How to Make a Pocket Chart
Pocket charts can be used for many activities in an elementary classroom. Teachers use them for reading and language activities such as vocabulary games, sentence building or sequencing practice. In math, a class may use a pocket chart to solve a word problem or display known multiplication facts. Teachers also use pocket charts to keep track of behavior, homework or which children are using the restroom. You can buy a pocket chart at many teachers' stores or online teacher supply sites. But you can also easily make a pocket chart for your classroom.
Things You'll Need
- Large poster board (or two for a large class) Library pockets Glue Permanent markers Laminating machine or some way to laminate (can use clear contact paper) Razor blade or knife
Instructions
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How to Make a Pocket Chart
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1
Decorate your poster board any way you like. If you want a bright pocket chart, choose colored poster board. Your pocket chart will be more durable if you can buy sturdy poster board, almost like card stock.
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2
Glue the library pockets on your poster board in rows and columns. Craft glue will probably work the best, but you can use regular white glue. If you aren't familiar with library pockets, these are what librarians used to put in the backs of books to hold the due date card before libraries became more electronic. You can find library pockets for your pocket chart at craft and teachers' supply stores.
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3
Write a title for the pocket chart. Label the cards with names or categories. Finish any decorating that you want to do to your pocket chart before Step 4. Since you are laminating in Step 4, permanent markers work best for decorating and have less chance of smearing when they go through the lamination machine.
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4
Laminate your pocket chart with a laminating machine, which many schools have. If you are making a pocket chart for a home school student, you can also get these laminated at places such as Kinko's and teachers' supply stores. Depending on how big your pocket chart is, you can also use clear contact paper. Basically, you want to protect your pocket chart and make it more durable with lamination.
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5
Cut the top edges of the library pocket cards, which are now laminated, with the razor blade so that you have an opening to slide an index card, craft stick or whatever you want to use in your pocket chart. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the back of the poster board. This is why it helps to use a razor blade for more precise cutting. When you make a pocket chart, you will save money and have fun with your creative side. For more information on making pocket charts, see Resources below.
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