You Oughta Know About These Fabulous Folders

Well, well...it's back to school time again?! 

It reminds me of the Dunkin Donuts commercial where the baker mutters each morning, "Time to make the donuts. " The camera shows him going to work and coming from work each day and he eventually passes himself in the night. Don't we feel like that as teachers sometimes? As a result, we are continually searching for better and more efficient ways of doing _________. (Fill in the blank.)

Today I am linking up with Jasmine McClain from Buzzing with Mrs. McClain. She is hosting a Blog Hop called You Oughta Know. Follow the link at the bottom of this post so that you can add some new ideas to your repertoire. 

This link up is perfect timing for me because I have been assigned as a mentor to the new teacher on our team. I have tips on my mind that she would be so happy to know about. 

The first tip is about these fabulous folders. I discovered these  folders by Nicky's Folders a few years ago. Many teachers in my school use them for sending home papers and notes. 

They come in lots of colors. The metallics are beautiful!!

There is a clear sleeve on the front so that you can customize the folder. 

There is a clear sleeve on the back as well so that you can add a homework helper page or a weekly spelling list. 

And...they are supposed to last for a YEAR! That is a proven fact in my classroom.

There are also handy dandy CLEAR pockets inside the folder, which are perfect for small notes that might need to be delivered. 

As a matter of fact, I have a set of small notes that are ready to go. Click here to check them out in my store.

I usually copy several sheets of each page on different colors of paper, so that I have some ready at a moment's notice. I keep them in a drawer of a smaller plastic organizer.

This next set is a FREEBIE that includes a set of small notes that are actual rewards for the students. Nothing fancy...just Simple Rewards. The students love them! Check them out here.

So that is my tip for the day! Hop on over to the Blog Hop to find some great back-to-school tips and ideas. 

Have a great day!
Carrie

An InLinkz Link-up

Organization and Diet Coke Boxes

Diet coke. Is the box the best part?

It's like waking up on Christmas morning!

Why do my students act giddy like they found an awesome present under the tree when I bring a Diet Coke box to school? I offer these boxes to students to use as a drawer in their desks. It keeps them "organized!" They fit perfectly inside their desks after the top is cut off. 

Actually, some of my students truly use them to organize their stuff better. Others use them to contain all of the extra markers, pencils, crayons, etc that tend to fall out of their desks. I saw it on Pinterest a while back, I think. I can't remember exactly, but where else would I have gotten a super great idea like that? I will give credit to that brilliant person when I come across it again.

As a matter of fact, my students were getting creative while waiting for the next box to come along and asked for boxes from tissues and from zip lock bags. While those were helpful, none of those boxes "did the trick" like soda boxes can. One of my students finally came around to seeing it that way. I think she will be able to find her scissors now since she doesn't actually look for them INSIDE her desk...usually. How adorable! 

The positive results? Students who have better ideas about how to organize their things...although I have several boys whose things are "squared away" at any given moment. They are my expert helpers who help some of the other students get their things in order. 

Another positive result, the desk fairy has more desks to admire. I made a new reward coupon for her to give the students for the new year. If you would like a copy, please click here.

Maybe this will spark some New Year's resolutions for my students!

Happy New Year! May all of your students' desks be in tip top shape for the new year! Now if the desk fairy would just come give me a hand with my own desk... :-)

I am linking up with Blog Hoppin for the New Year Linky for Day 5 - Organization. Can't get enough of that!!

Have a fabulous new year!
Carrie

Teachers Pay Teachers

Hi Everyone!

I have finally opened my store on TpT! I have had ideas for a while, however, the technology piece is slowing me down a bit. My adorable husband is pretty savvy and has saved the day. Of course school has started, so that takes up most of our energy and brain cells. So, eventually I will have some more things posted in my store.

For now I have my first free product that you can get if you click on the picture.

I also have one paid product that you can check out if you click on that picture. I will post pictures of my classroom examples soon.

Enjoy the rest of your Labor Day weekend!

Carrie