Teacher Problem #4
How to deal with all those dried up markers!
Students love to use dry erase markers during literacy and math centers, and it saves me time and money avoiding photocopying. However, it’s hard to keep track of all the lids in those bins, and often I’ll find that a whole set of dry erase markers have dried up!
Solutions
Here’s an idea I had in my classroom to deal with this. First, I attached all the marker lids in a row, so students have a place to put their markers when they are done. Then, I assign a group “inspector” at cleanup time to check each bin to make sure the lids are on TIGHT!
Here’s what it looks like:
The markers will eventually run out, but the new replacements will fit in the same lids.
It’s also very easy to grab the board quickly if you need to use the felts with another activity.
I started using this method for my large white board felts as well, and they’ve lasted all year!
If you’re having trouble finding what you need for math, literacy or clip art, you can grab this handy Clickable Catalogue for everything available in my TPT store – a big time saver! Tuck it away for when you need it!
Click to download this clickable resource list for your files!
You're so smart…! 🙂
~Erin
Mrs. Beattie's Classroom
Such a great idea! There have been too many instances of "we can't go to recess until we find this cap" lately! Thanks for sharing
Deirdre
Mrs. Garcia's Super Scholars
Very clever! This would be great for the pens I use in small group. I also love that they take up less room standing up like that. Thanks for sharing!
Kayla
The Chalkboard Garden
Love this quick and easy tip. Organization, storage, and money saving all in one tip!
Fabulous idea! I can't tell you how many dry erase markers I've thrown away every week because they had no caps! I also love your idea of having the "special helper" check on them! Thanks for sharing!
This is just brilliant! Thanks for sharing!
Such a great idea, and so simple! I use whiteboard markers all the time in my guided reading groups, this will be perfect!
Sally from Elementary Matters
I love this idea. I've thrown away so many markers this year because they dried out.
I really like this idea!!! I need to think about how to incorporate it into my small group area for next year!! Thanks so much! You continue to amaze me 🙂
em
Very good idea. Any ideas for those markers that get smooshed inside?
I wish I did! : )
Brilliant! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Simple, easy, and effective. My 3 favorite things! Thanks for sharing!