A writing slate is a piece of flat material used as a medium for writing. For other meanings of medium, see Medium (disambiguation). ... Writing may refer to two activities: the inscribing of characters on a medium, with the intention of forming words and other constructs that represent language or record information, and the creation of material to be conveyed through written language. ...

In the 1800s, writing slates were made of slate, which was cheap at the time when paper was expensive. It was used to allow children to practise writing. Slate is also more durable than paper. Alternate meanings in Slate (disambiguation) Slate Slate is a fine-grained homogeneous sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash which has been metamorphosed (foliated) in layers (bedded deposits). ... Piece of paper Paper is a thin, flat material produced by the compression of fibres. ...

Writing slates, although not made of the mineral, are still used:

• SCUBA divers carry plastic slates and pencils to communicate with other divers, to record facts underwater or read pre-dive plans.
• Proprietary writing slates which protect young children and their clothes from the damage and discolouration potentially caused by paint, pencils and pens are used as toys or educational items.