1 Project, 1 Freebie, 1 Idea

1 Project, Group Bins:

My in-laws have been working on a patio and fire pit, so they had tons of these "Paver Link" buckets in their garage.  I thought I can use these for school!  I asked them if they were using them, and they said they were just planning on throwing them out!

I plan to use them as Reading Group Bins.  They are large enough to hold all the group folders, activities, and books...and they have a handle to carry.  My reading group bins from last year couldn't hold the folders, only the books.  I can recycle my last year bins to hold game supplies.

1.  Took off Paver Link labels
2. Washed with hose
3. Laminated white card stock to place on both sides (Writing with dry erase will be great on these)
4. Duck taped card stock on with group colors

The picture shows the 3 color duck tapes I used.  I made 6 (2 of each).  I figure I can possible plan ahead with 2 for each group.  I also made 4 for my husband for storing his folders for high school math!

1 Freebie, Jerseys:

I made these jerseys.   I was inspired by this World Cup, and decided to recycle the bulletin board letters I used from the last World Cup.  The larger jerseys are for the bulletin board in the hallway.  I'm going to use the small jerseys for lunch count next year.  I'm sure they could be used for many other ideas as well. DOWNLOAD JERSEYS

1 Idea:  Make a State Collage.  When I was at my parents' house for the 4th of July I found this poster I made when I was in 4th grade!  I was in their basement looking for a game for us to play that night, and stumbled upon the poster.  I plan to use this idea.  I will probably pick up some free phamplets to provide the kids at least one each to get them started.

Small Group Resource Bins

I made a new small group reading rotation chart and a new small group math rotation chart.  I will be using pocket charts to display them.  The reading bins will be great for leveled books and activities.  The math bins will be great for group activities practicing math facts and unit skills.  The bins were a dollar at Walmart.  After laminating the bin signs, I attached them with superglue.  Download the bin signs by clicking here.  I use the large group posters to write the students' names in dry erase marker.  I change groups often, so it works well for me to be able to constantly erase and change the laminated signs.  Download the reading group signs by clicking here.

I also worked on binder clips.  I got 3 packs of 10 at the Dollar Tree. $3!! I printed, laminated, and super glued them.  You can get them by clicking here.

My school has been closed this summer to conserve energy, so I haven't been able to laminate anything.  I bought a laminator at Costco for $20!  I can get a head start laminating the small things!