I think that I would go to the fabric store and pick out some of the new plastic covered fabric. I would cut them into rectangles and sew an edge all around. You can just wipe them with a bacteria killing wipe after lunch. You could also just buy some placemats at the $ store. A fabric placemat would have to be washed after every lunch and if you have food allergies in the class, it would not be a good idea. JMHO