Back to School Hacks

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Back to school is a crazy busy time for kids, parents, and teachers alike! We often spend tons of money trying to organize our homes and classrooms for another year of learning. Today I’m sharing some easy, fun, creative, and cute Back to School Hacks to help everyone get back into the swing of school! All of these back to school ideas can be used at school or adapted at home.

Back to School Tips

Back to School Hacks

1. DIY no-spill paint cup made by repurposing an empty Starbucks cup

So smart! No need to buy pricey paint accessories for the classroom or at home.

DIY no-spill paint cup made by repurposing an empty Starbucks cup. So smart! No need to buy pricey paint accessories for the classroom or at home.

2. Put dice in small plastic containers 

Playing an educational game that includes dice at school or for homework? Put them in small plastic containers. When they roll, they stay together and don’t make as much noise. Brilliant!

Playing an educational game that includes dice at school or for homework? Put them in small plastic containers. When they roll, they stay together and don't make as much noise. Brilliant!

3. Make Glitter Germs

Put it on your hands, let it dry for a couple of seconds, then have everyone shake their hands all at once. Kids and students will notice how the “germs” spread! This is a priceless back to school reminder lesson.

Make Glitter Germs! Put it on your hands, let it dry for a couple of seconds, then have everyone shake their hands all at once. Kids and students will notice how the "germs" spread! This is a priceless back to school reminder lesson.

4. Flower Clock to Learn How to Tell Time

Remind or teach your kids how to tell time by creating a clock like this in their bedroom (or classroom if you’re a teacher). Source no longer available.

Remind or teach your kids how to tell time by creating a clock like this in their bedroom (or classroom if you're a teacher)

5. Pool Noodle Pencils and Crayons

How to make GIGANTIC pencils, crayons, and markers with pool noodles! Use duct tape and a pink noodle for the pencil eraser. Then, use a marker to add the “No. 2” details. For the crayons, paint a snow cone cup and hot glue it to the top. Use black pant for the rest of the crayon details.. The markers are so easy! Just a little painters tape and white spray paint is all you need. These are perfect for back to school pictures, classroom decorations, parties, and so much more. (source unknown via Pinterest)

How to make GIGANTIC pencils, crayons, and markers with pool noodles! These are perfect for back to school pictures, classroom decorations, parties, and so much more.

6. Use Plastic Spoons to Teach Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

Create a simple game for matching upper and lower case letters with white and clear plastic spoons. This is a great activity to start before young students go back to school in the fall. It’s amazing how some skills weaken over the summer without regular practice.

Create a simple game for matching upper and lower case letters with white and clear plastic spoons. This is a great activity to start before young students go back to school in the fall. It's amazing how some skills weaken over the summer without regular practice.

7. Use Old Markers to Make Paint

Awesome idea for old markers! Soak old or dried out markers in water, then use the new paint for watercolors or even a fun spray paint for kids. Must try! (source unknown)

Awesome idea for old markers!

8. Glue Sponges

Learn the step by step instructions for how to make glitter glue sponges for classrooms, small group centers, homework, artwork, and more! No more mess of drippy glue puddles!

Glitter Glue Sponges: No more mess of drippy glue puddles! STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS for how to make glue sponges. Use glue sponges for classrooms, small group centers, homework, artwork, etc.

9. Toothbrush Organization

Much better than counter or cabinet! Saves germ exchange since they will have their own “spot” too! The floss sticks will no longer roll around in the drawer! LOVE IT!! Assign each child their own toothbrush section. Purchase these drawer organizers at the $1 store. (source unknown, via Pinterest)

10. Keep paint in squeeze ketchup bottles

It helps kids get more paint without making a massive mess at home or in the classroom. Plus, you can buy paint in bulk and save money by reusing empty ketchup bottles! Source unknown.

Keep paint in squeeze ketchup bottles! It helps kids get more paint without making a massive mess at home or in the classroom. Plus, you can buy paint in bulk and save money by reusing empty ketchup bottles! Source unknown.

Much better than counter or cabinet! Saves germ exchange since they will have their own "spot" too!

11. Homemade Paint

Buying paint for kids or a classroom can be pricey! Never buy paint again with this 3 ingredient homemade paint recipe! This is a money saving DIY for parents and teachers on a budget (or for those of us who love being crafty!).

3 ingredient homemade paint. Never buy kids paint again!

12. At Home Behavior Chart

AWESOME and SIMPLE discipline system for young kids!

AWESOME and SIMPLE discipline system for young kids!

13. Time Management Clock for Kids

This is a great idea for teaching time management to the kids and keeping the family organized! Simply adapt it to your family’s schedule and routine.

Time Management Clock for Kids

14. Use plastic drawers like these to organize school clothes

This will help mornings go a little more smoothly. Brilliant! By Kortney Brady on Instagram.

Use plastic drawers like these to organize school clothes


Kelly Dixon

Welcome to Smart School House! I’m so glad you are here! I’m Kelly Dixon and my website is designed to inspire your creative side. I hope you visit us here often!


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