Happy Saturday! I have been so excited for this weekend, not because we have big plans, but because we have no plans and I have nothing that I have to get done. Report cards done, check. Dance recitals done, check. Castle built and brought to school, check. Castle report done, check. House cleaned.........
So anyway, I thought I would take a minute to link up with Elizabeth at Fun in Room 4B and Kristen at Ladybug's Teacher Files for their Optimum Organization Linky.
The small print says to share tips that may help out a new teacher and I hope that these tips help save someone a little time.
Here is my first tip.
Use number cards (these are calendar cards) to label classroom hooks. I used to use labels with student names and each year try and pull them off and replace them with new labels. Needless to say they did not pull off neatly and I wasted time taking them off, making new labels and putting them up. I number my students anyway so using numbers was a super easy system to move to.
Now you might be thinking, that is a really obvious tip, but sometimes I am amazed by how long it takes to figure something so obvious out, or see it on a blog or pinterest and be in shock that I didn't think of it. Case in point. Right next to my lovely numbered hooks are baskets for the students. These are to store their hats, gloves, shoes (I know there is a pair of shoes not in a basket in the pic above!). Each year I LABEL the baskets with the students names. I was just looking at them thinking about tidying up for the end of the year and I thought "Why don't I number the baskets too!" So that is what I will be doing this summer. Making number labels for my baskets. (Note the poorly peeled off label in the pic below!)
You're right...such a simple idea with the labeling of items with the calendar cards, but I have never seen it or thought of it before!!
ReplyDeleteJessica
Literacy Spark
I completely agree with you! Sometimes I try to overcomplicate things when all I need is a simple fix! One of the things I {heart} about blogging is all those simple tricks others teachers share! I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!
ReplyDelete~Courtney
Polka Dot Lesson Plans
I love your ideas! I pinned your idea about the mentor texts, I a multi-age group, so I have part of my class for 2 years and I don't always keep track of what mentor texts I use. This will make it so easy! I think I will also label art projects and emergency sub plans this way, too!
ReplyDeleteMary
Teaching Special Kids
All great tips. Love the number for the coat hooks especially. Why didn't I think of that?? :)
ReplyDelete~Brandee
Creating Lifelong Learners
I even have the same calendar cards. Great tip!
ReplyDeleteJenny
Suntans and Lesson Plans
I have used the numbers for several years, but mine is written sloppily with a marker onto the wood. I may have to spruce them up a bit and put some cute numbers over them. ;)
ReplyDeleteKelly
I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
I've numbered my coat hooks in the past but for some reason got away from doing it. Why? It seems so simple and such a great idea. Looks like I'll be bringing it back :) Thanks for linking up with such great ideas!!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Fun in Room 4B
I currently have 2 grade levels and next year, I'll have 3 (1st-3rd). I love the idea of labeling things so we aren't doing the same holiday craft all 3 years! Thanks :)
ReplyDelete-Becky
Lesson Plans & Lattes
Great idea for re-purposing those calendar numbers!
ReplyDeleteThe Teacher Chick