Teacher Binder: Keeping it simple and easy!

Last year, when I headed back to school I was 6 months pregnant and preparing to make my life as teacher and ready-to-be momma as easy and stress-free as possible. With all the doctor's appointments that were soon to be coming up and the sudden illnesses that crept up on me a time or two, I wanted to have something simple and easy to access information quickly from in the event I had to spend time away from my classroom.

I created a binder as the year went, inserting pages of information that I found useful to anyone who may have to step in my room for a brief amount of time. 

Many of the pages I created are similar to the resource pages I provided in my Long-Term Sub Binder, which I used during my maternity leave.

I provided two different cover page designs. I'm slightly obsessed with all things navy, gold, and arrows! :) 

What are some "must have" things that you need/leave for subs or for organization for easy finds?  I would love to add to my collection and fine tune my organizational skills a little! :)

I Made It!

Today I'm linking up with Tara from 4th Grade Frolics for Monday Made It.

Yes, I realize it is now mid-way through Tuesday but we'll just pretend. 

This summer has been quite different from any other summers and that's because I have some BIG NEWS…but I can't share that big news just yet. You'll have to come back next week for that reveal. :)

I have been busy though.  Here's what I've been making:

I finally got around to updating my Long-Term Sub Binder and I made some new covers that I am in love with! Excited to head to Staples to get these bad boys printed out and into a binder!

I also added 18 more pages for even more (slightly OCD) organizing!! 

whoop whoop!

 

You can take a peek at what's included in THIS post.

Or you can check it out HERE.

Then, I made another Parent-Teacher Communication Binder for a friend.

I kinda think it's adorable and it was created to match Melanie from Schoolgirl Style's Owl-themed classroom the best I could! :)

Every cover in this book has 4 options {color and b&w}

I also have 2 purchase options:

an OWL Book Binder as is

OR

an EDITABLE OWL Book Binder (this allows you to type in what you want to say on each cover, as well as in the letter to parents)

I started using daily communication binders with my parents 6 years ago and I will never do anything different.  It is the best way to keep your parents in the loop of what is going on in your classroom and how their student is behaving and progressing daily. I receive the most praise (in terms of communication) about these binders!  You can read more about these binders and see other binder-themed options HERE.

And finally…

I worked really hard on this last product.  Why? Because it's a product/tool that I will be using all year long.  Last year I had two students who struggled all year on learning and mastering the letters of the alphabet, consistently and fluently.  Mid-year I purchased a book titled Interventions That Work and it changed my life.  Everything that is outlined in this book were things that I already knew (or at least heard before) but wasn't registering as an effective way to get my students mastering this foundational skill. 

After reading the book, I began to put all of that knowledge to use and began creating the following packet.  I used many of the games featured in this packet in the final months of the school year and was able to see improvements from both students.

I spent some time this summer researching a little more on orthographic systems and created this packet.  It will serve a supplement to many other great tools that I will use throughout the year.

Click images to take a little peek.

After looking at so many other wonderful things that all of you have been making, my 'to-do' list has grown even more!

Excited to get started on some DIY projects around the house too. 

Don't forget to stop by Tara's blog to check out some other great projects!

Favorite Pins Round 3

This has seriously become my favorite little weekly linky!  I have learned so much and have added so many things to my ever growing 'to-do' list! It amazes me how much I don't see on Pinterest {when I feel like there's nothing I could possibly be missing}.

Here are some of my favorites from this week.  We'll start with what I love most.... FOOD

 Nature Box

Just A Taste

Can you tell my favorite things to eat are breakfast foods?! I could seriously eat breakfast for every.single.meal.

Clothes

I'm a sucker for fashion.  I do not have the paycheck for it, but that's neither here nor there! :)

Polyvore

I am in love with this outfit!!

Webstagram

LOVE this color combination! Perfect for Fall!

Polyvore...and everything's sold out :/

And of course, I had to through in my game attire love!  I do LIVE in Nole Nation.  It's only fitting! :)

For the Home

Imperfect Home Making

Please tell me you've seen this pin already?  I swear every single one of my friends has 'pinned' this!  It's a step by step on how to fold your bedding all nice and pretty.  Tried it out and it worked!  Not as pretty as the picture but that's because I'm impatient when it comes to folding. :)

Beach Bright's Ideas

How brilliant is this idea...those are shoe box tops covered with fabric!!! shut up!!!! Get out of TOWN!!  Can not WAIT to do this! 

My Home Ideas

I wish I could call on Mary Poppins to complete this task for me!

School Love

Sew Fantastic

Umm...brilliant!  Love this idea for my kinder babies!

The Navy Stripe

Another little 'aha' moment.  Use zipper pouches to store puzzle pieces!!  I have taped and re-taped so many puzzle boxes!!  Can't wait to get into my room and do this.  Seems like a space saver too! Double bonus! :)

Mrs. Heeren's Happenings

Magnetic glass tile! How stinkin' adorable are these?! *love* Blog has an excellent DIY step-by-step.  Another item added to my 'to-do' list!

Don't forget another great organizational tool! :)

On sale in my TPT store for the rest of today!  It goes back to regular price tomorrow.  Thank you to all who participated in my FB giveaway and for all your sweet comments.  I sure do *LOVE* reading them! :)

Don't forget to head to Cara's blog to snag some more amazing ideas.  Click HERE to follow me on Pinterest.

Organizing OCD

I'm not sure about you, but every year around this time my mind goes straight into organization mode.  Sad thing is, it has nothing to do with my home but everything to do with school!  I start loading up my Pinterest boards and adding so many items to my 'to-do' list.  

Wait till you see my Pin-it Friday list!!  {obviously, that will be tomorrow} :)

Today, however, I want to share with you a file I just created and posted.
As many of you know, my hubby and I have started trying to have a baby.  When I started thinking about the thought of possibly leaving my classroom and kiddos at some point this year, I began to hyperventilate.  The thought of someone taking over is....well...dreadful!  I'm slightly OCD and like to have things done my way.  I began searching all over for tips and tricks for leaving your classroom and came up short-handed.  This led me to create a binder that I will be {hopefully} using sometime in the near future.

This 91 page packet has everything you will need to leave with your long-term sub and leave you at ease {well maybe just a little less stressed}.  I like to leave extremely thorough and detailed information for my subs {I feel sorry for the ones that just take over my room for half-a-day.  They get a two page+ plan}.  This packet has everything I could think of that I would want my long-term sub to know.  There are pages for classroom information, school information, references pages for all things academic, and so much more!

You can check it out at my TPT store where it is marked at a discounted price! Or head over to my Facebook page where you can win it for FREE!

Can't wait to share all my favorite pins from the week with you tomorrow!!  It's my *favorite* linky party! :)

Communication Tools! {SALE}

One of my favorite communication/management tools are my Parent-Teacher Communication Binders.  These are a huge hit with my parents every year, simply because they are able to keep track of their child's academics and behavior daily.  It's a super simple binder with simple directions and guidelines. I decided since, sadly, so many of you are going back to school already to have a little sale!

Here is a quick view of what's in my store!  Still adding more daily! :)  Don't see a theme that fits your room?  Let me know!!

Click HERE to head to my TPT store!

TBT, Take-Home Bag + FREEBIE!

I am L.O.V.I.N.G. summer!!

I spent the last week here with family:

Lets just say it was GLORIOUS! Ha!

Now that I'm back and all relaxed and rejuvenated it was time to get busy and that I did.    

I spent the past several days working and finally finished this little number:

I am beyond excited about this packet.  I have been using take-home-bags in my classroom ever since I started teaching {five years ago}.  I was first introduced to these little babies by my interning teacher and her colleagues.  A few of the ones they used, I included {with their permission} just a little more updated!  This packet is the BIGGEST packet I've ever created, reaching 176 pages!!!  It is loaded with 19 wonderful take home bags {crazy part is, I'm still working on adding a few more to the packet}!

Here's what's inside:

Head on over to my store to check it out.  I will have it set at $10 today only!  Then, it will creep back up to $12 where it will stay {even when I add more to it}!!

Because I love you all so much I'm giving my Mystery Bag away as a freebie!

{click the image}

Now for why you really came. :)

I'm taking you back to February 2011 and a couple reading organization tips I 'borrowed' from fellow bloggers {while adding my own flare, of course}.  You'll even notice I referenced Michelle Oakes by using her original class website {it was before she had a blog}! love it! Enjoy

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Reading Organization

I have spent many hours browsing the web for ideas on how to revamp my classroom once I was reassigned to first grade.  I didn't want to spend a TON of money but knew that I was a little 'OCD' when it came to organization and coordination! :)  This is what I've come up with:

 Since my kiddos are in first grade now we no longer need those little cubbies, so I turned them into our class library!  I got all the baskets at the Dollar Tree (one of my all time favorite places to shop now).  They have really adorable stamps right now that are perfect for teachers! 

 I am a member of Thistlegirl Designs, DJ Inkers, and recently Scrappin' Doodles.  That is where I purchased all my graphics from!  I'm truly OBSESSED now!!  I got the idea to place corresponding stickers inside each book from Michelle over atFantastic First Grade! It's such a great visual and a great way for the kids to help keep the book nook nice and organized! 

 Above is a picture of my student's "book luggage."  This is used with our Daily Five.  I purchased the baskets from none other than the Dollar Tree and made the cute little luggage tag with a die-cut! Simple, easy, and cute!

Inside their book luggage are 'just right books,' some of their decodable books, a reading strategy bookmark, 'magic reading glasses (purchased from the Dollar Tree, lenses taken out), and an eyelighter. I've since placed a coaching sheet for when they are buddy reading.  After doing some blogging earlier I will be adding some more goodies to their book luggage!  I found some really great ideas from Brooke over at Primary Perspective.  Be sure to check it out if you are also using the Daily Five in your classroom!  Cute, cute stuff!