What do you do with all those papers or images you need to spotlight at tables or counters? Have you considered employing the same techniques marketers use? My colleagues, Kate Clute and the talented teachers of Bronx Community Charter School, introduced me to a wonderful way to showcase literature, instructions, or important reference sources — they use acrylic display holders! The holders are commonly used by travel agencies, restaurants, and bars to showcase their latest offerings, but you can put these little sign holders to use in education.

Kate and her co-teacher Brenna use the display holders for shared reading on student tables during snack time, to provide exemplars of student work during writing, or to display a photocopy of the appropriate notebook setup for field trips or events.

I’m using the holders to give hot new e-books a boost among the stacks of traditional literature and to show off our spotlight video of the week with a QR code.

Jess uses the acrylic sign holders to create portable world walls.

How might you use these display holders? We need ideas for using the holders for all subjects — ways that justify our co-directors' buying lots of these tools during Black Friday sales! Anyone have ideas?

Happy Shopping!

Just need one holder? Grab the clear plastic sign holder at Staples or any office store. Check out Displays2go to buy multiples for your classroom or school at a great price (under $2!). Kate’s tip: Purchase the double-sided holders so children on both sides of centers or tables can easily use the display. The slanted sign holders prevent glare, but will be used less than the double-sided holders.