Classroom Hacks for Pocket Charts – Clever Uses in the Classroom

Pocket charts are a staple for classrooms. They are traditionally used for learning centers and storing flashcards. There are also some unusual ways that teachers are using pocket charts in their classrooms. You just need the right size of chart pockets for the right function. Use them to store student’s headphones, calculators, cell phones, glue bottles, dry erase markers, scissors, colored pencils, and earbud earphones. Check out these amazing organization hacks for the classroom using pocket charts.

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How to hang pocket charts on a classroom wall

Most classroom walls are made of painted cinder block and it is hard to get posters and pocket charts to stay up. These wire Command Hooks stick firmly to walls, metal frames, and even cinder blocks!  Another option for hanging pocket charts is to use the Scotch mounting tape for exterior walls. I have to warn you that this tape is so strong and thick that it can peel the paint off your walls when you remove it, so only use it on metal surfaces.

Clear Command hooks can also be used.

 

Use magnetic clips for hanging pocket charts to whiteboards. Very strong magnetic hooks are also handy for hanging pocket chart centers to your whiteboards.

 
There are magnetic pocket pouches that can be placed on your whiteboard or file cabinet. These pouches are expandable, and they can hold papers or centers for your students to easily access worksheets when they need to.

Uses for Pocket Charts in the Classroom

Classroom pocket charts can be used for storing student cell phones, classroom calculators, file folders and forms, turn in bins, writing tools, student earphones, and classroom mailboxes. The numbered pocket charts are used for the cell phone jail and calculator storage. The larger pocket charts with empty tabs for labels are perfect for storing weekly records and daily forms.

  

   

   

  • Organize classroom forms: Use a wall storage pocket chart for filing away important classroom forms.

  • Store classroom posters in a pocket chart: This wide 10-compartment pocket chart is being used by a preschool teacher to store colors posters, number posters, letter posters, shapes posters, etc.

  • Make a classroom mailbox: To save precious classroom space, hang a few pocket charts up to make a student mailbox station.

  • Absent student work pocket chart: A pocket chart for keeping work for students that were absent, would have to be quite durable for everyday use. These pocket charts are very study and can stand up to the rigors of daily use in a classroom.

  • Pocket chart for student lunch cards: This pocket chart was manufactured as a classroom management pocket chart but has become a useful student lunch pocket chart. Each pocket has a student number on the front with the lunch details for that student on the card inside.

  • Pocket charts for displaying picture cards during center activities: Teachers can use these table-top pocket charts for students who need visuals laid out for them. It can help to minimize distractions during independent work stations.

You may also be interested in these ideas for using vertical storage in the classroom. More ideas will be added soon.

For more vertical storage ideas for your classroom, you can also check out these blog posts:

Classroom Storage Ideas for Under Your Whiteboard

How to Hang Anything on Classroom Cinder Block Walls

How to Hang Decorations from Your Classroom Ceiling

The Best Under Desk File Cabinets for Classrooms