Activity
Tabletop Whiteboarding
Tabletop Whiteboarding
Activity Overview
Small groups work on whiteboard surfaces to solve problems, showing all work and explaining their process to the class.
Grade Levels
Subject Areas
Activity Types
Detailed Example
Fraction Operations (Mathematics - 4th Grade)
Materials Needed
- Small whiteboards or laminated poster board (one per group)
- Dry erase markers (multiple colors per group)
- Erasers or tissues
- Fraction problem cards at different levels
- Fraction model templates (number lines, area models)
- Solution checking guide
- Process recording sheet for final answers
- Document camera for sharing solutions
Preparation
Create sets of fraction operation problems at varying levels of difficulty (addition, subtraction, mixed numbers). Prepare whiteboard surfaces for each small group – either commercial whiteboards or laminated poster board. Develop a presentation format for groups to share their solutions. Create a process recording sheet for students to track final answers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Introduction to tabletop whiteboarding (5 minutes):
Explain the collaborative problem-solving process
Set expectations: everyone participates, all work is shown, process is as important as answer
Demonstrate how to organize the whiteboard space to show thinking
Establish norms for group work and marker sharing
Fraction concept review (8-10 minutes):
Quick review of fraction operations to be practiced
Demonstrate strategies for solving fraction problems:
Finding common denominators
Using visual models to represent operations
Simplifying answers
Model solving one problem using the whiteboard format
Group formation and roles (3-5 minutes):
Arrange students in groups of 3-4
Assign or have groups select roles:
Process Manager: guides group through steps
Recorder: writes on whiteboard
Strategy Suggester: proposes approaches
Presenter: explains to class
Roles can rotate with each new problem
First problem set (10-12 minutes):
Distribute first level fraction problem to each group
Groups work collaboratively on whiteboards:
Write the problem at the top
Show all steps of the solution process
Use visual models to explain thinking
Circle final answer
Teacher circulates, observing group dynamics and mathematical thinking
Quick presentations (5-7 minutes):
Select 2-3 groups to briefly present their solutions
Use document camera to display whiteboards
Presenters explain process and strategies used
Class asks clarifying questions
Second problem set (10-12 minutes):
Distribute more challenging fraction problems
Groups repeat whiteboard solving process
Encourage use of multiple strategies or representations
Take photo of completed work before erasing
Gallery walk (8 minutes):
Groups display final whiteboards around room
Students tour solutions with recording sheets
Note different strategies and approaches
Identify especially clear explanations or efficient methods
Reflection: Groups discuss what strategies worked best and how the visual whiteboard format helped their thinking.
Differentiation Strategies
Provide tiered problem sets so groups work at appropriate challenge levels. For struggling groups, include fraction model templates or hints. For advanced groups, add word problems or fractions with unlike denominators. For English learners, provide visual models and encourage drawing to demonstrate understanding.
Assessment Guidelines
Observe group participation patterns and note which students take leadership roles. Evaluate whiteboards for mathematical accuracy, clear process steps, and appropriate models. Listen to presentations for evidence of conceptual understanding beyond procedural knowledge.