Sticky notes are a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance classroom learning. It’s no secret that most teachers love sticky notes because they come in a variety of styles, sizes and colours.
There are so many different ways to use them whether they have lines or are blank. We’ve collected our favourite ways to use sticky notes in the classroom and felt we had to share them with you.
Sizes, shapes, and colours
Generally, we use the 3 x 3 inch notes because they are the most common and tend to give students enough room for most activities. We avoid dark colours as most of the time our students write with pencils. Dark colours make it more difficult to read them from a distance. We try to choose a variety of colours because it makes colour coding easy.
It really doesn’t matter because sticky notes come in all shapes and sizes so you’re sure to find the ones that work best for you. We have also found that notes from the dollar store lose their stickiness quickly or stick too much and rip the paper they are one. Post-Its are the best for a reason, but they are also a little more expensive.
9 Ways to Use Sticky Notes in Class
Use sticky notes to encourage students to brainstorm ideas for a project or assignment. Students can write down their ideas on sticky notes and then arrange them on a board or wall to visualize their thoughts. We like to write a topic on a piece of chart paper and then have students stick their ideas to it. This makes it easier to pick up and move. If need your notes to stay in a specific spot, it sometimes helps to add a little piece of tape.
Have students write down the main points of a lesson or a text on a sticky note. This can help them to remember key concepts and ideas. Students can write during the activity similar to taking notes or after to show understanding.
Use sticky notes as a quick way for students to reflect on their learning at the end of a class. Ask students to write down one thing they learned, one question they have, and one thing they found interesting on a sticky note and collect them as they leave the classroom. If you have a specific question, you can check for understanding.
Instead of an exit ticket, you can start the day with a greeting or question. Leave the question on the board and a sticky note for each student. As they fill out the chart, you’ll be able to see which students are absent because their squares will remain empty.
Use sticky notes to provide feedback to students on their assignments or work. You can write down positive comments, suggestions for improvement, or questions to encourage deeper thinking.
Have students use sticky notes to give feedback to their peers during a group project or presentation. This can encourage collaboration and improve communication skills.
Write down new vocabulary words on sticky notes and have students match them with definitions or use them in a sentence. Students can illustrate the words.
If you have English Language Learners, create a simple dictionary using lined paper in a duotang. Label the pages with the alphabet. Add sticky notes to the pages as students learn new words.
Use sticky notes as reminders for students to complete tasks, the order of tasks or what to do when finished a task.
Some students will benefit from a visual reminder to stop or start certain behaviours. Others can use them to track their own behaviours.
One of the benefits of sticky notes is the fact they can be moved around. This makes them great for writing down events for the plot of a story or historical events. This makes it easy to create a timeline or organize them in a sequence.
Sometimes it is nice to leave a sweet note for a student. Write a note thanking them or showing appreciation. Use sticky notes to encourage them during a test or when they’re having a tough day. Everyone likes to get a smiley note.
Do your students rush through their work? Do they miss steps? Sometimes a quick reminder is all they need. Students can also use them to check each other’s work before they hand it in.
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