How to Attach Laminated Calendar Pieces (Teacher-Tested Solutions That Actually Work)
Laminated calendar numbers are handled every single day, so how you attach them matters. Teachers have experimented with every method over the years — magnets, Velcro, clips, tape, hooks — and there are clear favorites.
From the teachers at the A to Z Teacher Stuff Forums, below are the most reliable, classroom-tested ways to attach laminated pieces to your calendar, plus solutions when things don’t stick the way they should.
✅ 1. Velcro Dots (Most Popular & Most Reliable)
Velcro dots are one of the most common choices for calendar numbers because they’re durable and mess-free.
“I use velcro dots on mine, and it works great — I use them on my job chart too.” — loves2teach
✔ Easy for students to use ✔ Great for daily number changes ✔ Works on pocket charts, posters, bulletin boards
✅ 2. Adhesive-Backed Magnetic Tape (Best for Magnetic Boards)
If your calendar is on a chalkboard or whiteboard, magnetic tape is a teacher favorite.
“I use adhesive-backed magnetic tape for my numbers… when the adhesive failed, I just put clear tape over the magnet strip and it worked fine.” — Kindtchr
✔ Affordable ✔ Cuts to any size ✔ Stays put for years
Tip: Reinforce the magnet strip with clear tape if the adhesive wears out.
✅ 3. Hot Glue + Magnets (If You Want a Strong Bond)
Hot glue + a small circular magnet is a classic combo — especially on thicker, hot-laminated pieces.
“Try something other than hot glue… like Crazy Glue.” — NJArt
Hot glue works for most hot-laminated pieces. For cold-laminated pieces, see troubleshooting below.
✅ 4. Paper Clip Method (Zero-Glue, Zero-Tape, No Damage!)
This brilliant hack turns your calendar into a reusable, no-adhesive-needed system.
“I make slits in the calendar and put paper clips in it to hold my numbers. Easier and cheaper.” — Upsadaisy “I use small paperclips… my calendar has lasted at least 4 years.” — yclark
How it works:
Cut a small slit at the top of each square.
Insert a small paper clip.
Slide numbers behind the clip.
✔ No sticky residue ✔ Nothing to re-glue ✔ Lasts for years
✅ 5. Adhesive Hooks (Especially for Pocket-Style Calendars)
Some teachers stick tiny plastic hooks right onto the calendar.
“I laminated my calendar set and applied adhesive plastic hooks onto the calendar… it makes it easy for the students to change them.” — corps2005
Perfect if you prefer the numbers to hang rather than stick.
✅ 6. EZ Clips, Blue Tack, or Sticky Putty
For teachers who want super fast swapping:
“I use the EZ clips for my calendar numbers… and laminate EVERYTHING!” — love_reading “Put a little Velcro on them or use the blue sticky stuff that comes off quickly.” — keeley73
✔ Quick ✔ Removable ✔ No damage to the board
Blue tack is great if you move your calendar throughout the year.
✅ 7. Reinforced Tape Method (If You Prefer Tape)
Tape alone doesn’t hold up long-term — but tape + reinforcement works.
“My calendar has held up four+ years… I ran a strip of packing tape across the back to hold them in place.” — NCP
You can use:
Packing tape
Double-sided tape
Laminated tape tabs
⭐ Troubleshooting: When Nothing Sticks to Your Laminated Pieces
This happens most often with cold lamination (Xyron, crank laminators) because the adhesive leaves a slick film on the surface.
✔ Clean cold-laminated pieces first
“Use Expo dry erase cleaner… you’ll feel the film come off.” — Miss Steele
✔ Rough up the back for better grip
“Scratch the back with a nail file.” — JRR “Use sandpaper to rough up the back of the lamination.” — funkychickenchi
✔ Add packing tape as a bonding layer
“Put packing tape on the back, then put the magnet on the tape.” — JRR
Once the surface is prepared, magnets and glue work normally again.
Laminated calendar numbers are handled every single day, so how you attach them matters. Teachers have experimented with every method over the years — magnets, Velcro, clips, tape, hooks — and there are clear favorites.
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