In today’s edition of sharing insider teacher tips, I present to you…
The CLIPBOARD!
I bet you didn’t know that this inexpensive office supply item would be a must have “toy” for your child.
Putting a clipboard in the hands of a little one is magical. Do I even suggest that you can almost get your child to do about anything if you can work a clipboard into the situation? 😉
Let’s talk quickly about a clipboard. They typically come in what I call “the regular piece of paper” size, and the “half sheet” size. Both are great choices. The other aspect of the clipboard that you must know about, is the clip itself. I prefer this style and let me tell you why.
#1 Having the hole is perfect for tying a string and adding a crayon.
#2 This clip style is easier for little hands to manipulate.
Now, most likely you will need to explicitly teach your son or daughter how to use the clipboard. I recommend demonstrating how you use the harder palm part of your hand to press it open while using the other hand to slide in the piece of paper. This is quite the tricky 2-part skill for most little ones. So keep in mind that it will take multiple attempts for your little one to be successful.
You’ve made it to the part where I tell you about the magic!
Oh, one last thing before I reveal all the magical ways you can use this, I recommend allowing your child to personalize their clipboard. Have a clipboard decorating mini party. Set out crayons, markers, tape, stickers…..and let them have at it! Be sure their name is on it somewhere.
The power of the clipboard. My 5 top ways to use a clipboard.
1. Have your child “sign in”. Sign in for breakfast, sign in for a bath, sign in to read a book…you get the idea. Scribbling, lines, circles, mock-letters, are ALL forms of writing. So encourage your little one to write however they want!
2. Put a coloring sheet on it so your child has a hard surface to work on.
3. Clip a storybook to it. Then while you are sitting at soccer waiting your child has something to do that’s screen-free.
4. Clip a story MAP to it and take the book too! Click here to learn about story maps. Guaranteed your kids will LOVE them.
5. Keep both sizes handy and available with paper or checklists on them in the “pretend” or “play area” of your house and watch your kids use their imagination.
Because I like to provide bite-sized learning for parents, this post is coming to an end.
BUT, stay tuned because next time I will give you the insider scoop on exactly WHAT skills your child learning when using a clipboard.
To supporting you 💜,
Gretchen YOUR Guide
