The Whiteboard Shop — writing slate

Writing slates were used in classrooms as far back as the 1700s. In rural areas where paper was scarce students continued to use writing slates and many rural primary schools still use writing slates today as they are inexpensive, durable and practical. Slate pencils and chalk were also cheaper than lead pencils. Paper was an expensive luxury and so, naturally, writing slates were the preferred medium used by students and teachers for practising work. The commercial production of paper only began in earnest in the late 19th century. However, it was only after World War 2 that paper became as...