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It’s hard to find a teacher who doesn’t have a love affair with the laminator, truly. We have our own personal lamination hacks that work for our specific machines, and preferences on how we cut, the thickness of the laminate, and all the other quirks that most non teachers would be utterly confused by. Whether it’s classroom posters, flashcards, or important reference sheets, laminating your resources can make them more durable and long lasting. Laminators are valuable tools in any educator’s arsenal, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. So – I’m here to share share three lamination hacks to help you use our favorite machines effectively to save time, money, and energy.
Important to note: You do not, I repeat you do NOT, need to laminate everything. Lamination sheets are expensive, they are not recyclable, and laminating materials takes precious time. Be choosy about what you spend these resources on!
1. The Double Trouble Trick: Efficient Lamination Hack
When it comes to laminating, efficiency is key. Time spent on laminating can be better utilized for planning lessons or engaging with students. That’s where the “Double Trouble Trick” lamination hack comes in handy. Instead of laminating each item separately, group similar-sized items together on a larger laminating sheet.
Here’s how it works:
a. Gather your materials: Organize your teaching materials that need laminating, such as flashcards, name tags, or game boards.
b. Use larger sheets: Opt for larger laminating sheets (if your laminator allows). This way, you can fit multiple items on a single sheet.
c. Create pouches: Place your materials inside the sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each item to allow for proper sealing.
d. Laminate in one go: Run the entire sheet through the laminator. The laminator will seal all the items simultaneously, saving you time and laminating pouches.
By using this hack, you not only conserve laminating pouches but also reduce the time spent on the laminating process, leaving you more time for lesson planning and classroom activities. This is one of those lamination hacks that becomes standard practice when you’re seasoned!
2. The Laminator-Friendly Organizational System: Dry Erase Marker Labels
Laminating isn’t just about preserving materials; it’s also about organization. When you laminate frequently used materials, you can easily label and relabel them with dry-erase markers. This is particularly handy for labeling student cubbies, classroom schedules, or assignment boards.
Here’s how to use this hack:
a. Laminate your labels: Create labels for various classroom items like student cubbies, bookshelves, or bulletin boards.
b. Use dry erase markers: Write on the laminated labels with dry erase markers. You can change the labels whenever you need to, making your classroom more adaptable.
c. Easy removal: When it’s time to change labels, simply wipe them clean with a dry cloth or eraser, and you’re ready to relabel.
This hack not only helps you stay organized but also saves money on adhesive labels and prevents the hassle of sticky residue removal.
3. The Reusable Resource Trick: Self-Adhesive Lamination Sheets
Sometimes, you want the option to reuse laminated materials without damaging them. This is where self-adhesive laminating sheets come to the rescue. They allow you to create reusable resources, such as worksheets or checklists, that can be written on with dry erase markers.
Here’s how to make the most of self-adhesive laminating sheets:
a. Select your material: Choose the teaching materials you want to make reusable, like worksheets or classroom checklists.
b. Apply the sheets: Place the self-adhesive laminating sheet on the material, making sure there are no bubbles or wrinkles.
c. Trim to size: Cut the excess laminating sheet to fit the material precisely.
d. Write and erase: Use dry erase markers on the laminated surface. When you need to make changes or reuse the material, simply wipe it clean with a dry cloth or eraser.
This lamination hack not only saves resources but also gives you the flexibility to adapt your teaching materials on the fly.
In conclusion, laminators are indispensable tools for teachers, but knowing these lamination hacks can help you maximize their utility. By laminating efficiently, creating reusable resources, and utilizing dry erase markers, you can save time, money, and energy, ultimately enhancing your teaching experience. Incorporate these hacks into your classroom routine, and watch how they simplify your teaching life while elevating your students’ learning experience.
