Classroom Chair Pockets Alternative
Classroom chair pockets alternative provide additional storage for students. I feel they are a major asset to classrooms that have tables instead of desk. I have wanted to use classroom chair pockets in my room for many years. However, they require a huge investment. One that I just don’t feel like I get justify with my teacher budget.
On the Hunt for an Alternative
My main objective for wanting classroom chair pockets is to hold pencil boxes or pouches. I would love to clear some of the table clutter. I have strived to find a cheaper option for my classroom. Several years ago I came across the jumbo book covers. I was able to find these on clearance for 10₵. Yes! What a bargain! Time to stock up, right? I was fortunate enough to have a friend to donate a box of them. I now have a five year supply. In addition, I was able to find all the colors to match my tables.
The first two years I used them was a success. I found that they served their purpose. They stated on the chairs. I only had to change out a few each year. My students used them correctly and did not become distracted them. I washed them every few months. They washed up well. Please note a new set was provided each year. This past year, I had to revoke them from my class. This group did not use them for their intended use. The book covers were constantly falling off the chairs. Finally, I gave up and removed them all.
Determined to Find a Classroom Chair Pocket Alternative
Determined this summer to find a budget friendly option I explored local stores. In short, I thought I had when I found the Teaching Tree over the chair storage pockets from Dollar Tree. However, they have limited color scheme. Sorry, I am particular about my colors. I decided to purchase all the blue and green ones.
Therefore, I had only 12. This was not enough for a classroom of 27. My Dollar Tree hunt begun! I checked online and discovered you could order them in a case of 24. However, I did not need the pink and purples ones. I decided to search my local stores. Living in a rural area with limited Dollar Tree’s really limits this endeavor. I traveled to four near my area. Outcome…no luck! As back to school time drew near, I was growing more worried that I would not find additional seat covers.
Therefore, I decided to visit my local Dollar Tree one last time before I just gave in and ordered them online. Luckily, I found nine but they were pink and purple. Those colors just don’t blend in my room at all.
Discovery of a Classroom Chair Pockets Alternative
As I was about to leave the store feeling defeated I spotting drawstring bags with a zipper pocket. Like the ones below:
Notice the zipper pocket is in the middle. I had a brainstorm I just had to investigate further. I unzipped the pocket and realized it was a fairly deep pocket. It was for sure big enough to hold a pencil box or pouch. I look at the opening at the top and wondered would it go over a chair. Now if you are teacher reading this…I am sure you can relate to my excitement and curiosity. Quickly I decided to compare the size of these bags to the chair pockets that were there. I discovered that they are basically the same width. Which lead me to believe that if the chair pockets would fit over a classroom chair then these bags should too. The bags just might be a little more snug which could be a good thing. No more falling of the chairs!
Convinced enough, I loaded up on the colors that would match my room. As any teachers knows you purchased while the stock is there and return if your idea doesn’t work. My husband is starting to think I am crazy, but not as much as the cashier, who questions why I am buying so many bags.
I could not wait to try out this idea.
Here is the results:
I found that top part would go over the chair. Just as I predicted it was snug but in a good way. They fit tight and would not fall off easily. The pocket hangs over good too.
Now the strings. My first thought was to cut them off. However, I just worried doing so might affect the durability or strength of the bag. Then I thought maybe I could wrap them around the chair. However, my husband had the best idea!
Place the legs of the chair through the string loops and then slide the bag up. This would ensure that the bag would stay in place even more.
Action Plan
I plan to give these a try. I will keep you posted on how well this classroom chair pocket alternative works.
Reflection
Are you looking for a Grandparent’s Day Activity? Look no further: Grandparent’s Day Memory Book.
Looking for an interactive Author’s Purpose Activity that is sure to engage. Check this out!