It’s back-to-school time, and that means teachers are organising their classrooms and preparing to meet their new pupils. Whether you’ve been teaching for years or it’s your first school year, these 14 classroom organisation tips will help you start strong—many with the help of VELCRO® Brand products.
1. Keep Your Whiteboard Tools in Check
Tired of losing your whiteboard pens or rubbers right when you need them? Stick them directly to the whiteboard using VELCRO® Brand Stick On Squares. It’s a simple fix that saves time and keeps your teaching tools exactly where you need them—no more rummaging through drawers mid-lesson. A must-have for teacher organisation hacks.
2. Tidy Up Your Stationery
Say goodbye to the chaotic pencil tray. Use VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® Reusable Ties to bundle pens, pencils, felt tips and crayons into neat, colour-coded sets. Perfect for group activities, as students can quickly grab a bundle and get to work. It’s a great way to organise your classroom and cut down on clutter.
3. Declutter Cables
Loose wires not only look messy but can also be a tripping hazard, so try bundling them with VELCRO® Brand ONE-WRAP® Reusable Ties! It’s a quick way to improve classroom organisation and safety.
4. Make Name Tags a Breeze
Learning new names? Attach name tags to chairs, trays or cubby holes using VELCRO® Brand Stick On Squares. When the class roster changes, just peel and replace—no sticky residue or wasted supplies. One of the simplest organisational hacks that saves time all year.
5. Refresh Classroom Displays with Ease
Classroom walls are constantly evolving with new projects and seasonal themes. Use VELCRO® Brand Stick On Coins to hang posters and displays. When it’s time for a refresh, just swap them out—no tape marks or drawing pins needed. A simple solution for keeping your space clean and organised.
6. Set Up a Visual Schedule
Create a visual daily timetable using laminated cards and VELCRO® Brand Stick On Coins. Stick one side to a display board and the other to the back of each card. This way, you can easily rearrange the schedule as needed. It’s a brilliant classroom management tool and supports independent work routines throughout the school day.
7. Mount Stationery Pots on the Wall
Running out of desk space? Use VELCRO® Brand Stick On Tape to hang pencil pots, scissors or other supplies on the wall. It’s a clever way to add extra classroom organisation without taking up valuable surface space—perfect for keeping your school day running smoothly.
8. Stick Extension Leads to Your Desk
Keep your desktop clear and tidy by mounting extension leads underneath using VELCRO® Brand Heavy Duty Stick On Tape. It’s a simple organisation hack that frees up space and helps you stay organised—no more tangled cables or cluttered drawers.
9. Make a Classroom Noise Volume Indicator
Classroom management isn’t just about supplies—it’s also about creating a calm and focused learning environment. Try making a noise level chart and attach it to the wall with VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back Dots. It’s a fun way to show pupils how loud they can be during different activities and helps keep your well-organised classroom running smoothly.
10. Use a “Turn-In Tray” System
Set up colour-coded trays for homework, classwork and late assignments. This helps students know exactly where to submit their work and saves you time organising. A classic classroom organisation hack that never fails.
11. Create a “Fast Finisher” Station
Designate a corner of the classroom with puzzles, brain teasers, colouring sheets or enrichment activities. It keeps those pupils who always finish early engaged without distracting others. Plus, it encourages independent learning and helps maintain a calm classroom environment.
12. Implement a Classroom Jobs Board
Assign rotating responsibilities such as line leader, tech helper or plant monitor. It builds a strong classroom community and gives pupils a sense of ownership—an often-overlooked teacher hack for smoother classroom management.
13. Set Up a Calm-Down Corner
Create a cosy space with fidget tools and mindfulness cards where pupils can take a break when they’re feeling overwhelmed. It supports emotional regulation and contributes to a peaceful, well-organised classroom.
14. Prep a “Sub Tub”
Keep a bin stocked with emergency lesson plans, class lists and procedures for supply teachers. It’s a lifesaver when you’re out unexpectedly and ensures your school day runs smoothly even in your absence.
Ready to Use These Back-to-School Hacks in Your Classroom?
These 14 classroom organisation tips aren’t just clever—they’re easy to use, save time and help you stay organised all year round. Whether you’re working on lesson plans, setting up a file folder system or keeping track of glue sticks, these teacher hacks will help you build a fun, efficient and well-organised classroom.
Share your back-to-school hacks with us
Looking for even more teacher tips and classroom organisation ideas? Follow @velcrobranduk on Instagram for creative tips and product inspiration. Don’t forget to tag us in your own setup—we’d love to see how you organise your classroom and kick off the school year in style!
