Good-bye, Name Tags - This REALLY Works!

Thank you, Pinterest! I finally tried this trick. Guess what? It actually works! Permanent marker on the desks to write students' names. Say "Good-Bye" to those pesky name tags! Read on to find out just how easy it is.

 If you're anything like me, then you are painfully aware of the overall abuse your students exhibit to your adorably written, carefully cut, and painfully laminated name tags. I used to change out my name tags monthly to match my theme. My cute little apple name tags, pumpkins, pine trees, and pencils always cost me too much money to create, and way too long to cut, laminate, and tape to the students' desks. The worst part? 1) Day 1 looked crisp and pristine. By mid-month, the name tags were water-logged, stained, shredded, chewed on (!), and generally ragged. And 2) Enter the New Student! Which means, someone would not get their laminated name tag for another 16 school days. Who has time to wait for the laminator to warm up?

I have seen pins on Pinterest that suggest using paint pens to write names on student desks which are "permanent," however will erase by coloring over with a dry erase marker and rubbing with Kleenex.

So, I thought I'd try it. Except with a REAL permanent marker. Hooray! It works! Check out how:

 I used a metallic Sharpie.

 When I wanted to erase student names, I used a (cheap) dry erase marker. As long as the marker has enough ink to saturate all of the permanent marker, then it will erase by rubbing it off with facial tissue.

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am! It's been a little over 2 weeks, and I tested the permanent marker this morning. So far, so good!

 I  hope you enjoyed this month's Bright Ideas blog post! If you would like more ideas from me, be sure to follow me on Teachers Pay Teachers, Pinterest, and Facebook to stay posted with fabulous freebies and ideas!

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