Wristband Reminder Notes

This past year I had the hardest time getting papers back. Some of my students' backpacks were like black holes. Things went in and never came out. #blackhole I sometimes had to search backpacks for missing homework assignments and realized parents weren't even looking in these bags (at least not on a regular basis). So, when I saw the Wrist Notes in the Target Dollar Spot I got super excited! What a great way to jot a note saying, "Check Johnny's backpack." 

Then I realized I could personalize them and have them ready to go. Check out some of the Ready-to-Print notes below. 

Would you like to write your own message? Go ahead! There are editable versions with clipart only. You can add a text box (in Powerpoint) or handwrite a message.

Would you like to try them out?! Check out the FREEBIE {Click HERE}. It has 4 different Wristband Notes. #freebiealert

If you're interested in buying the pack I'm offering it for 30% OFF through Sunday. #discount  Enjoy your weekend friends!
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My {FIRST grade} Classroom Reveal

I was so bummed that I missed Ashley (Schroeder Shenanigans in 2nd) and Angie's (Lucky Little Learners) #2getherwearebetter link up last month. So, I made sure to snap some photos of my classroom for this month's linky party. I'm so excited to share my home away from home!

Here is a view from the front of the room. You may notice that I have a ton of desks. We were anticipating going up to 25 students, but I only have 16. Those extra desks were annoying at first, but now I've found them to be useful during math stations.

Speaking of math stations... I keep my them organized using the bins on the right (from Costco). Students are sent to a particular colored bin each day. They are kept at the back of the room near our shared math manipulatives. When it's time to play, students take them to a designated spot in the room.

Find these labels on TpT {Click HERE}

The front of my room has a lot going on. I post my daily schedule, team points, materials students will need, center rotations, and calendar at the front. This is also the only whiteboard space I have in my entire room (sad face).

Guided reading is one of my favorite times of day because it flows so well. We are very productive during this time and I meet with every single student. It's a lot of work, but I've been able to manage 4 reading groups these past two years (with the help of my team of course). I feel so much more organized with these color-coordinated drawers. Every color corresponds with a particular reading group, so each one is filled with a particular group's books/materials.

My students use the classroom library daily. The KEY to keeping it tidy is having a classroom librarian (and assistants). I was very impressed with how quickly they were able to straighten up these books because sometimes my little visitors don't put things back the way they should. #teachertip

When it's time to go home students check their mail. I have a box too (at the very bottom). All of my supplies are on this back counter as well. Students know exactly where to go to put things back and turn in their work. I try to keep my room tidy because my desk is SUPER messy. So, I feel a little better when I shield my eyes and turn towards my classroom. teehee   Welp, somehow I neglected to include any of the cute pandas that fill my room! They're hiding all over the room. I may have a snap a few more photos. Be sure to check out some of the other beautiful rooms below. 

An InLinkz Link-up

Back to School Crown FREEBIE

Are you all set to head back to school? Did you print any crowns (or hats as we call them) for your kiddos? I started back today and my students will be in class on Thursday! I'm all about celebrating the first day and getting my students excited about first grade. So, I couldn't resist making some cute crowns! I made these for kindergarteners, firsties, and second graders. I plan on having my kiddos color them in and stapling before they head home that first day. Click on the picture to check it out. #firstdayfun

My niece was excited to color and model this crown, even though she's going into 3rd grade.

I've also included some first graders (and second graders) CAN, HAVE, ARE slips to add to the hats if you have time for a little writing activity. These can be glued to the sentence strip. What do you think?!

Would you like to go to back to school in style? My friend Melissa (Mrs. Dailey's Classroom) is giving away a $150 Gift Certificate to Better Life bags and $50 to the Loft. Have you heard of these bags?? They are beautiful, totally customizable, and help to support a good cause. You can enter below for a chance to win. Good luck friends! #luckyduck
Hope this helps as you prepare to head back. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Money Saving Tips {Weekend Warriors}

I’m back again for another Weekend Warriors linky party. This month we’re getting together to share tips and tricks that will help you save yo’ money! Who doesn’t want to keep some change in their pocket?

My first tip is to PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTS. You should definitely be protecting all those goodies that you’re spending your precious dollars on. One way to make your paperback books last a little longer is to cover them with contact paper. I bought a lot of new books for my students last month and plan on adding them to the take-home section of my classroom library. These books go through a lot of little hands. Last year, I only covered a few of my books and many of them ripped.

Let’s have a moment of silence for those poor little books. They never saw it coming.

All you need to cover your books are: contact paper and scissors. Super cheap materials that will allow you to keep your books a little bit longer. The Inspired Owl’s Corner has a great tutorial on her blog that explains each step. Click {HERE} to head to her blog post. 

 

My next tip is to INVEST WISELY. There are certainly things you should splurge on and things that you can savel on. Classroom mailboxes… splurge. Stickers and bins… save. Yes, Target’s Dollar Spot has lots of goodies that will save you money, but so does the Dollar Tree. Their bins are great for classroom libraries and they’re much more sturdy than they used to be. I’ve had some pretty rough kiddos (they really tear things up), and my library bins have lasted me for years. You don't have to spend a fortune on turn-in baskets either. You can find great baskets at the Dollar Tree or Target Dollar Spot.

My last money saving tip is to BE A BARGAIN HUNTER. Yes, the Dollar Spot has cheap things, but sometimes they are just that…CHEAP. Yes, that adorable caddy may only by a dollar, but how long will it be before it breaks? And those reusable sheet protectors… how sturdy are they? Be on the lookout at school supply stores and websites like Amazon. Sometimes, they have better prices for the more durable necessities.

Photo credit: Thenumbertwentyone Those neon pockets are sometimes less than a dollar each as well.

Well friends, I hope that one of these money saving tips helps you out. And be sure to check out the other blogs below for MORE money saving tips and tricks. I know how hard you work and that you spend your own money on your classroom and littles. I truly appreciate all that you do. Keep it up!

Do you have a money saving tip or trick for me?! I’m all ears… comment below or link up with us! 

An InLinkz Link-up