25 Must-Try Washi Tape Ideas for Teachers

So many colors and patterns to try!

Six images of Washi tape ideas for legos and school activities.

Do you use washi tape? This thin paper tape (sort of like painter’s tape, but a thousand times better) comes in a vast variety of colors and patterns. It’s easy to remove from most surfaces, so you can safely use it on just about anything. Find washi tape at craft stores, in bargain bins, and, of course, on Amazon. Teachers love using this stuff in their classrooms, and we’ve rounded up all their best washi tape ideas. Get ready to be inspired!

1. Put together a washi tape wall calendar

Washi Tape Ideas Woo Jr

Make a wall calendar anywhere with washi tape and sticky notes. This is such a clever way to make use of those hard-to-conquer cement walls.

Learn more: Woo! Kids Activities

2. Customize pencils (and a pencil cup)

A strip of washi tape wrapped around a pencil makes it special in an instant! Tip: Add a layer of Mod Podge to give the tape a more durable finish.

Learn more: Happiness is Homemade

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3. Beautify a notebook cover

Washi Tape Ideas Simply Kelly

Composition book covers have their own special charm, of course, but how cool is this colorful customized version? 

Learn more: Simply Kelly Designs

4. Trace pre-writing lines

Washi Tape Ideas IG

Give little ones practice with patterns and fine motor skills by taping out some lines for them to trace or cover.

Learn more: Play and Learn Activities/Instagram

5. Color-code your classroom library

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Washi Tape Ideas Rundes Room

This is one of the more brilliant washi tape ideas we’ve seen. If your classroom library is divided by subject, add strips of color-coded tape to make it easier to re-shelve the books.

Learn more: Runde’s Room

6. Add words to your washi tape

Here’s a game-changer! Add words to your washi tape by pressing it down on ink-jet printed pages. Imagine what you can do with these!

Learn more: A Girl and a Glue Gun

7. Spice up your planner

Washi Tape Ideas The Southern Culture

Teacher planners are sacred, and everyone has their own best way to organize. Try using washi tape to easily distinguish meetings, personal appointments, days off, and more.

Learn more: Southern Culture

8. Craft a washi tape snake

Kids love washi tape ideas too! This fun little snake is a toy they’ll play with again and again, and the color and pattern possibilities are endless.

Learn more: Brassy Apple

9. Put writing lines on the whiteboard

Washi Tape Ideas Bored Teachers

If you teach handwriting, you’re going to love this washi tape idea. Use it to make lines on your whiteboard, plus try adding lines to the small whiteboards your students use too.

Learn more: Bored Teachers

10. Brighten your clipboards

Pick up inexpensive (but boring) clipboards at the dollar store, then give them a glamorous makeover with washi tape! (You can probably find some washi tape at the dollar store too, by the way.)

Learn more: Simply Sweet Home

11. Organize cords and plugs

Washi Tape Ideas Cords

Got a jumble of cords? Add washi tape flags to the ends and a coordinating strip of tape to the items they’re connected to. So easy and so helpful!

Learn more: Landeelu

12. Dress up your Duplo blocks

This is one of those washi tape ideas that we’re dying to try: wrap strips around Duplo blocks. It makes building more fun, plus kids can work on matching blocks and making patterns too.

Learn more: No Time for Flash Cards

13. Make a number line from washi tape

Find some washi tape with a large repeating pattern (hearts, dots, etc.) and use it to make a number line on a whiteboard. So much more fun than a plain number line!

Learn more: Adventures and Play

14. Control the Chromebook chaos

If your class uses tablets or Chromebooks, you need a good way to organize them and their chargers. Washi tape to the rescue!

Learn more: A Primary Kind of Life/Instagram

15. Cover a keyboard

You can do this just for fun, of course, but it’s also a clever way to help kids who are learning touch typing.

Learn more: Our Earley Life

16. Craft cereal box organizers

Washi Tape Ideas One Good Thing

Can you believe these used to be cereal boxes? Really! That’s the magic of washi tape.

Learn more: One Good Thing

17. Give your binder clips some zing

Need a last minute teacher gift, or just want to pep up your supplies? This is the answer.

18. Design a race car track

Washi Tape Ideas Le Jardin de Juliette

What kid wouldn’t want to play with this? The great thing is that washi tape peels up easily with no residue, so you don’t need to worry about damaging floors or paint.

Learn more: Le Jardin de Juliette

19. Turn pens into flowers

Flower pens and pencils are a smart way to keep kids from accidentally walking off with your supplies. Washi tape is the perfect way to attach the stems.

Learn more: Vicky Barone

20. Make it easier to tell your keys apart

If you’re like most teachers, you’ve got a ring full of keys to doors, cabinets, and more. Add a small piece of colorful tape to each to make it easier to remember which one is which.

Learn more: I Read, You Read … We Read!

21. Create clothespin clip magnets

Washi Tape Ideas The Pin Junkie

You’ll find a ton of uses for these around the classroom. Don’t be surprised if fellow teachers try to steal them!

Learn more: The Pin Junkie

22. Give your laptop a makeover

laptop makeover

Tired of your boring laptop? Dress it up with washi tape! What a fun way to show off your teacher personality.

Learn more: Willow Tree Projects

23. Transform paperclips into bookmarks

These little paperclip flags make great bookmarks. They’re also a nice way for kids to mark important passages.

Learn more: Doodlebug Designs, Inc.

24. Embellish the filing cabinets

Transform boring filing cabinets with a few strips of washi tape. It’s amazing what a difference it makes!

Learn more: GlitterandGlue4K2/Instagram 

25. Mark off table zones

Give kids their own space at tables by using washi tape to mark off divisions. Try using themed tape and switching it out with the seasons!

Learn more: Growing Firsties

Ready to take your crafting to the next level? Here are 50+ Reasons to Buy That Cricut You’ve Been Coveting.

Plus, 24 Amazing Things You Can Do With Broken Crayons.

25 Must-Try Washi Tape Ideas for Teachers