Bright Idea: Zip Ties in the Classroom



It is time for another bright idea.  As I was looking around my classroom to find the inspiration for this months Bright Idea post, I immediacy spotted the zip ties I had just used to fasten a cord to a table.  It occurred to me that I have been using zip ties in my classroom for many years, many different ways.

I think I first started using zip ties almost 10 years ago when I was teaching third grade.  It bugged me that the rows of desks would migrate across the classroom.  I started zip tying the legs together and the desks barely budged.  When I needed to move a desk, I could slide the zip tie off the leg, or cut it off and replace it.
Cords that are too long can be wound up and tied together.
I have a long cord that runs under a table.
To keep it off the floor, I zipped it to the bar underneath the table.
 I Saw this idea on Pinterest.  Zip tie a storage crate to the side of a desk, for extra storage.
When I didn't have cubbies, I used the wire crates zip tied together to create my own cubbies for my classroom. The zip ties ensured that they stayed together.
How about using zip ties instead of using loose leaf rings when making class books?.
They are fun and come in many colors.

For more Bright Ideas be sure to view all the other bloggers who are sharing their Bright Ideas.

16 comments

Chantelle said...

I LOVE the idea of using zip ties to keep desks together! That's so brilliant and simple!

Mrs. Richardson's Class said...

They are my best friend! I use them, too, to hold desks together and keep them from moving. Love the idea of using them to create extra storage by the table groups, though!
Amanda
Mrs. Richardson's Class

Sra. Carro said...

Love all of these zip tie ideas! Thanks for sharing and I'll be scheduling this at my FB page!
FlapJack Educational Resources

Lori said...

Looks like I need to get some zip ties! I definitely have loose cords that need neatening up!
Lori
Conversations in Literacy

Unknown said...

I recently used pipe cleaners to tie my computer cords/cables together. They worked great and can be reused if necessary. Here is a HAHA - when I first saw your pic of the desks tied together, I thought you were using those bracelets like the LiveStrong bracelets. These are great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I recently used pipe cleaners to tie my computer cords/cables together. They worked great and can be reused if necessary. Here is a HAHA - when I first saw your pic of the desks tied together, I thought you were using those bracelets like the LiveStrong bracelets. These are great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I recently used pipe cleaners to tie my computer cords/cables together. They worked great and can be reused if necessary. Here is a HAHA - when I first saw your pic of the desks tied together, I thought you were using those bracelets like the LiveStrong bracelets. These are great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

Lori Rosenberg said...

I use them at home but never thought about using them in school. Now I will! Thanks for the bright idea!

Jennifer Reynolds said...

I am definitely going to try this idea! I especially like the crates zip tied at the end of the student tables! Genius! Do places like Lowes and Home Depot sell them?

Gratefully,
~Jennifer

Teaching Little Miracles said...

Love the idea of using them on desks. It is amazing how much those desks can move in a day! Thanks for sharing! Kristi
Teaching Little Miracles

Teaching Little Miracles said...

Love the idea of using them on desks. It is amazing how much those desks can move in a day! Thanks for sharing! Kristi
Teaching Little Miracles

Anonymous said...

Great use on zip ties! Especially with the cords. They can really get messy if you don't tie and hide them.


~Jose
Universidades En Antioquia

Anonymous said...

I just saw this idea on Pinterest for the first time today! You're a genius! The whole thing of desks "migrating" drives me crazy. I love the zip tie idea and we're using it this year!

Pam

Tiffani said...

Thank Pam- I was just at the Dollar Tree and they Had the Large Zipties that would work great for this

Anonymous said...

Awesome! Dollar Tree, here I come!

Adina_May said...

Yes, they sell them in big containers for less than $5-$10.