Using dry-erase markers on page protectors and laminated maps have proven frustrating because:
- it erases before you’re finished.
- the fine-tipped dry-erase markers are not fine-enough-tipped for us.
Likewise, using wet erase has proven to be quite messy for us, especially when using them on page protectors, as it tends to leave them sticky. (Plus, we usually make a mess when removing it with a damp cloth.)
If you like using dry-erase or wet-erase markers (or perhaps have found some that are of a quality that do not leave a mess), please continue with what you’re using (and let us know in the comments)!
However, a parent recently shared this tip with me, and it has provided a means to reduce the waste and cost associated with our sentence task analysis and map-tracing practice without the extra mess. (Our language arts tutor requests that students bring to class hard-copies of the sentence task analysis sheets and charts. For the chart practice, we are planning to laminate some blank sheets of paper to use in this same format.)
Even if you use dry-erase or wet-erase successfully, this is a simple way to remove permanent marker from markerboards and laminated posters.
Perhaps others would benefit from this magical formula?
Our ten-year-old incorrectly diagrams a sentence using Sharpie Ultra-Fine Point markers:
But never fear, Expo is here!
After covering the mistake with dry-erase, it wipes off clean!
Likewise, with our maps, our ten-year-old traces country borders and physical features with Ultra-Fine Point Sharpies:
Our eight-year-old traces over his brother’s map (with a bit less accuracy, as I had expected…):
Wipe off with a paper towel, and voila! A clean map again!
A word of caution: Just be sure your child does not press down too hard with ultra-fine point markers or they may permanently engrave the page protector or laminated map!