Have you ever asked yourself the question ‘How can I use sticky notes in my lessons’? I have, because don’t sticky notes* or Post-its™ look so cute? They just beg to be used; I don’t know what it is! Of course, I use sticky notes for their intended purpose; to write down to do lists or things I mustn’t forget. But did you know that they can also serve a purpose in teaching students?
A new pack of sticky notes just does something to me. Especially when I find them in fun colors! My brain just goes immediately to all the purposes they can serve and all the things that I could use them for with students. And there are quite a few things I came up with! Let me tell you what I use Post-its for.
Fun with sticky notes for teachers
Where to use sticky notes? For all things that students have to individually think about and come up with an answer. Post it notes for teachers can be used in these situations:
- As an inventory activity, asking students to write down what they know about a topic already. And then have them stick it on a poster on the wall, or on a whiteboard. A brainstorm, in short.
- As an exit ticket at the end of the lesson, when they will write down what they learned that lesson. And then have them stick it on a poster on the wall, or on a whiteboard.
- To keep notes while they read something, or while they listen to something in the target language.
- To identify certain objects or things in the room. For example, ask students to write ‘this’, ‘that’, ‘these’ and ‘those’ on notes and stick them on objects they feel are signified by these words for them.
- Or to play games! ‘Who is it’ is one that I really like!
Sticky notes formative assessment style
I love using Post-its for formative assessment! By giving all students a note and making them write about what they’ve learned, I’m forcing them to think of their own individual answer that must appear on the note. I can use it like this in various ways.
- I can ask students to write down the answer to a knowledge question.
- Or I can ask students to tell me what they’ve learned today.
- They can tell me what questions they still have.
- Students could even just draw a smily face if they’ve understood a concept, or a frowny one for no.
There are probably more ways to have sticky notes fun; the possibilities are endless!
Use of sticky notes in studying
Of course, older students are familiar with using sticky notes for studying, but younger students can use them too. They can use sticky notes for reading! While my students read their book, they must keep notes of what they’re reading. There’s one sticky note about characterization, one about theme, one about setting, and the last one about events. Whenever they come across something important in those categories, they must add keywords to their Post-its, which are kept in the front of the book at all times.
So I hope I answered you question ‘How can I use sticky notes in my lessons?’ in a fun and engaging way! I think these sticky notes tools for teachers can be an excellent addition to your lessons, so see if you can use some of these tips for a fun sticky notes activity!
Fun sticky notes for teachers
Looking for some fun ones to buy right now? I got these a while ago!* Look how colorful they are!
Other articles on the topic:
Top 5 amazing formative assessment examples to use right away
What do teachers need for their classrooms to have some quick and easy fun
*This is an affiliate link, but I love this product!
