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manipulatives

Mini whiteboards

Use quick responses for low-stakes practice and discussion.

Quick answer

Mini whiteboards are small, reusable boards that help children practice maths problems quickly and easily. They are perfect for quick mental maths, showing working out, and checking answers without the pressure of writing in books.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to use a mini whiteboard to solve simple maths problems and show your thinking clearly. Success signs:
  • You can write numbers and symbols clearly on a mini whiteboard
  • You can show your working out for addition or subtraction problems
  • You can erase mistakes easily and try again
  • You can use the whiteboard to check your answers with a partner

Why this matters

Mini whiteboards are helpful because they let you practice maths without the stress of making mistakes in a book or on paper. They are great for quick mental maths games, helping you understand how numbers work, and showing your teacher or parent how you think through a problem. Whether you're learning to count, add, subtract, or even begin to multiply, the whiteboard helps you try ideas quickly and safely.

How it works

Using a mini whiteboard is simple:
  1. Take your mini whiteboard and a whiteboard pen
  2. Write your maths problem or answer on the board
  3. If you make a mistake, simply erase it and try again
  4. Use the board to show your thinking to others
  5. Keep your board clean and ready for the next problem

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you are learning to add numbers. You can write the problem on your whiteboard like this:

5 + 3 = ?

Then you can draw 5 circles and 3 circles, count them all, and write the answer:

5 + 3 = 8

Here's another example with subtraction:

10 - 4 = ?

You can write the problem, then draw 10 dots and cross out 4 of them. Then count what is left:

10 - 4 = 6

Mini whiteboards work great for bigger problems too:

3 + 4 + 2 = ?

You can write each number and add them up one by one:

3 + 4 = 7

7 + 2 = 9

3 + 4 + 2 = 9

Try it as a mini adventure

Mini Whiteboard Challenge: The Number Hunt Imagine you are on a treasure hunt in your house. You need to find 5 different items that have numbers on them, like a clock showing 3 o’clock, a box with 7 stickers, or a book with 12 pages. Each time you find something with a number, write it on your mini whiteboard. Then, add the numbers together. Example:
  1. Found a clock showing 3
  2. Found a box with 7 stickers
  3. Found a book with 12 pages
  4. Found a toy car with 4 wheels
  5. Found a pizza with 8 slices
Write these numbers on your whiteboard:

3 + 7 + 12 + 4 + 8 = ?

Add them up and write your answer:

3 + 7 + 12 + 4 + 8 = 34

Now, you can check your answer with a parent or friend. If you make a mistake, just erase it and try again!

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Writing numbers too small to read
  • Why it happens: Kids might be in a hurry or not use the full board
  • Fix: Use the whole board and write clearly, like you are teaching someone else
  • Mistake: Forgetting to erase mistakes
  • Why it happens: Kids might feel worried about making errors
  • Fix: Remember that mistakes are part of learning. Use the eraser and try again
  • Mistake: Not showing their working out
  • Why it happens: Kids might think they don’t need to show steps
  • Fix: Always write your steps, even if it’s just 2 + 3 = 5

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Setting up a mini whiteboard station at home with pens and erasers
  • Using the whiteboard for quick maths games during dinner or car rides
  • Encouraging children to show their thinking, not just the answer
  • Letting kids make mistakes and fix them on the board
  • Practising with the child to build confidence in using the board

Try asking questions like:

  • Can you show me how you solved that problem?
  • What do you think the answer is, and how did you get there?
  • Can you check your answer using the whiteboard?

Remember: The goal is not to be perfect, but to be curious and keep trying!

Practice questions

  1. Write 4 + 5 on your mini whiteboard. What is the answer?
  2. Draw 3 groups of 2 dots on your board. How many dots are there in total?
  3. Write 10 - 3 = ? on your board. What is the answer?
  4. What is 6 + 7? Show your working on the board.
  5. Write 8 + 2 + 1 = ? on your board. What is the answer?
Answers:
  1. 9
  2. 6
  3. 7
  4. 6 + 7 = 13
  5. 11

FAQ

What age is best for using mini whiteboards?

Mini whiteboards work well for children as young as 3 or 4, especially for counting and simple addition. Older children can use them for more complex problems and to show their working out.

Can I use mini whiteboards for times tables?

Yes! You can use a mini whiteboard to practice times tables. For example, write 3 x 4 = ? and then draw 3 groups of 4 dots to help you count the total.

How do I clean a mini whiteboard?

Most mini whiteboards can be cleaned with a damp cloth or a special whiteboard cleaner. Always check the instructions on your board or ask a parent for help.

Are mini whiteboards better than paper?

Mini whiteboards are great for quick practice because you can erase and try again. Paper is better for keeping your work safe or for more detailed problems.

Can I use mini whiteboards for mental maths?

Absolutely! Mental maths is perfect for mini whiteboards because you can quickly write down your thoughts and check your answers without pressure.