amazing. . .

Remember how I went to see "The Sisters" in April?  I loved it, and since I only saw the Daily 5 portion, I plan to see the CAFE and classroom design parts this year!  While I was at their presentation, we had a chance to share a funny classroom story that was related to Daily 5 or CAFE.  I wrote down my little story, and thought. . .wouldn't it be great if they chose mine?!?

Well, last week I got an e-mail saying that they were going to use my story and that I won a year long subscription to TheDailyCafe-I've been glued to my computer screen watching all kinds of tips and how-to's!

I'm working on a Daily 5/CAFE literacy notebook with lots of printables for my students to use this year.  You'll get a sneak peek soon....I'm working on a student version where students can record their reading goals, track their fluency, and record information about their reading growth.  I'm also working on a teacher version that has space for anecdotal notes, student reading strengths/goals, and reading strategies/activities for guided reading or independent reading conferences.

Also next week I'll post lots of pics of my classroom. . .not too happy with the way it looks right now!

You're probably thinking...why would she leave her classroom looking like that?!?  I was kicked out while working by a few slightly disgruntled custodians!  It drives me crazy to know that right now that stuff is all over the place!  I have my work cut out for me next week.  The good news is that the reason it looks like this is because I cleaned out every drawer, cabinet, nook, and cranny!

I organized all of my books (the ones that I use in addition to the classroom library) and all of my professional books!

I also organized all of my puzzles, games, miscellaneous supplies, and my science stuff.  It will all be worth it. . .I hope!

                                                     

How "Tues"day Tip #4

This is part I of "Creating a Cozy Classroom."  Here are 5 simple things you can add to your classroom to make your room warm and inviting.  Part II will feature 5 additional tips and will be posted next week.

1.  Add some green to your scene. . .plants, ficus trees, and greenery will make your classroom feel more warm and cozy.  I opt for ivy plants because they're easy to maintain and they grow fast and furiously.  My "gardener" of the week just needs to water it on Monday morning.  It's also a great tool to use when we study plants and photosynthesis.

2.  Organization Station. . .Every teacher has tons of notes, to-do lists, papers, school supplies, and so much more!  I use this organization station to help be de-clutter my desk and work area.  You can purchase these kind of bins at Target right now for $2.50 each.  I created a few small labels which make filing and organizing much easier.

3.  What's your theme?  A common theme throughout your classroom adds personality and warmth to the room.  There are so many great ones to choose from.  I've seen everything from frogs to polka dots to outer space.  Here are a few blogs with some amazing "theme based" resources.  

Take a look at Mrs. Jump's pirate materials here!  She also has a really cute word wall and pirate "work station" organization here!

You'll love  Miss Kindergarten 's beach materials!  They are adorable, and I can't wait to use a few of them in my room.

Clutter-Free Classroom has fabulous posts and great information about all kinds of themes!  She has an entire series of posts that are have some very cute and creative ideas.

4.  Contain the chaos. . .be creative as you look for ways to use containers and storage items.  I love the "how to" post that Rachelle made, and I'm going to make one next week!  If you haven't checked out her post, you should because she lists several time saving tips and some great ideas for how to make the process smooth and painless!

I love love love using storage materials that are typically used for other purposes.

Here's a picnic basket that goes along with my beach theme.  Next year I'll use it to store books.  As I plan my reading and writing mini-lessons along with favorite read alouds I can add books to the basket then change them out as needed.  When the books aren't in use, I can close the lid and move it away to make room for other materials and resources.

I also grabbed this picnic caddy that can be used to store my supplies.  It can stay at my desk area, or ss I travel around the room to take anecdotal notes or work with individual students, I'll have everything I need!

I could go on and on about this tip. . .Mr. Perry is SO supportive of me and of all teachers because he knows how hard we work, but every once in a while he does ask the question. . ."How many containers and bins do you need!?!?"

5.  Print, print, everywhere. . .environmental print is such an integral part of a primary classroom.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to include print in meaningful ways that your students will love!  Include a sign about yourself with your favorite things.  Instead of writing out each word, add pictures and icons of favorite books, restaurants, movies, and more.

Label your classroom items.  There are many commercial products that have "desk, eraser, computer. . ."  You can also consider taking pictures of the items in your own room and add print to create your own labels.  I plan to try this out, and I'll you know if it seems to work well.  You can also use velcro on the back of each picture so that students can easily remove the photo label as they're writing.

I'm working on a new unit that's all about environmental print. I hope to have it completed by next week, and it's been a really fun project.

I'm sorry this post is so late in the day. Earlier I had a play date with two handsome little guys and a few friends, then lunch with "dear old dad," and then spent a bit of time catching up with one of my teammates!

Organization Freebies

If you use student "binders" or "folders" for parent communication, homework, and school reminders, here's a cover that you can use.  My school uses binders, and each student brings one as part of their school supplies.  In the past I have also used the plastic folders.  The regular folders just go through so much with little ones that they rarely last for the entire year.  I love using binders because I can organize them with classroom rules/behavior expectations, word wall words/language arts information, monthly homework calendars, updates, graded papers, notes to parents, etc.  

The cover that is shown in the first picture is something that I'm thinking about trying for this year (the student's name and picture).  During "meet the teacher night," one of the things on each student's "to-do list" is have a picture taken at the "photo station."  Usually one of my family members or a parent volunteer assists with this.  I'm hoping to get the pictures on as many binders as possible on the next day which is a work day.  If I have to do a few on the first day of school it should be manageable. The only draw back is the extra ink that is used.  Normally I just print the pages in advance then add a label with each student's name on it, but I would like to try it out.  One of my classroom jobs is a "binder passer" so I think this would be especially helpful at the beginning of the school year to save time and help students learn each other's names.  

There is a huge list of acronyms that can be used with all kinds of themes here.  It has all kinds of mascots and cute sayings.  Last year I had a "dot binder" because I had the "polka dot on black" pattern in my classroom.  The binder was called "Daily Organized Tasks." I didn't take any pictures of them, but I wish I had.  They turned out very cute, and my students did a great job of taking care of their binders and returning them each day.  

If a student purchases a binder that doesn't have a clear pocket in front, I just add a sheet protector at the front of the binder.  I prefer to have the clear cover in front, but this is another option.  Also when I used plastic folders, I placed several sheet protectors inside for various items (notes, homework, school forms/notes...).  The front sheet protector had the decorated page on it with the acronym. I have made a few covers:  beach, jungle, and ant.  I'll probably make a few more so please let me know if there's one that you'd love to have!  You can click on each picture to download the covers. 

 

Spring Has Sprung. . .Day 4

 {spring cleaning}

I don't know about y'all, but it's time for me to do a bit of spring cleaning!  This week I've set aside some extra time to review, revamp, and reorganize classroom materials!  

Today's giveaway is for one of my favorite materials that helps me to stay organized.  I have one hanging on the cabinet near my desk, and I keep emergency contact information, important paperwork, and files that I use on a daily/weekly basis in it.  This saves me so much time, and it keeps things from filing up on my desk.  I have also seen tons of cute file folders at Target and Michael's for a dollar.  

       

If you're interested, just leave a comment with a quick tip that helps you stay organized.  I know some extremely organized teachers who have already shared management tips, but I am always looking for ways to keep clean and clutter free.  This giveaway will end on Saturday, March 26th at noon.  

Happy spring!

-Brooke