Every teacher knows the value of a well-organized, resourceful classroom. Sometimes the most unexpected classroom objects can turn into essential tools to improve student engagement and classroom management. We asked some of our staff members—many of whom are former teachers who have taught in the UK—for their top classroom hacks. Here are our top four, plus bonus tips to make your lessons even more effective!
1. Phone Jail
Mobile phones can be a major distraction in modern classrooms. Today’s teachers have to manage this issue in ways that previous generations never had to consider. Alexandra offers a clever solution: a Phone Jail made from leftover jars or boxes. Here are two ways you can use it:
- Option 1: If a student is caught using their phone at the wrong time, it gets “locked up” in the Phone Jail for the rest of the lesson. This allows the student to focus on the class without the temptation of technology.
- Option 2: At the start of the lesson, have all students place their phones in the Phone Jail. They can retrieve them at the end of the period, ensuring the class stays focused.
Tip: Use different colors or decorative materials like scotch tape to make the Phone Jail fun and visually appealing. It can even be a fun project to have the class create the jail together, adding their own touches with paper, stickers, or drawings.
2. Lollypop Sticks for Student Participation
Finding ways to fairly choose students to answer questions can sometimes be a challenge, especially if the same eager hands always shoot up first. Ashley suggests saving your lollypop sticks (or popsicle sticks) and turning them into a simple, effective tool to get every student involved. At the start of the term, have each student write their name on a stickand place it in a jar or pencil case.
When you need to select someone to answer a question, simply pull a name from the jar. This method keeps students on their toes and ensures everyone gets a chance to participate in different subjects, from geography to arts.
Bonus tip: You can use paper clips or small boxes to organize these sticks by class or subject. This way, you’ll stay organized and can keep track of who has already been called on.
3. Use a Radio to Control Noise Levels
If you’ve got an old radio or CD player lying around, don’t throw it out! Devon suggests using it in your classroom to help control noise levels. Here’s how: play music softly in the background during group work or free time. If the students start getting too loud and you can’t hear the music, it’s a sign that the classroom noise level is rising. This is an easy and subtle way to encourage students to keep their voices down.
Alternatively, you can play relaxing background music during quiet activities like reading or drawing. For example, play instrumental music while students are drawing straight lines for an arts project. It helps keep them focused and calm.
Tip: This great idea works even better if you mix it up with different genres of music for different subjects. Classical music might be perfect for math, while soft jazz could complement writing activities.
4. Pegs for Behavior Management
Ashley offers another simple yet effective classroom hack: using clothes pegs as a behavior management tool. Write each student’s name on a peg and start them at the top of a behavior chart at the beginning of the day. As the day goes on, students can move their pegs down if their behavior warrants it. For example, a student who is disruptive might move from level 1 to level 2. If they reach the bottom, their behavior needs to be addressed more formally.
This visual system is especially useful for younger children, as it gives them a clear understanding of their behavior in real-time. You can also use pencil or marker lines on the chart to designate different levels.
Tip: Combine this with other school supplies like index cards, stickers, or rewards that encourage good behavior. This is a great way to keep students motivated and accountable.
Bonus Tips: Expand Your Classroom Resources
Along with the four hacks above, here are some additional tips to further enhance your classroom essentials and keep your space organized:
- Paper Towels and Scotch Tape: You’d be amazed at how often these items come in handy. Whether it’s cleaning up spills during a crafts project or using scotch tape to hang up important notes, these are absolute classroom essentials. Keep a stock of these on your desk or in a drawer for easy access.
- Staple Remover: One of the most underrated school supplies, a staple remover can save you a lot of hassle when organizing files and papers. Whether you’re sorting through paperwork for different subjects or tidying up student projects, it’s an essential item that every teacher should have.
- Index Cards for Flashcards: Another great idea is to use index cards to create vocabulary flashcards or study tools for various subjects. These are especially useful for teaching vocabulary or helping students memorize important details. Plus, they’re a great way for students to study during their free time.
- Paper Clips for Organization: Keeping papers together can be a challenge when you’re teaching multiple classes. Use paper clips to separate assignments by lesson or subject, or color-code them for easy access. You can also use them to group classroom materials like worksheets or vocabulary lists.
- Pencil Case with the Essentials: Keep an organized pencil case filled with the basics like pencils, scotch tape, and paper clips. This will ensure you’re always prepared, whether you’re teaching or grading assignments.
- Blackboard and Chalk for Straight Lines: While whiteboards are popular, don’t underestimate the simplicity of a blackboard and chalk. It’s an easy way to teach students about drawing straight lines and help them stay focused during geometry lessons.
- Toys and Free Time Activities: Incorporate fun yet educational toys into your classroom during free time. Puzzles or building blocks can enhance problem-solving skills and keep younger children engaged.
- Glue and Craft Materials: Always have glue, paper, and crafts supplies on hand for creative projects. Whether you’re having students create posters, dioramas, or presentations, these simple tools can bring their ideas to life.
Wrapping Up
The key to running a successful classroom isn’t just about having fancy technology or new gadgets. Sometimes, the most effective tools are the ones that are right in front of you: everyday classroom items like paper clips, pegs, or a few boxes can make all the difference. With a little creativity and organization, these classroom essentials can help you stay organized, keep students engaged, and ensure that lessons run smoothly.
For more teaching tips and hacks, explore our other blog posts in the series! Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, there’s always something new to learn and ways to improve your classroom.
