A Little Each Day

I've been working on my room each day since returning from Arizona on Thursday.  I finally got my $16 couch completed and in my room (SO EXCITED)!  Remember this?

Well here it is completed in my reading area.  The reading center is not finished, but the couch is! I got that maroon suede slip cover...for $29!  The pillows are covered in a regular pillow case I got at Wal-Mart for $1.97 each.  Houndstooth nonetheless!  

Love. It.

Oh and notice my DIY No-Sew classroom curtains!!  Here's a close up...

I also FINALLY painted that free bookshelf I got from a neighbor.  It isn't in my room yet, but here it is...

It looks SO much better black.  

AND I was able to make the curtain and hang the fabric to cover my back bookshelves behind my desk, hang my DIY file folder pocket chart and wrap my desk!  My desk area is just about finished...I just need to organize and unpack everything to put inside my desk.  Right now it's all on top and in a tote.  I think it's looking good though...

There are the other set of those curtains!  My desk is wrapped in regular wrapping paper I found at Hobby Lobby, black with white small dots and large red dots.  It really makes it a whole lot more appealing than a yucky metal desk!

I apologize if some of the photos are blurry.  I used my iPhone.  Sometimes it's pretty good...and sometimes, not so much.

Tomorrow's goal is to cover my boards, hang my rules and clip chart.  ;)  I'll post more pictures of all that and how I organized my supplies, crates for journals and folders, how I upscaled my disgusting, old plastic laptop cart, etc.  Here's a preview of my labels...

Up & Running...Again!

Hello again!  I am very sorry to have been out of touch from my blog for a couple of weeks!  The truth is that I had a favorite teacher friend of mine visiting from Kansas and then we had a death in our family so I was traveling to be with our extended family in Arizona.

I returned from all that and got working on my classroom again at the end of last week.  I am happy to report that it is coming along, slowly, yet it is progressing.  Much of my time in my room has been spent cleaning out the previous occupants stuff, which is now in a pile on a group of desks as we speak.  BUT I did get my bookshelves draped with fabric to hide the contents from view, I have also unpacked all of my belongings and organized the stockpile of supplies I hoarded over the summer.  And in true teacher fashion, a fellow faculty member and I had a “laminating party” this past Friday and spent 2 hours cutting out the 110 feet of laminating I had!  Now I can finally begin hanging things on the walls and start of bulletin boards, etc.  I also had the privilege of attending a former faculty member’s “back-to-school 31 party luncheon” yesterday...and spent another ungodly amount of money on cutesy bags and totes!  haha!

With that said, now that I have officially kicked off the back-to-school season, I’d like to share with you my projects the last two days!!  Ooooh, and I think I feel a FREEBIE coming on!!!

First...I saw this on Pinterest and LOVED IT!  A new, “high-end” way of displaying class rules.  And with my red/white/black theme!

 C’mon!  It’s cute, right?!  A $1.67 8x10 frame from Wal-Mart and some ribbon.  I just used a hot glue gun to attach the ribbon to the back and have those adhesive hooks for the wall.  It’s super cute!  Here’s where I got the freebie printable class rules.... not mine, so I’ll def promote them.

3rd Grade Thoughts - Class Rules Printables

Second...I was searching different behavior management systems teachers have in place that are out there and I came across Mel.D’s Seusstastic Classroom Inspirations.  Warm Fuzzies!  I love it!  So today, I’ve been obsessed with all things warm and fuzzy.  I took her idea that she had perfectly explained for her first grade class on her blog, and made it my own for 3rd graders!  I  made a PowerPoint to introduce this “Seusstastic” behavior incentive/reward system to my class during the first days of school.  I’m feeling giving today, and since I’m sure we’re all a bit stressed with the school year looming over us more and more as each day ends, here it is as a FREEBIE! I’ve uploaded it to Google Docs and I’m pretty sure my cute Doctor Seuss font will not transfer over.  If not, I have .png files of each slide that you can paste on to a PowerPoint slideshow so it will show up the way it’s intended.  Comment below if you want them.

Warm Fuzzies PowerPoint

As a part of the rewards, Mel D. uses classroom coupons as prizes.  Students can “cash in” their warm fuzzes for a coupon.  I made my own!  I call them “Good Choice Coupons” since all of the ways students can earn warm fuzzies all boil down to making a good choice vs. making a bad one. Again, I’m feelin’ it today so here they are.  You should be able to click on the image and print it.  If not, comment below.

 

NOTE:  I actually have the CLASS Apps job chart in my classroom that is pictured above.  If you want it, here is a link to order it from Amazon!  So cool and very 21st Century for our technology-centered learners!

CLASS Apps - Amazon $11.99

More Pinterest Crafting!!

As promised, I made the DIY No-Sew Classroom curtains today.  After a trip to Hobby Lobby for $0.99 bandanas and stitch witchy, I tried it out.  They were SO easy, took me about 30-45 minutes to do all 20 panels, and came out so cute!  BUT, of course, I put my own spin on them and added 2” grosgrain ribbon at the bottoms of each of the panels for added cuteness.  Here are some pics....

How To Make No-Sew Curtains

Curtain Panels - before and after

DIY No-Sew Classroom Curtains

Where did I get the idea from?!  Why Little Miss Kindergarten on Classroom DIY, of course!  Here’s the link to the “how to” and Little Miss Kindergarten’s blog....

Classroom DIY: No-Sew Curtains

Moving Day!

Today was the big day...moving day!  Well, moving in that is!  Yes, I moved all the stuff I’ve compiled since learning that I’d be moving up to 3 rd grade in to my new classroom today.  Well, I actually placed the totes in the classroom and spent the 4 hours that followed cleaning out and moving out the prior occupants belongings.  Grrr!

You read that correctly.  I moved out the last teachers belongings. Actually, what was left of them.  BUT there was enough left in there to take 4 hours for me and 2 helpers to move it all out in to the hallway (as suggested by my principal).  I hope she isn’t mad when she comes back to school!  In my defense, I emailed a few times over the last few weeks, waited, and then called twice yesterday and today.  No answer, no reply, no response.  So, at the suggestion of my administration and academic coach, I moved it all in the hallway!

So now, I’ve cleared the space and the real “moving in” can happen!! Tomorrow, that is.  I’m exhausted!!  Did you know that moving furniture, cleaning and carrying boxes for 4 hours burns over 1100 calories?!

AND I BOUGHT A COUCH FOR $16!  Yes...a couch.  For $16!! A nice little Goodwill special, 50% off because it was today’s chosen color!  ;)  I cannot wait to cover it and make it match my room.  I will definitely be posting pictures of THAT project!

The plan.  My plan for tomorrow is to return to school and clean everything.  De-dust, de-funk, and de-stink EVERYTHING!  ALSO...tomorrow I’ll be trying my hand at no-sew, DIY curtains for the classroom, thanks to DIY Classroom blog!  Pictures to follow of my adventures with stitch witchy...


P.S.  Here’s the couch I got for $16!

$16 before...

DIY File Folder Pocket Chart - LABELS

Today I spent most of the day bouncing from task to task, trying to prepare myself to move in to my new classroom tomorrow.  That’s right, tomorrow is moving day!  I have all my totes packed and ready to roll first thing tomorrow morning.  Now, I hope my classroom is empty and ready for me!  You see, the last teacher still had A LOT of stuff occupying my new room...

That’s besides the point.  The point is that one of the tasks I worked on was creating labels for the file folder pocket chart I made yesterday.  I completed mine, and made one for a friend!  Here it is...

finished File Folder Pocket Chart with labels

  My favorite is the bottom folder.  I love all the embellishments I found.  I got them at Michaels yesterday and they were 40% off at that!

Okay, I promised you yesterday that I would post labels for you to use to create your own file folder pocket chart.  I created a PDF document of some labels you might use so you could use the same font I did without having to download it.  I used Avery 8160 labels and cut the top and bottom of the peeled label itself to give it the rectangular look and fit inside the bordered label on the tab.  If you do not see a label you want on the PDF document I made, email me and I will make it for you.  OR if you want to  make your own using this font, the font name is “Fairview” and I got it as a FREEBIE on fontspace.com.

Enjoy!

DIY File Folder Pocket Chart labels

Pinterest Crafting!!

Wow!  What a weekend!  CRAZY storms swept my home state and our neighbors beginning Friday and I’ve been without internet and telephone ALL WEEKEND.  BUT I’m back and trying to catch up!  As you can see, my blog is having a few “hiccups”...I can’t get the title to center and the “pin it” button is not working.  Really?!  Really.  I had to step away a bit ago because my frustration level was approaching dangerously close to “smash something”.  So what did I do while my blood pressure dropped?

PINTEREST CRAFTING! Yes!!

I made this...

DIY File Folder Pocket Chart

See, on Pinterest, I have a board called “Even a Heaven is Organized to a Teacher”.  I LIVE by organization.  It calms me.  And so does crafting.  So I made this to go in my new classroom to help me be more organized.  Plus, it’s cute, ain’t it?! 

Want to make one?  Here’s how...

(WAIT!  DISCLAIMER...this is not my idea, obviously.  It’s on Pinterest.  The blog I saw it on did not have very detailed instructions or pictures so I had to do things my way.  I took the idea, and did it my way.)

Here’s what you need...

1.  Double sided file folders, at least 5

2.  hot glue gun or super glue

3. single hole punch

4. thin ribbon

5. scissors

6. OPTIONAL - thick ribbon

7. OPTIONAL - file folder labels

Now...

Step 1:  Get a pack or at least 5 double sided file folders.  Target has them, even in the dollar section. I’ve seen them at Michaels.  I got these at Staples in a pack of 6 for $4.99.  These are actually very thick and have a shiny coated side that will work like it’s laminated. ;)  

Now that you have your file folders, turn them over to the back.  You’re going to fold down the tab side that you would normally stick the label on.  Glue the folded tab down.  I used Krazy Glue.  Like this....

Step 1

Step 2:  After you’ve folded and glue all the tabs down on all your folders, line them up vertically in the order you want them to hang in your final product.  Tuck the bottom of the top folder down inside the folder below it.  When you’re doing this, measure using a piece of paper the same size as the largest paper you’d file in your file pockets.  Make sure you can still see the tab of the top folder and the paper is not covering it up.  If it is, your top folder is too far inside the folder below it.  

Once you have all your folders lined up, glue the top folders to the inside back of the folder below it, starting with the bottom two folders and working your way up.  I just used a little glue on the top edges, not all the way down.  Like this...(in left to right, top to bottom order...)

Step 2

Step 3:  Once all your folders are glued to each other, you’re ready to “tie them off”!  You’re going to punch holes in the sides and use ribbon to hold them together.  Plus, it makes it pretty. ;)

For this, I used a regular single hole punch, but I had to punch it layers because the folders are thick.  I started with the top layer and added another layer, punching through the same hole each time and whalla! Start with the top section of the very bottom folder, on the tab that you folded and glued down.  The very bottom of the folder above it should be glued to the back inside this folder, as will be the case with the remaining folders above.  Open the folder and punch through the top of it (and incidentally, through the tab you folded and glued), then add the top of the folder behind it, then the bottom of the folder above and the back of the very bottom folder.  Keep punching as you go up the line, on both sides.  

Step 4:  NOW get your ribbon!  I used 1/4 inch ribbon.  I wove the ribbon starting with the bottom hole and looping it up on both sides to the top hole.  Then I threaded both ends of the ribbon through the top hole and tied with a bow around the edge.  The bow sits on top of the folder though.  

Like this.... (in left to right, top to bottom order...)

Step 3

Step 3 - Bow on top

Remember to use the holes twice so the ribbon looks woven all the way up.  Like this...

Step 3 - Finished

Step 5:  Step 5 is optional.  You can simply attach your file folder pocket chart to the wall using velcro adhesive tape.  But I wanted it to hang on a 3M hook.  So I attached a ribbon to hang it from to the back of the top file folder.  I simply took a larger width ribbon, 2 inch I think, and measured out how low I wanted it to hang from the hook.  Then I cut a piece of ribbon and glued the ends to the back of the top file folder.  I applied a piece of craft scotch tape over top as well for security.  

You’re done!  That’s it.  

You can write on the tabs or make your own labels.  I’m making my own labels and adding embellishments I found at Michaels to customize and give it a “finished” look.  I will post the labels I make tomorrow....

Happy Birthday America!!

In honor of our great nation’s birthday, I’m giving away TWO activities that go with my American Revolution unit!  BUT I’m only giving away these activities until Sunday, July 8th!  

As a part of my American Revolution Unit, students randomly choose a character that had a part in the American Revolution (i.e. King George III, John Hancock, a redcoat, etc.).  Students will complete to assignments for their character choice.  They will gather information throughout the unit that is discussed in class and they will seek out information using reference materials on their own (A CCSS Standard folks!).  

First, they will use what they learn specifically about their character to create a presentation about them to share with the class that includes supporting artifacts, such as a poster, PowerPoint, or picture slideshow, that they create.  They are also asked to have additional props to enhance their presentation and are encouraged to dress up like their chosen character.  Instructions, character list and a rubric for the character presentations are included in this FREEBIE!

The second assignment students will complete using their chosen character is what I call a “Revolutionary Reunion”.  Yes, a reunion of all the who’s who of the American Revolution.  It is the culminating activity for my 10 day American Revolution Unit and a great assessment.  Here’s the skinny on the Revolutionary Reunion...

Students will use what they know about the character they chose and learned about to BECOME THEM!  They will assume their identity and role-play.  This is a lot of fun!  They will be asked to dress up in some way like their character so that it is easier to identify who they are.  Each attendee has an agenda for attending this reunion. It could be to gather information about the redcoats to pass on to General George Washington or about the militia in nearby towns as a loyalist spy for the British Army.  Let’s face it, the American Revolution was no party and some of these people are sworn enemies.  With their agenda in mind, students will meet each other through round-table discussion and mock interviews.  They will ask each other questions and give out key pieces of information to each other about themselves.  It’s great to watch as students determine who each other are and form “cliques” in the room as loyalists and patriots stick to themselves or a brave soul takes on his role as a patriot or loyalist spy.  

At the end of the reunion, the class will have a discussion about each character’s agenda, what they discovered about each other and which pieces of that information would help them complete their own agenda.

Instructions and rubric for the Revolutionary Reunion are also included in this FREEBIE!

American Revolution Character Reunion & Presentation FREEBIE

OR you can get the WHOLE UNIT!!

American Revolution Unit- COMPLETE PACK!

Getting Organized?!?! I AM!! (FREEBIE ALERT!)

I’m organizing all these resources I have as I’m planning for the upcoming year.  So, I made binder covers.  Of course I did! Here are the first 3 I made.  I made the first one to go with the Common Core Scoring Rubric for standards-based report cards our district sent out.  I made the other two to go with the tables I’m creating to go with the essential maps for ELA/Reading/Writing and Math.  BUT my tables will not only have the standards, but the complete skills required for mastery. I’ll post THAT later (when it’s done, truth be told.)  For now, if you’d like some quick binder covers for the same thing, here they are.  Click on the link below the pictures to go to my TPT account to download them.  THEY’RE FREE PEOPLE!

Oh and in the preview I have here, my name is on the bottom.  The ones you’ll download do not have a name there.  ;)

Common Core Rubric & Maps Binder Covers