Substitute Binder Template

Do your old clipboards leave a little to be desired?  I know mine did!  They were covered in marker, crayons, and paint from student creations over several years.  So, I decided to do a complete “clipboard makeover” and spiff them up a bit.

Even craftier teachers can make their own personalized handmade clipboards for others teachers, coaches, or even students.

I grabbed some decorative packing tape and added it to the board.  Easy peasy!

Suggested use is smooth packing tape rather than Washi tape, which might rip or peel off.  And I wouldn’t suggest normal duct tape because that has a rougher finish.

Another great tip is to use one of those plastic storage clipboards.  I received a hand painted one from a fellow student teacher as a graduation gift and I still have it to this day – AND it comes in handy when I attend meetings of any sort because I can bring grading, notes, or snacks with me.  Ha!

More Ideas for Decorating Old Clipboards

Make your own substitute teacher management board! {Psssst…Need a copy of this template to print and add right now to your clipboard? Grab it at the bottom of this post!}

Create a draw and cut design on vinyl with teacher clipart!   Optional:  Add in a special teacher quote.

Clipboard Uses in the Classroom

You can use clipboards in the classroom for so many reasons other than simply for jotting down a note.

• Organizing Absent Work
• Running Records
• Storing an emergency response packet that includes student rosters, lockdown signs, name tags, etc.
• Label student computers by hanging on the side along with login info
• Place on an easel with a red or green piece of paper to let students know when you are available for questions during small group instructional time
• Bathroom sign in/out times
• Place inside a book basket to use as a label for that basket’s contents
• Hang on the side of a bookcase for a classroom library checkout form
• Make your own student clipboards with a whiteboard and binder clips
• Give each student their own supply cup and place a clipboard in the middle of a pod of 4 desks with cup circles painted on the clipboard.  This is where each student’s cup stays when not in use.
• Use as a calendar to count down the days left in school, left until break, left until another major school event

What are other ways that you have used a clipboard nontraditionally in your classroom?  I would love to hear your suggestions in a comment below!

Happy creating!

~Charity

This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.