Here To Help: Creative Ways to Use Reachers in the Classroom

Classrooms are full of movement, noise, and...stuff. From pencils that roll under desks to bulletin boards just out of reach, teachers and students are constantly adjusting, bending, reaching, and picking up. That’s where a simple tool can make a surprising difference.

In this post, we’ll explore practical and creative ways to use reachers like the Orang-U-Tongs Lite in the classroom to create a more efficient, inclusive, and engaging environment. 

What Is the Orang-U-Tongs Lite? 

The Orang-U-Tongs Lite, also called the Rainbow Reacher, is a lightweight reacher featuring a kid-friendly design and durable plastic jaws. It’s made with a comfortable grip that’s easy for both adults and children to use. Though commonly used in healthcare or janitorial settings, it’s an ideal fit for classrooms thanks to its: 

• Durability and lightness 

• Safe, non-metal construction 

• Ease of use for all ages 

Its simplicity allows students and teachers alike to grab papers, supplies, or even toys—without bending, stretching, or touching messes directly. They come in a small, 23” length for younger children, or a larger, 32” length for older children or adults. 

How Teachers Can Use Reachers in the Classroom 

1. Setting Up and Organizing

Whether teachers need to organize bulletin boards, clean up classroom decorations, or reach supply bins up high, these tools can help. With a reacher in hand, setting up or taking down classroom materials becomes easier and safer. 

2. Keeping Things Clean (and Germ-Free)

Instead of bending over repeatedly to pick up scraps, wrappers, or tissues, teachers can use the Orang-U-Tongs Lite to maintain a tidy environment with less physical strain—and less contact with potentially dirty items. 

3. Managing the Classroom with Ease

Use the reacher during transitions or clean-up routines to model organization. Or turn it into a motivational tool by using it to distribute prizes, assign tasks, or symbolically “pass the baton” to student helpers. 

How Students Can Use Reachers 

1. Promoting Accessibility

Reachers help make classrooms more inclusive. Students with limited mobility or physical disabilities can use reachers to participate fully in class activities—picking up items, gathering supplies, or engaging in interactive lessons. 

2. Taking on Classroom Jobs

Assign a student as the daily “Picker Upper” or “Supply Monitor” and give them the reacher as part of their toolkit. This gives them ownership of the classroom space while making clean-up feel more like a privilege than a chore. 

3. Learning Through Play

Reachers are surprisingly versatile in lesson plans. Use them in: 

• STEM activities: Picking up recyclables or sorting items during science units 

• Games: Relay races or scavenger hunts that involve picking up clues or objects 
• Independence: Teach valuable lessons about picking up, cleaning, and how to gain more independence using tools such as reachers 

Tips for Safe and Effective Use 

• Teach proper use early: Demonstrate how to grip and pick up items safely and respectfully. 

• Set clear boundaries: No swinging, no pinching others, and no using it on anything breakable. 

• Clean regularly: Wipe down the reacher daily or weekly, especially if it’s a shared classroom tool. 
• Store it smartly: Hang it on a hook or assign a bin for easy access and visibility. 

Why Choose the Orang-U-Tongs Lite? 

• Lightweight enough for kids 

• Durable and safe with all plastic construction and minimal small parts 

• Available in 2 sizes and multiple fun colors 

• Affordable for schools or individual teachers to purchase multiples 
• Fun and engaging, turning basic tasks into interactive moments 

Conclusion 

Classrooms thrive on creativity, independence, and structure. A simple tool like the Orang-U-Tongs Lite adds all three. Whether it’s helping a student build confidence or saving a teacher a few extra stretches during the day, this lightweight tool packs a surprising punch. 

Ready to bring a helpful hand into your classroom? Try the Orang-U-Tongs Lite and see how far your reach can go.