Paper Hack: Time Saving Uses For Receipt Paper In The Classroom

How many hours of the week do teachers spend cutting paper? Though I don't know an exact number I know how annoying it can be to spend time cutting paper to the right size when there are a hundred other things you could be doing. Though I haven't figured out a way to make cutting out tiny laminated game pieces any easier, I do have a paper sizing 'hack'- receipt paper. These are the rolls of paper 2-3 inches wide that you can get at many office supply stores in boxes of 12 or more. Easy to cut to any length and a variety of uses. 

Here are just some of the many uses of this nicely sized paper:

1. Word Wall

No more running out of space at the end of a long word. Simply cut after you're done writing. 

2. Student Comics

No more messy tape and glue and paper bits as students run out of room. Easily size length for the perfect comic strip paper. A great way for reluctant writers to tell stories.

3. Cork Board Border


A fun alternative to purchasing pre-designed borders. Have students draw on a length of receipt paper. A great way for them to see their handiwork around the classroom. You could also have each student draw a picture associated with one key term you are covering in a particular unit to decorate a display about that topic. 

4. Desk Strips

Sometimes a particular student will have difficulty with a particular concept and would benefit from a reminder on their desk. Rather than sourcing one online or printing off copies, make personalized desk strips with receipt paper. For example: one student might need help with their 6's multiplication, while another needs a reminder of the 9's. 

Fun Fact: receipt paper fits perfectly with clear packing tape. No need to laminate, simply take a piece of packing tape and fold over the paper lengthwise. There will be the perfect amount of border remaining. 

What are your time-saving teacher hacks? I'd love to hear in the comments below, or by email at lifelonglearning1234@gmail.com 

Make Mistakes, Get Messy

One of my favourite quotes is from the children's show Ms. Frizzle- "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy". Though it presents a good sentiment for children to know as they learn, that it is alright to make mistakes and that learning is not always linear process, I think it presents something that all educators and parents should keep in mind as well.

Here are a few statements to contemplate:

- Are you as a teacher willing to take chances and try something new with your students? Are you willing to push past your comfort zone of the familiar in your teaching?

- Do you recognize that it is alright to make mistakes? Teachers often feel that a mistake on their part means letting down students (something no teacher wants to feel), when in reality these mistakes can make room for new techniques and give you the opportunity to create something even better.

- Do you judge yourself for your mistakes? Teachers are often very judgmental towards themselves, but what does this reflect for students? We tell them that their grades do not define them as individuals, yet teachers often feel that their perceived successes and failures in the classroom define them.

- Do you resist mess? Yes, it can be exhausting to pursue a messy activity or project with your students. At the end of the day you can mop up the paint, brush the glitter from your hair, and wonder if it was worth it. Always remember that it likely was. Through those 'messy' interactive projects students can often learn so much more than they could through a typical lesson.

There is no right or wrong in teaching. Some days it simply won't make sense to break out the construction paper or try a whole new style of lesson. But if teachers are able to keep themselves open to the possibility of change, of mess, of making mistakes, if teachers are willing to evolve- so too will their students. There is always room for change and growth.