Guided Reading Table Upgrades!!!

I have added a couple new things to my guided reading table this year. They are cute AND make life easier!

 I am super excited about my new dry erase circles. I got these Wall Pops from amazon at about $9 for a set of three. I went with the two colors for added fun! They erase really easily and no more passing out boards or trying to work around them! You can reposition them if needed. When I put them on, I just pulled back on side of backing laid that down and slowly peeled the backing away as I put it in place. I figure that is easier than working with the whole thing at once.

Also, I have my bucket lids all finished! I'll be honest my husband did part of the work and my mom the rest so I don't know all the details, but I will share what I know. I got the buckets from Lowes along with a sturdy plywood, screws, and wood glue.  You cut out two circles per bucket. One circle is smaller than the bucket top so it fits inside to prevent slipping. (leaving room for the fabric and vinyl to fit in there too) The other circle is bigger so it will sit on top. You then glue and screw a small to a big. Then you put the stuffing on the bigger circle and cover it with fabric. Staple the fabric to the underside of the seats. Then you go back and add the vinyl covering. Trim off any remaining plastic and fabric. I added a supply list below. 

Using the Buckets:

I made large shipping labels for my buckets. 

Students 1-5, students 6-10... and Pencils

Each student has a gallon baggie with their name on it inside the bucket that goes with their class number. I sat this up on open house so the parents could help and it worked really well. Now they have a place for those extra supplies without it taking up more cabinet space and they make great guided reading chairs. ( You don't want to try slouching on those!) I keep the pencils because I have a pencil system that requires me to pass out pencils.

buckets

plywood

screws

wood glue

stuffing

vinyl "material"? from the sewing section You want a thicker one so it will last

fabric ( 21"x18" will cover a seat) I got mine from the pre-cut material at Wal-Mart

staple gun with staples

101 not 1001!

         

          According to common core, students need to write to 120. I want them to practice this throughout the year, but we don't get into place value until later. Many times I get 1001, 1002...10013 or something like that. I just wanted an easy way for them to practice those 100+ numbers so I put them in a trace format. I hope that others find this useful too.

Back To School Sale!!!

      I have just finished my first partial week of school and am getting ready to head back for the first full week! I hope those of you who are already started are having a great year and the best of luck to those who haven't. The Back-To-School sale is an exciting one! It is the beginning of a new adventure where we get another chance to change lives!  My store is on sale for the next few days! Also, please follow me on blog lovin'! (check out the sidebar) This year, I want to offer a free sheet or two to go with some of each month's Scholastic dollar books and I would love to share those with as many as possible! Have a fantastic year!

Star"Bursting" with Excitement!

Get the label below!

I am almost ready for open house! For back to school, I used these die cut bags. They are filled with Starbursts and some tissue paper. Then I added this fun starburst label to the front! You could put the label right on a Starburst pack. The guitars are from Amazon and it was only around $13 for a class set! We didn't blow up the guitars and Mrs. Flanders, from down the hall, pointed out that this would give the kids something to do while parents filled out paperwork. So between guitars and putting away supplies, we will be busy! The labels are Avery 8160 1" x 2 5/8"!

ROCKSTAR Pack!

I love using these 8 pocket poly portfolios from Teacher Direct!  I've tried different things to use as a home communication binder, but these were a success so I am using them again! They are about $3.00 each. By the time you add all the pieces together for other binders it is about the same.  They held up all year! All the clip art is from KPM Doodles! I also have a pirate themed set with Clipart from KPM Doodles! I will add the labels I used, but label printing can be tricky so I am hoping it works out for the best! There are also some variations of what I have. Have a great year and stay organized! 

Rockstar themed labels

Pirate themed labels

Student name label

Notes and Money Pocket and Whole Brain Teaching Behavior Pocket

I put a monthly calendar in here and will be using the WBT behavior system this year.

Student and Parent Resources and Book Pocket

 I put reading strategies and other resources in the resource pocket and the book pocket is for the reading log and guided reading book.

Homework and Word Wall Pocket

Take Home Pocket