"All you need is Chalk"

            One of the most essential pieces of technology is often used for placing homework assignments or today’s date. The chalkboard/whiteboard is the largest tool seen inside most English classrooms. As any student enters a room usually their attention is drawn to the board. They are looking for upcoming assignments or deadlines. A large clean board allows for a blank space to be filled. An empty board is a tool, an important tool. Some classrooms even have multiple boards for the teacher to use.

            As a future educator I can respect what I have learned as a current student. Writing on the board for a student is a fun and engaging activity. Using the board to create a word wall is a perfect way to introduce a poetry lesson. If the lesson is on metaphor the instructor can have each student write a word that reminds him or her of a certain topic. As the board fills the students read each entry. Now it is time to create a poem without using any of the words written, but on the exact topic that each word represents. This one small activity has now directed an entire lesson. The only technology needed was chalk/markers and a board. This board has filled the room with words and ideas produced from the minds of the students.

            The board did not need batteries. The board did not need to be restarted. With one simple erase this tool was ready to engage. Inside the English classroom the board will enhance the learning environment. There is a reason the board remains relevant. The importance is often looked over by the convenience of the board. The idea of the board is as subtle as having a door on every classroom. The board promotes opportunities to create. It is a canvas to place ideas for the entire room to see. With this technological tool possibilities of education are multiplied. Though the slateboard was introduced hundreds of years ago, it is still relevant inside education.