DIY Student Desk Nameplates

Having student desk nameplates aren’t required in the classroom, but many teachers (especially at the elementary level) find them super useful. I know, as a substitute teacher, I found them extremely helpful as well.

Finding new classroom decor is fun, but can be pricey if you are changing it regularly throughout the school year.

Where do you place the nameplates on classroom desks?

Here are a few examples of cute classroom theme decor inspiration with nameplates on classroom desks.

You can place them on the desk tops as usual.

Another choice is to position them along the bottom…

or side edges of the desktop.

If you use tables instead of desks, they work great there too!

Ever thought about placing them on the backs of chairs?

Don’t want the commitment of taping them on the desk? Use a binder ring to attach to a supply caddy instead.

Ready for a step-by-step system manual with all the digital files included you’ll need to organize your classroom in just 5 days?

Organized Educator has everything you need and is ready for you to customize!

Click HERE to see all available themes.

How do you attach the nameplates to the desk?

I know some teachers just use scotch tape under the the plates to keep them from moving around.

Others use clear packing tape to make sure students aren’t messing with them.

There are also self-adhesive sleeves you can apply to the desks and them only need to pull out the plate and swap out when students change desks.

Personally, I like clear contact paper. Why? It is easy to pull up if you need to move a child to a different seat – and doesn’t leave residue. It is inexpensive. Plus, the nameplate can them be reused as well – bonus!

How to make your own classroom nameplates

If you want some premade nameplates, I highly recommend heading to Organized Educator, where there are decor and classroom organization sets ready to go. You just need to know how to use Powerpoint OR Google Slides to customize the templates. Tons of cute themes to choose from as well!

Just want something quick?

I have also made a plain template for you below.

You can either leave them blank – or add student names in your favorite fonts – then give to each student to color in their own tag before placing on the desks.

It makes a fun Open House activity too!

OR – you can even add names and print the backline masters on colored paper. No colored ink needed!