Welcome Back Letters: Classroom DIY

I can't believe it is that time of summer---time to mail out the welcome back/intro letters! I like to do a welcome back brochure instead of a letter because I can pack a lot of stuff into that little tri-fold! Mine really needed an update, and a new, fresh look. So here it is! Now I'm off to stuff and sticker some envelopes!

You'll have to imagine it all folded up, but here's the front/back cover and inside flap…

Here's the inside of the brochure…

Weekend DIY stuff...

Surely you've seen the crate seats posted all over Pinterest. 

So have I, and I finally got around to making some this past weekend!! 

These will be so great at school. Can't wait! 

AND---I found this great idea shown below on... 

Seriously, Marsha at A Differentiated Kdg. has so many great ideas and printables!! I'm sure you already follow her blog, but if you haven't....go check it out. You won't want to miss it! 

Recently, she had a post about listening center organization---and I am totally doing it! 

You can see her post HERE. 

She is putting her Daily 5 listening to reading materials in a tote bag....the book(s), CD players, and pencils. Each bag is numbered 1-6, and includes these cute little tags she made for the Daily 5 Listening to Reading rules and expectations....

These are the bags I found ay Walmart. They were in a 3-pack for $6.00. Score! Pretty good deal, I thought. The picture doesn't show how bright the colors are, but they really are! 

You can download and print/laminate/cut the tags.

Stick them on a binder ring (or shower curtain hooks...because really, I happened to have a spare pack at home. Why the heck not use 'em?!)

And there ya have it....everything in one spot. Now I just have to remember to get some 3M hooks to stick to my wall for the totes to hang on. 

She also posted some leveled response sheets to go with the listening station stuff. 

And DONE! Didn't know I needed these bags until I saw it on Marsha's blog....and had to have it for obvious reasons! It took no time at all to get these bags ready. That's my kind of project! 

Objectives

I finally found some time to get my craft on yesterday afternoon! Nothing huge, but something that I've been wanting to get to for a very long time. Have you seen on Pinterest all the ways to display objectives? There are some mighty cute ways, I do have to say! 

The one I like the best is using photo frames---a little scrapbook paper in the frame, and using dry erase marker on the glass to write and erase objectives as needed. 

I know that not all schools require objectives to be posted (my district does not---yet!), but many schools do require it. I have been posting objectives in my classroom for 2 years, and I think that it is good teaching practice. With all the accountability these days, it keeps me focused, my lessons relevant and on track, and my students on top of what our daily/weekly objectives are (in kid terms). 

Additionally, it gives my administrators a quick glance at what concepts we are working on---and that should they walk around, they see exactly that in action. Parents, too, can see what is in store for students if they browse around my room, as well. 

In the past, I have simply used a whiteboard made out of shower board and PVC pipe from Home Depot. You know, all that makeshift jazz. It worked....but it always kind of bugged me how much of an eye sore it was. Thank goodness for Pinterest....I am really excited to hang these in my room in the fall and use them to post my objectives!!! And....it felt really good to get a little crafty---it's been too long! 

PS---thanks to the parent that gave me a $25 gift card I was able to purchase the frames, dry erase markers, and stickers with no out of pocket cost to me! YIPPEEEEE!!! I feel so great when I use my students' gift cards to purchase something new and great for our classroom! :) 

Home Away From Home

YAY! I am so excited....I'm working on making my own classroom decor set this year, and here's my newest project---welcome & name banners! I think these will be a great addition to my "sweet shop" decor theme. It makes me want to get in my classroom and get things decorated---but the 70+ degree weather makes me want to sit in the sun and read a book! I LOVE summer...and I love these little projects between chapters! 

Click photo to see this banner in my TN Shop! 

Here's my welcome banner in pink and lime green 

with an orange polka dot ribbon! 

Click Photo

AND...

Here's my name banner---in a matching pattern! 

Click Photo

I am excited to make use of these banners as a great big welcome to the students, parents, and staff that come in my room. As long as there is a sufficient learning/teaching in the classroom---there's nothing wrong with having things super cute and creating a personalized space that reflects your personality! After all, you are there at least 6 hours a day, and some weekend time usually--it's important to create a unique space that reflects who you are, your personality, and style! 

I love hearing when parents or administrators comment on what an inviting classroom I have created! It is one of my main priorities at the beginning of the school year...it sets the tone and atmosphere for the type of learning environment that I want my students to have. Their comments confirm that all the effort into my classroom decor has made them feel warm and welcome from the moment they arrived---exactly how I want my students to feel---then, we can start making it "our space".

A classroom is a community, a family, and home away from home---I like to make it an aesthetically appealing place for me & my students to be! Besides....I love decorating, and it's downright FUN! 

If you would like these banners---please visit my Teacher's Notebook Shop! 

If you have a custom order for a banner---I'd be happy to hear your requests! 

Enjoy making your classroom your happy home away from home this year!  

Vote for Classroom DIY

Hey everyone!! Classroom DIY, the blog I contribute to each month, was nominated in the 2012 Really Good Education Blog Awards by Really Good Stuff and is now a finalist in the Best New Blog category.  

Voting begins on Monday, June 18th and ends on Friday, June 22nd, 2012.  The blog in each category with the most votes will be the winner.

Winning bloggers get a $75 Really Good Stuff gift certificate, a unique badge for their blog, and a monthly column on Really Good Stuff’s blog, The Teachers’ Lounge.  

  Only votes received from 12:00am EST on Monday, June 18th through 11:59pm EST on Friday, June 22nd are eligible, so please start voting NOW (click the badge above)!!!! 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!