Teachers use laminators to create durable flash cards, posters, signs, centers, name tags, desk plates, and writing mats for students. A blank sheet of cardstock can be laminated to make a ‘write on, wipe off’ mat. Bulletin board cut outs and letters are laminated so that they can be used again for more years. Lamination creates a seal that protects your flashcards from water damage, and the lamination process also give the paper a hard plastic coat on a the front and back, which protects it and prevents easy creases and bent corners. As an Amazon affiliate, I may earn a commission for purchases using my links. Learn more. Here are a few ideas for using a laminator: 

• Laminate Worksheets: Students can use wet erase markers on your laminated worksheets to reuse and rotate worksheet centers.

• Make printed center games durable with a laminator: I wanted to make a place value game for my students, one that’s durable and fun. Thank’s to my laminator, here’s how I did it… First I created the templates on my laptop then printed them out. Then I heated up my laminator and passed the prints through (this was the best part!). Then, I sliced and diced them up with my guillotine. And… Presto! My students love their new place value center!

• Laminate Classroom Decorations: Teachers everywhere use them as an inexpensive way of dressing-up their classrooms. Laminate your cut-outs and buntings for your bulletin boards.

• Laminate flashcards for long lasting durability: Classroom flashcards last longer if you laminate them. This will prevent the weathering away of the corners and prevent tearing and creasing. Laminating your flashcards will also prevent stains and spills that can be easily wiped off.

• You can make personalized name tags for your students, classroom center labels, posters, award certificates, bookmarks, flash cards, signs, timetables, desk mats, dry-erase boards, etc.

If you need help for using your laminator, see my 10 Tips for Laminating Printables blog post. Once you know the rules, you’ll have no crumpling or air pockets in your laminated papers and be able to prevent paper jams. I love laminating everything because it is so easy to do. If you are looking for a laminator, see the best thermal laminators for classroom use in this blog post!