1. Attach a stapler to the wall — keeps your stapler from getting lost and is easier for students to use.
2. An under-the-shelf tissue dispenser keeps germy hands off the tissue boxes.
3. Wedge a roll of toilet paper into a candle holder and take out the cardboard so you don't have to buy your own tissue box.
4. Label a shoe organizer to store their headphones, water bottles, or school supplies.
5. A pipe cleaner with a bead can be a helpful learning tool for any activity that requires multiple steps, like long division.
6. Make reading guides out of laminate strips and highlighter tape to help students who are easily distracted.
7. Bring their scissors home so you can give them a rinse in the dishwasher.
8. Bottle caps + plastic lid = art palette!
9. Or repurpose a drink holder tray to hold paints.
10. Glad Press 'n Seal is a cheaper way to stencil vinyl than transfer paper.
Because in order to be organized, you'll need a foolproof labeling system. Follow the directions here.
11. Keep your stickers neat and organized with a binder ring.
12. Use double-sided tape or hot glue OVER painter's tape to keep from ruining the walls.
13. Use outdoor mounting tape for heavy things like bulletin boards.
14. Use colored dots to make groups easy.
15. Instead of giving students bathroom passes, give them hand sanitizer bottles to ensure clean hands.
Don’t forget to tie a rubber band around the neck so you get child-sized squirts every time.
16. Plastic tablecloths from the dollar store make durable bulletin board coverings.
As does an inexpensive flat sheet.
17. Put your colored paper in hanging filing folders to keep them neat.
18. Store glitter in salt shakers for easier, cleaner use and storage.
19. Use nail polish to label any items that go together, like computer mice + Chromebooks.
20. Here's how you keep your markers lasting as long as possible:
21. Need to seal in some marker? Use clear nail polish!
22. Use an app like Noise Down, which will automatically sound an alarm when the decibel level gets too high.
23. Designate one student as the "Ask Me" student who can answer the questions of other students while you're busy assisting others.
24. Leftover Easter egg dye can be used to color clothespins.
25. Make pocket wallets out of regular folders to store index cards and the like.
See how this teacher made these here.
26. Have kids practice their fine motor skills by painting with water on a chalkboard.
27. Colored velcro on carpet creates seating positions for your kids.
28. Repurpose an old K-cup holder to organize Play-Doh instead.
29. Get cheap whiteboards by buying melamine or shower board panels from a hardware store.
They work just as well as whiteboards and cost way less.