Numbering Student Mailboxes

I have had student mailboxes ever since I started teaching and I can't imagine not having them! They make passing out papers and other notes from the office so easy! The last 4 years I would write student names on labels at the beginning of each year to put on the mailboxes. The labels never really stuck very well though, and it took a lot of time away from classroom prep at the beginning of the year to get them ready! Plus, I'd always wait until last minute in case I had any new students enroll! 

I number a lot of things in my classroom, and decided to try numbering my mailboxes as well! That way my mailboxes are set and I don't have to redo them every year! This summer I posted a picture on Instagram of the numbers I was working on for mailbox clips, and I am finally getting around to sharing them with all of you!

After printing out the labels, I cut them out, making sure not to leave any white space around the edges.

Then I put a layer of Mod Podge on the clip with a foam brush and affixed the number label.

I added another layer of Mod Podge on top to make sure the number label was secure. I knew there would be a lot of little hands reaching in and out of the mailboxes and I want these clips to last!

After I finished each clip I laid it around the outside edge of a paper plate to dry. They dried surprisingly quick!

I've learned over the years to always make extras of EVERYTHING because it seems like I always get a couple new students throughout the year. Even though I only have 22 students this year, I made extra clips so I have them just in case!

I am lucky to have gotten my student mailboxes from another teacher who didn't need them anymore because they are pretty expensive. If you are looking for something similar, you can find one (here) or (here). Mine is old and well loved. There were old labels that have been stuck on their for years. I tried to peal off as much as I could, but there was still label parts remaining. To cover them up, I took a black sharpie and drew over the white (off-white) labels. From the pictures, you can tell where the sharpie was drawn on, but in person you can hardly tell! The binder clips went on easily after that!

If you are in need of an update for your student mailboxes, you can pick these up in my TPT store by clicking the image below!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I am looking forward to seeing my students tomorrow after a week off! I miss their sweet little faces!