Are you a teacher in search of new ideas to make your classroom experience more organized and efficient? Look no further! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite teacher hacks that are sure to help you save time, energy, and resources – all while creating an enjoyable atmosphere for both you and your students. Read on to find out how these genius tips can benefit the learning environment in your classroom!
(This post contains affiliate links for Amazon. This means that Amazon sends me a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through one of these links.)
1. Three Before Me…but Structured
If you are an elementary teacher trying to run stations, you have probably heard of “Ask Three Before Me”.
The idea is fantastic – but sometimes it can still feel like you are still answering all the questions.
Enter, the Teacher’s Assistant.
These students are the specific students asked BEFORE the question comes to you.
You as the teacher now have some control over who your students are asking to hopefully limit the number of times you are pulled away from your small group!
Photo credit & idea go to the amazing @tn.teacher
2. Matte Poster Spray
Avoid the glare from lamination with this matte poster spray 🤩
Photo credit & idea go to @the.primary.way
Apply this spray to your laminated posters to remove the glare from any & all lights!
Grab this spray from Amazon here!
Snag your own copy of these Modern Calm Colors Number Posters from my TPT shop.
3. Awesome Sauce – Whole Class Reward
If you are looking for an easy-to-implement whole-class reward system, look no further than these jars created by @texturesbymaria.
Doesn’t this jar make you excited, happy & enthusiastic?
As you see your entire class show “Awesome Sauce” behavior, add a smiley face into the jar.
Check out Maria’s store to see all of the different shape options available!
But be careful…you will probably find one you need in your classroom. 😉
4. Mystery Read Alouds
Build suspense in your classroom for what book is coming next.
Keep it simple by wrapping the book up in construction paper & adding a question mark!
Photo credit & idea go to @miss__hunterr
If you want to be a little fancier, add a few descriptive words on the paper to give clues as to what the book might be like.
5. Change out Jobs with Clothespins
The physical task of swapping student cards or numbers each time you change up jobs can get to be a lot.
I LOVE how this teacher used clothespins to make that part of the task super simple.
Photo credit & idea go to @merriell.in.the.middle
Use hot glue or a velcro dot to attach the clothespin to the job card. Then, all you need to do is rotate or swap out the student numbers as needed!
Want to learn more about how to set up classroom jobs in the classroom? Check out my blog post walking you through the 5 easy steps.
This teacher is using my Modern Calm Colors jobs display, which you can find here!
6. Bucket Reward System
I am always on the hunt for easy, not too much work for me ways to encourage my students to be kind.
So, when I saw this idea from @teachin.tiny.humans, I couldn’t not share it!
Photo credit & idea go to @teachin.tiny.humans
Instead of doing one class bucket, this teacher has made individual buckets.
Drops are added to each bucket as that particular student does something kind, thoughtful, etc.
The beautiful thing is, you can make it work for your own classroom!
Another part I LOVED to this was the buckets were low enough for students to participate. They can add drops to each other’s buckets as they notice their own classmates going above & beyond.
If you are looking for a book to help you create this system in your classroom, I would highly recommend How Full is Your Bucket Today? It takes this abstract idea and explains it in a concrete way that makes sense to young kiddos.
I also love how this teacher has incorporated my Modern Calm Colors decor bundle into her classroom to create a cozy, fun learning space! See everything that is included in this bundle on my TPT store.
7. Spruce up Your Bulletin Boards with Greenery
Make your classroom feel a little more homey with some greenery!
I love this picture from a real-life classroom because it is nothing extravagant, but it makes a HUGE difference!
Photo credit & idea to @hellomissbee
Pin the greenery up around your bulletin board using 3M hooks or any other hanging product you love!
If you are on the hunt for some greenery to add to your classroom, here is a garland I found on Amazon. It isn’t exactly the same, but it is pretty similar to the one in the picture!
8. Organize Whiteboard with Borders
Transform a giant white board into three distinct areas with different purposes.
Photo credit & idea to @misslewislittles
Borders on the whiteboard help students direct their attention to the different parts & help everything not get lost in one giant white space.
If your whiteboard is magnetic, putting borders up can be as simple as using magnetic tape on the back of your border strips!
Loving the alphabet posters in this classroom? Find a copy for your own classroom here!
9. Magnetic Spice Racks…on your Whiteboard
Speaking of whiteboards, this is another incredible classroom idea I found from @kindersandcoffee_.
Use magnetic spice racks to display read-aloud books at the front of the room!
Photo credit & idea to @kindersandcoffee_
I love how this keeps your whiteboard clean, organized, and you still have everything you need for the day at your fingertips!
Streamline questions your students ask during lessons using your own boho rainbow hand signal posters! Learn more about how to use them in this blog post.
10. Magically Pick up Staples
Finding pesky staples on the floor after changing out your bulletin board?
A magic wand is all you need!
Photo credit & idea to @sublimelittlescholars
This handy tool will grab all those pesky staples in the blink of an eye.
Setting up bulletin boards can be a tricky task. I share 5 hacks in this blog post. Check them out & save yourself some time!
The beautiful thing about teaching is you are in a profession where others LOVE to share the tips, tricks, and ideas going well in their classroom.
What are some of your favorite classroom ideas you cannot live without?