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Last updated on April 2nd, 2025 at 10:38 pm
Have you ever taped something to your classroom wall and within a couple hours it has fallen to the ground? Or you have to keep rehanging the same poster day after day? That used to happen to me, and items still fall occasionally, but I have found some ways to hang items in the classroom that will get them to stay for an extended period and not ruin the walls in the process.
Products to use for Hanging Items
1. Stikki Tack (also known as mounting putty)- This is one item I have used since I started my teaching career and still use for hanging small posters. I like it because it is reusable, affordable, and doesn’t damage walls. However, it is best for smaller items. When I have hung larger posters, you have to use A LOT of Sticky Tack to get them to stay up. That much tack will make the poster bumpy and it is hard to get the poster to stick to the wall straight. It is, also, better to use Sticky Tack on laminated items. It will leave a oily mark through paper. Although, I do use it on cardstock and the marks haven’t bled through.
2. Hot Glue– This is one I have only started using in the past five years after another teacher mentioned it to me. Unfortunately, not all schools allow you to use this method. Check with your school before attempting. My new school does not allow the use of hot glue. However when I was allowed to use it, it worked amazingly. Nothing fell off the walls or cabinets! It was, also, easily cleaned off. When you took down something, the glue could just be pulled right off. Glue guns and hot glue sticks are, also, very affordable! Click the affiliate links in this post for affordable options!
3. Clothesline with Clothespins– Another option to use or add in addition to these ideas is to hang a laundry line across your room and attach items with clothespins. I had a line in my old room and hung up anchor charts on it. I have seen teachers hang student work to them, too. This makes the student work easy to change out. Just make sure the line isn’t too low that when you hang items on it, the items will hit you in the head. Furthermore, it needs to be compliant with any fire codes for your school regarding items hanging from the ceiling. The laundry line will need to be attached to something that can handle a bit of weight, too. A hook on each wall with the line tied to it will work.
4. Packing Tape– Packing tape is a great option for hanging items! Packing tape is a stronger tape than other tapes and will usually hold items on a wall or cabinet. Temperature fluctuations in the classroom will be what changes the effectiveness of this option. So if the temperature fluctuates by a lot in your classroom day-to-day, items will fall. This was a go-to in my old classrooms, but not this one.
5. Magnets– In one of my classrooms, I had one wall that was magnetic! I bought a box of magnetic business cards and cut those to stick to the back of my items. Then, I could hang them up. It was easier than the roll because the magnets were flat. Trying to flatten the rolled up magnet tape is a pain! Furthermore, most whiteboards are magnetic making this a fabulous option for hanging items on the whiteboard. I, even, have magnetic clips and hooks that I use on mine!
7. Staples– Some schools will let you staple right into the wall! Of course this will only work on walls that aren’t brick. I have two walls I can staple directly onto, which is the BEST! The only way an item falls is if a student pulls on it. Here is my favorite staple remover for getting out staples! One of the best parts about using staples is they are typically provided by your school. So they are an extremely budget-friendly option.
8. Mavalus Tape– I had been hearing about this tape for a few years, but didn’t want to spend the money. I finally gave in and purchased some. I am glad that I did! This tape comes in different sizes and colors. It works on any surface, including brick. I have had good luck with this tape until this year. Items I am hanging on the brick this year aren’t staying up as well as I’d like, however the thermostat has been broken a couple times as well. This is one that if nothing else has worked for you, give it a try!
Products I Do Not Recommend for Hanging Items
1. Scotch Tape- Scotch tape will only work if you are sticking the item you are hanging onto paper. It could be used on a bulletin board or decorated door, otherwise it’s not worth using. The item will fall by the next day.
2. Masking Tape- What’s true for scotch tape is true for masking tape as well. It can be used in a pinch, but the item will most likely be down within a day.
3. Sticky Dots- I had a colleague use these and it did not go well. The dots held up the items the whole year, but when it was time to take them down the dots did not want to come off. The sticky dots were pulling the paint right off the walls in her classroom. Needless to say, she won’t be purchasing them again.
End Notes
When hanging up items in the classroom, be mindful to leave some wall space in your classroom. You don’t want the walls to be too busy. This will distract some students from learning. Also, be cautious of what colors you are using. Calming colors like blues and greens are good choices. Check out this article from Allied for more on this.
If you liked the recommendations in this post, be sure to check out my post on How to Select the Best Whiteboards for Students. Please let me know in the comments which solution worked for you or if you found something different than what’s included on this list!
This is really useful to know – even for people not in the classroom but have a study room at home. Point noted re stick dots. Thanks for sharing.