If you’re an elementary or middle school teacher, you know the struggle of keeping classroom activities both engaging and tidy. Gluing, a seemingly simple task, often turns into a sticky nightmare, leaving desks, floors, and little hands covered in mess. A lot of teachers have taken to the internet to commiserate over the mess that glue is in our classroom. I personally didn’t have too many issues with this with my 8th grade students, but that might be because I avoided any classroom tasks that needed glue! If I had stumbled upon TikToker @shybeeeeee‘s glue sponges hack sooner, maybe I would have been way less hesitant. You’ll never want to go back to traditional glue bottles or sticks again!
This teacher’s mess-saving hack keeps glue sponges in containers (and off students’ hands!)
The genius behind this idea is its simplicity and efficiency. Imagine a classroom where your elementary students can complete their projects and tasks without the usual glue spills or waiting times for it to dry. That’s the beauty of glue sponges!
Here’s how to set up your glue sponges:
- Gather your supplies. All you need are sponges (yes, those cheap ones from the dollar store will do!), containers with lids, and liquid glue.
- Prep. Cut the sponges to fit inside your containers. Then, pour liquid glue over the sponges until they’re saturated (but not swimming in glue).
- Use! Students simply press their pieces of paper onto the sponge and then onto their project. It’s clean, quick, and incredibly effective.
Why does this make such a difference?
For starters, glue sponges reduce waste and mess. No more dried-up glue caps or half-squeezed sticks. Plus, the glue in the sponge stays moist and usable for longer, saving you money in the long run. But the real magic lies in how it transforms classroom dynamics. Students can focus more on their creative projects rather than the mechanics of gluing. It’s particularly helpful for younger students who might struggle with squeezing glue bottles or managing glue sticks. Here’s what @shybeeeeee had to say about her first experience with glue sponges:
“To all of the teachers on TikTok that said to make glue sponges for your class, kiss your brain. Because we tried them for the first time today, chef’s kiss, and it was the easiest, least messy, and fastest way I’ve ever glued with my students.”
Curious to hear her describe the hack? Here is her TikTok:
Still not convinced?
Here are more ways glue sponges can make your life easier:
- Quick cleanup: Since the glue is contained, cleanup is as simple as closing the lid.
- Perfect for art projects: Evenly applies glue, making intricate art projects less of a hassle.
- Eco-friendly: Reduces plastic waste from glue bottles and sticks.
So, if you’re looking for a way to streamline your classroom activities and keep everything as neat as possible, give glue sponges a try. This simple hack is not just a trend, it’s a practical solution to one of the classroom’s stickiest problems.