Today I’m tackling one of my biggest pet peeves. This one is bigger than my flannel board frustration, my puzzle storage problem, or lost to-do lists. I’m finally going to solve my marker storage dilemma! It’s one of my go to 40+ teaching hacks to make my teaching life easier.
Marker Storage Solution
Kids always seem to dig endlessly through the markers in my writing center but they can never find the color they’re looking for.
I first heard about this idea at Kelly’s Kindergarten {one of my very favorite teacher websites!} several years ago.
Of course, I forgot all about it until I was browsing the aisles of my local big box store recently and spotted these little beauties on the top shelf of the plastics aisle.
Ice Cube Trays
These trays are designed to make ice cubes that fit in the top of water bottles or other drinks.
Place the markers in the tray with the cap facing up and your kids will never hunt for another marker again.
It’s also easy to spot markers without caps. Why does it seem like the most simple and inexpensive things solve all of my school problems? If only real life were the same way!
More Organization Ideas
Love this!!
This is amazing! I love this. I was wondering….does it tip over when some markers are not in it? When you buy the white part does it include the black leveling part also?
I know ikea sell these.
Hi Debbie,
No, the markers don’t tip when some aren’t in it. The part on the bottom comes with it. I bought mine at WalMart in the plastics aisle near the dishes and tupperware.
Wow! I am going to get a couple of these today! I always struggle in class getting the kids to put the lids back on the markers before they throw them back in the marker tub. What an easy fix! Genius!!
I love love love this idea. Markers with no tops and endless searching in bins is a pet peve of mine!! I can’t wait to get these. Where can I get them and how much??
Hi Paula, I found these trays at WalMart in the cooking/plastics aisle. They were less than $5.
do you think I can do 2 of each color of markers and a row of coloring pencils and a row of pencils/crayons? We have to have assorted writing materials lol
Sure, why not? Sounds like a good idea to me!
Neat! I’ll have to look for that – I’ve never seen an ice cube tray like that one before. Good thing I have to go to the city on the weekend!
Ok…this has to be the best idea I have seen!!! I love it!!
I love that idea! Thanks, Vanessa!
Heidi
Great idea, I’m going to the store to look today!
where did you find the cool ice trays. I would love to get some of these for my classroom. Please give the product name if possible.
Thank you,
This is such a fun idea. I think I might try it for my own desk with pens and pencils 🙂
I have stored mine this way for several years. We put the markers in upside down though. It makes the markers last a lot longer.