Author's Purpose Poster

It's time to teach author's purpose to my new students!  I love the way the new poster turned out. 

Planboard for Lesson Plans

I'm trying out a new resource for lesson plans this year. (It's free!)

It's called Planboard, and I really like the layout.  For one thing, it has a calendar layout that can be configured for any class schedule.  It is easy to insert your standards by simply clicking down a list. Also, it is easy to shift plans to the next day if you don't get to everything. You can view your plans by week, day or class. When you are finished, you can generate a .pdf file in a weekly or daily format for submission.

If you'd like to give it a try, please click on the link below:

PLANBOARD LINK: CLICK HERE

By using this link instead of the web address, you and I will both receive 100 MB extra storage space for free!

Folder Holders (Simple and Affordable)

Have you ever wanted to purchase a seat sack or chair organizer, but couldn't afford them?  They are SO expensive!  This year, I got a decent deal on some homemade denim seat sacks.  Then I dyed them and added a ribbon detail.  When I (finally) finish my classroom and post pics, you will get to see them.

My son starts Kindergarten this year, and one of the K teachers saw my seat sacks and wanted to make some.  So I thought I would try to come up with a design for her to use.  Her room has a jungle theme. I think these turned out really cute and they were not difficult or expensive to put together. 

With folders:

Without folders:

How to make them:

I  bought this in the fabric section of Walmart for about $8.

13 1/2 inches wide worked nicely for me.  The plastic is 9 feet by 54 inches.  Cut it into 54 inch strips that are @13.5 inches wide.  Then fold cut that in half so that you have two 27 inch strips that are 13.5 inches wide. You only need one strip for the folder holder.

Begin by taping one short edge with duct tape. There are so many cool duct tapes now; you can find one that matches your classroom design.

Then you want to fold that strip about 1/3 of the length of the strip and staple the sides.

Then flip it over and fold the other end in the other direction and staple the sides again.  One pocket will hold the folder. One pocket will go over the chair back. 

Then add duct taper border and put it on the chair!  Very simple!

I don't know how strong these will be.  They will hold folders just fine though!  I may work on other designs in the future.