertical whiteboards for classrooms, further enhancing the collaborative learning environment. The meeting underscored the commitment of Forbes Elementary to excellence in education and the positive impact of innovative teaching strategies on student learning outcomes.