DIY Organization: Never Lose Markers Again!

Markers are like bobby pins. They disappear and can never be found; or, the lids get lost and the markers become useless. This is a trick I learned that will help marker sets stay together and not get lost or accidentally stolen. 

All that you need for this project is markers and duct tape. I evenly lined up the markers on a flat surface. Then, I measured and cut duct tape a little longer than the length of the row of markers so that the tape would wrap around the two end markers just a little bit. Stick the duct tape along the length of the marker lids. At this point all the markers will be fairly secure. Then, flip over the set of markers. Fold over the tape on the top of the markers. Finally, I cut one more piece of tape to cover the other side of the markers.

*Make sure part of the lids stick up over the tape so that color of the lid is visible. 

I love how nice and neat this storage is (I got it at Walmart for a dollar or two). I had no clue when I bought this container how perfectly the marker sets would fit; but I was so happy when I realized the "puzzle piece" fit :) When the marker sets get returned to this container, I will know all the markers will be there and if they aren't, it will be obvious. 

Hope you enjoyed!

For the Love of Students,

Emily

Organization DIY: School Supplies

I have to admit that I am not always the best about organization! However; when I am organized, I feel so much better about myself and want to spend time in the organized space. Since at least a third of my life will be spent in my classroom, I want a space that I will be happy in! I'm hoping that being more organized in my classroom will help save precious time that would otherwise be wasted on searching for lost papers/items. If everything has a place, and is returned to its place :) , the students and I will know exactly where to find things. I plan to share more about the organization in my classroom in future blogs. :)

I got this multiple compartment storage unit from Lowe's. It's meant as a tool box I am sure, but I think it is PERFECT for storing school supplies. It cost my around $15, but I know they go on sale because my friend just bought the same one for $10. 

NOW...to GLAM it up!

• Fun paper. I bought a mini scrapbook paper book at Target and cut the paper to fit inside each compartment. 
• White sticker labels to put over the colored paper so that category name will be visible. 
• Double stick tape to adhere the paper to the inside of each little drawer.
• Marker to write each category name

I purposefully left some containers empty so that there is room to grow my supply collection. Also, I may  realize new categories I would like to add in the future.

I got this container at Walmart. The reason I wanted this container, apart from the other, is because the drawers are deep enough to fit writing utensils. 

This container is for the students to access. The top drawer is for extra homework pages for the students who were absent or misplaced their homework. Then, there is lined paper for the students to use when they run out of writing space in journals, on tests, etc. Finally, in the bottom drawer, I will put papers without names so that students can find lost papers.

Cheers to DIY projects and cheers to staying organized! :)

For the Love of Students,

Emily

Mascot Management: Reduce Noise in the Classroom

      I have been given advice from multiple teacher friends that a great way to eliminate a noisy classroom is to take away a portion of the students' passing period time. This idea really only will work for middle school and older, assuming that elementary students do not have passing periods.

HOW IT WORKS:
      Using your school's mascot,  spell out the mascot letters on the board where it is visible to all students. When students get too noisy, start counting down from five. If you get to zero before all the students are quiet, one letter of the mascot is erased or taken off the board and the students lose 10 seconds of their passing period. For every letter that is removed during a given class period, multiply by ten and that's how many seconds after the bell the students must remain in the classroom.

WHY IT WORKS:
       It's simple, middle school students love socializing! Taking away the few times during the day where they are able to talk with friends will motivate them to cut the chatter.

I plan on giving this tactic a try in my classroom this year. I am always looking for an excuse to craft and I love glitter so I came up with this. Obviously my school's mascot is the Jaguars and our school colors are green and white. 

WHAT I DID:

I bought wooden letters from Hobby Lobby. They were around $1.25 but HALF OFF! Score!! I then painted the letters green. Once the paint dried, I sprayed mod podge over each letter and sprinkled on green glitter. Finally, I used hot glue to adhere heavy duty magnets to the back. I used two magnets, however, one may be enough.  I wouldn't recommend magnet tape because it is not strong enough to hold up the letters.

I love how it turned out and cannot wait to hang them up in my classroom (photo to come!). It's purposeful and incorporates school spirit in the classroom. WIN.WIN.

For the Love of Students,

Emily