Clever Classroom Hacks

by | Educators, Helpful Tips | 0 comments

Teacher in Class

Imagine turning your classroom into a hub of creativity and efficiency with just a few clever tweaks. These classroom hacks aren’t just about organizing supplies; they’re about saving time, reducing stress, and making learning more fun for everyone. Ready to unlock the secrets to a smarter, more effective classroom? Let’s dive in!

General hacks

  • Painter’s tape: Put painter’s tape on the wall, desks or bulletin boards before attaching Velcro or even using hot glue. It makes it so easy to remove everything when you’re done.
  • Shrink-it and laminate: Reduce your schedule and your class list(s) down to a tiny size. Laminate and wear them behind your badge for easy access.
  • YouTube edit: Add a dash after the “T” in the YouTube link and you’ll get access to the ad-free version of your videos.
  • Rubber band:  Fasten a rubber band under the hand sanitizer pump (or any other pump) to limit the amount that comes out. You can adjust the placement as needed.

Organization and storage

  • Backpack hooks: Get those backpacks off the floor with hooks that fasten right on the back of students’ chairs. The extra wall space and maneuverability will make your classroom seem larger.
  • Magazine racks: Organize papers in magazine racks or file boxes. Label them so you know which is which. This way, they’re also easy for students to access as needed.
  • Hanging shoe rack: These are perfect to store supplies, from multiples (like headphones) to basics (scissors, tape and more). Get one with clear pockets so you can easily see what’s inside. Pro-tip: Keep one slot for errant marker tops that could then be used for markers suddenly missing tops.
  • Shower curtain rod: Once you set up this rod, you can use hangers with clothespins to hold plastic packets with papers.

Classroom management

  • Coloring tablecloths or murals: Allow students to color when they finish work early or while awaiting transitions.
  • Tap lights: Place the lights next to the descriptions of classroom noise levels (e.g. playground voice, table talk, whisper, and no voice). Then tap the light corresponding to the appropriate level. For a fun alternative, try this website to alert students when they’re too loud.
  • Mystery rewards: Write down a series of rewards, such as extended recess or no homework. Then cover those rewards with Post-it notes. Write a desired behavior on the Post-it, such as lining up quietly. When students do it successfully, remove the Post-it to reveal the reward.
  • Mirror: Hang a full-length mirror horizontally and at an angle above the white board, smart board, or blackboard in your classroom. This works as a rear-view mirror so you can see student behavior while you’re facing away. Pro tip: One teacher uses extra-large binder clips to attach to mirror corners, then runs a cord through the black part between the clip and mirror for a no-tools way to secure the mirror.
  • Quiet spray: Fill a spray bottle with water. Colorfully and clearly label it “quiet spray.” When you need the class to settle down, spray the mist in the air. You will automatically grab student attention and generate lots of smiles.

Arts and crafts

  • Soap dispensers: Store paint in old, clean soap dispensers so students can pump to get the paint.
  • Salt shakers: Fill salt shakers with glitter for an easy way to dispense. Pepper shakers will work too but they have fewer holes.
  • Laundry drying rack: These racks are perfect for drying student artwork overnight, without taking up that coveted counter space.
  • Duct tape marker caps:  Take a box of new markers and duct tape the caps together in a set. That way, students can pull out the markers, use them and replace them in the set. It’s an easy way to make sure none are missing.

Small groups

  • Stadium seating:  These seats have backs, which make sitting on the floor comfortable. Students love them and they are perfect for small group work when you don’t have an extra table and chairs.
  • Rolling carts: Long the domain of traveling teachers, rolling carts are wonderful self-contained storage units. Use them to store the essential supplies, from books to manipulatives, for small group work.
  • Dry-erase clipboards: These eliminate the need for a desk and can be used again and again. For a tip on storage and erasers for these markers, see the next section. Pro Tip: Not enough white boards to go around? Use a plastic plate. You’d be surprised at how well it works.
  • Number assignments: If you have a Chromebook cart, assign each student a laptop number for the year. Make sure there’s a corresponding number on the cart. That way, you can easily track that the Chromebooks are returned and plugged in to charge.

Independent work

  • Socks and pom-poms: Use old socks to store dry erase markers. The socks also make great erasers. Alternatively, glue pom poms at the end of dry erase markers for automatic erasers.
  • Dry erase pockets: Place worksheets in dry erase pockets so students can work on problems again and again.
  • Silverware tray: Get an inexpensive silverware tray and use it to organize writing utensils in your writing center.
  • Highlighter basket: Place a basket of highlighters by the place where students turn in work. Have them highlight their name before they place their paper in the bin. This helps reduce no-name papers.

Check out our blog on Design Tips for more ideas of how to organize your classroom. Our Welcome Back to School blog offers tips on the first 10 days of prep and plans.

Do you have a classroom hack that’s not on the list? Share it with your fellow educators in the comments.

 

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

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