Originally Posted by nikki128
I'm a teacher and getting new kids in 2 weeks. It is much easier to clean up at lunch when everyone has a place mat. For summer camp we made laminated ones. I had the kids draw on construction paper and laminated them. I was thinking for the fall of making fabric ones and embroidering each kids name on them. Does anyone have any idea on patterns to use? I want to do scrappy with bright colors. Also, how do I prevent them from fighting over the ones they want? I just think fabric is easier to clean and will last longer. Our laminated ones are ruined and it has only been 7 weeks !
I am hoping to get them started now so that I don't get bogged down that is why I ask for ideas on them not getting mad about which one they get.
Thanks for your help :)
Nikki
Do you have a washing machine in your class? You'd really need to clean fabric ones every day, which might be too much wear and tear. Are you near a Walmart? They have laminated placemats that hold up pretty decently. The placemats are Sesame Street brand and are educational (colors, shapes, counting, letters, etc.).
Like someone else said, reusing the placemats would be an allergy risk. The Walmart ones can easily be wiped down either in a sink full of hot soapy water or with a wipe.