Classroom Ideas
The school year is over, and like many teachers on summer break, you can’t wait to start looking for ways to make your life at school a little more fun and a little easier. A great place to start is the #teacherhacks hashtag on Instagram! Below are some of the best.
Just so you know, we may get a small share of the sales made through the affiliate links on this page.
1. The Spoiler Alert
This. is. genius. As the year winds down and attention spans wane, nothing says “get it together” like the the threat of ruining your favorite movie.
2. If you like it, take a picture of it! QR codes!
I didn’t realize that you no longer need an app to scan QR codes! I think this a huge reason many teachers don’t utilize them more
3. Zone Defense via Tape
You can find cute and affordable tape on Amazon. These are especially useful now as stations become a popular end-of-year review. Create “zones” in your classroom using different colors. Also make sure to check out all these amazing ways you can use washi tape in your classroom.
4. Simple–but Genius–Glue Stick Hack
This barely needs a caption because we. have. all. been. there.
5. Visual Rewards via Post-its!
I love this idea. Each time the class meets an expectation, the post-it is removed and they’re one step closer to revealing their prize. Find affordable Post-it notes here.
6. Jenga Review
I love this Jenga review game! It could be applied to so many subjects and grade levels. A great way to add some tactile fun to yet another review sheet. Find affordable Jenga sets here.
7. Hot Glue on Painters Tape
Are you starting the process of redecorating your classroom? Do you deeply regret your use of hot glue? This is for you! Get some painter’s tape for this hack here.
8. Bracelet Partners
I love this sure-fire way of getting kids into groups quickly and without a fuss. You can find
9. Call to Attention–with a Doorbell?
I have used various ways to get my students to focus on me while working in groups or during loud activities–but this is by far the simplest solution I have seen. Just push a button! You can find wireless doorbells here.
10. Sanitizing Stations
This is such a great way to minimize disruption and encourage sanitizing! Genius!
11. Clipboard Hack
I love this for class lists or emergency papers since so much of the end-of-the-year can involve alternate schedules or extra outside time.
12. Color-coordinated Files
Now is the perfect time to get organized for next year. This is a simple, easy-to-maintain way to organize construction paper.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});13. While you’re at it–color-code those computers!
This makes passing out and picking up a breeze–and hopefully helps tame the cords, too!
14. Extra Marker Station
Put those rogue markers to good use!
15. Key Cards
Love this idea for teachers, subs and even students–especially those in a new school. @PrimaryGraffiti offers these templates for free, all you need to do is personalize them to your schedule, and laminate them. If you don’t own one yet, you can get a laminator here.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});16. Teacher To-do List
A great way to table questions and requests until the appropriate time! This would be a genius first-day of school display when students are bombarding you with so many questions! Find some cute Post-it notes here!
17. DIY Dice
Dice can be used in a surprising number of cross-curricular activites–but they’re loud! These foam cubes are a great alternative.
18. Tablecloth Bulletin Board Covers
File this under: Why Didn’t I Think of That? Cute, cost-effective coverage. Nailed it!
19. Basically, Markers and Tape for Everything
Putting the tops all together hopefully prevents markers from drying out and the age old, “you took my top!” argument.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});20. New Student Bag
Lastly, this is such a great way to welcome a new student. As your school supplies come in next year, set some aside so that a fresh face will have all they need to get started. Make sure your Ziploc bags are big enough to hold a notebook.
