25 Ways to Use Number Labels in Your Classroom
Save Time by Writing Numbers Instead of Names!
Number labels, number labels everywhere! There are so many reasons why it’s easier to use number labels in your classroom rather than writing student names on everything. Here’s a list of 25 different ways you can use number labels in your class! I bet there will be at least one item on the list you haven’t thought of!
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Let’s face it: your class list will change who knows how many times during the school year. Save yourself some time and use a numbering system! Not only is it more efficient, it can be a big help for people covering your classroom, and it also makes it easier for students to be involved in keeping the room organized.
Make sure your students know their numbers and have them get into the habit of writing their numbers on everything they turn in.
Ready to make your classroom more functional with number labels? Here’s 25 ways to use ’em:
Use Number Labels on Student Furniture
- Desks
- Cubbies
- Mailboxes
- Mini Lockers
- Flexible Seating Options
- Chairs
High traffic areas like student mailboxes are a great place to use number labels in place of names.
If your school allows students or school volunteers to hand out graded papers, numbering things like student mailboxes or desks can be a great timesaver! No more trying to read indecipherable handwriting or mixing up the 4 or 5 Noahs on your roster.
Label All Student Supplies
Trust me on this- whether you have students store their belongings in desks or a group or community area, number everything students use regularly. Here are just a few ideas of things to be numbered:
- Clipboard
- Mini Dry Erase Boards
- Folders and Notebooks
- Student Manipulatives
- Supply Boxes
- Crayon and Marker Boxes
- Pencils
I know you’re thinking, “pencils?!?!?” It seems extreme, but it’s a lot easier to find the owners of the various pencils that find themselves, oh, ALL OVER THE PLACE, before the day ends. Just have students write their numbers on the pencil with a Sharpie marker.
Put a number on each supply box. Set the standard that student is responsible for whatever is in the supply box. Place box in student desk. Boom. Organized.
Label Student Tech and Equipment with Numbers
- Tablets
- Desktops/Laptops
- Headphones/Earbuds
If your technology isn’t 1:1, you can still label computers/laptops with the numbers of students who are allowed to use them. This can help keep track of any damage/inappropriate use.
Use a pocket organizer to hold things such as ear buds. Number the outside of each pocket and have a student check that all ear buds have been returned at the end of the day.
Encourage Student Privacy
- Data Walls
- Class Challenges
- Reading or Math Groups
- Other Sensitive Information
Whether you want to or not, sometimes your school requires you to have certain data posted on the walls. By using numbers instead of names, it affords a bit of privacy when classroom visitors are looking at the information.
Use Number Labels to Streamline Routines
- Line Order
- Attendance
- Lunch Count
- Substitute Info
- Center Rotation Board
One of the best things I had in my class was a small whiteboard right at the front of the class. As students entered, they moved their number to the spot marked “Present.” This made it easy to check attendance at the beginning of the day. You can also add sections for students out of the class for various reasons, such as using the restroom. It makes it easier to quickly see who is there and who is missing during safety drills!
See All of My Number Labels
Ready to start labeling all the things? Check out my number label sets:
Or perhaps you’re interested in classroom decor sets?
Did I miss anything? Let me know what you’ve numbered in your classroom.
Hi! I'm Marianna
I’m a lifelong educator who helps busy teachers stay passionate about providing engaging, standards-based lessons to their students. I also love functional, student-friendly decor.
All of my products draw on my 20 years of experience as a K-5 teacher, instructional coach, and private tutor. I’ve worked in all types of environments with all kinds of kids…and I strive to make resources that can be used to make any child a better reader and thinker.
I’m also a huge fan of reading, hockey (Go Panthers!), Bravo TV, Game of Thrones, and any and all doggos. My dog Leo and I enjoy taking walks at the many parks near our house!