Tricks and Tips

 I'm linking up to Teacher Week to share some Tricks and Tips that I use daily.

Silent Speedball- This game is an awesome brain break. The students LOVE it. The way we play is use a soft foam/sponge ball. The object of the game is to throw the ball to one another in no particular pattern. Last one standing wins! When you say go, players begin to toss the ball around the room. They should make eye-contact with the person they intend to throw the ball to. Also, everyone should have a chance to have the ball. 

If you talk, you're out!

If you make an uncatchable throw, you're out!

If you don't catch a good throw, you're out!

If you complain in any way, you're out!

Stay by your chair and speed is a factor!

Setting up a shared folder in Dropbox is a great way to share resources amongst your grade level. You don't need to keep up with a flash drive or multiple email attachments. Everyone can help add to the shared folders. Dropbox is free and if you sign up here you get an extra 500 mb of space added to your free account.

Remind 101 is a great way to communicate with parents and students. The best part -it's FREE! Remind 101 allows you to send text messages to your parents or students without ever revealing your personal contact information. Parents can sign up to receive your messages by text or email. I used this service for the past two years as reminders of important class events. My parents loved Remind 101. 

Here's an overview:

Class Dojo-  Class Dojo is a classroom tool that helps teachers improve behavior in their classrooms quickly and easily. It's a way to generate data on behavior through the use of technology. I like to use the positive aspect of the program.

Scootpad- It is the ultimate way to engage students in mastering skills. Basically, Scootpad is a website where students can go to practice all of the Common Core standards for reading and math. Students can work at their own pace through the standards.   You should check it out too!

Edmodo- It's like Facebook for the classroom but much safer and secure

Now Teach! Staying Organized

I'm linking up today to share some organizing tips.... this is a hard one for me. I always have the BEST intentions of staying organized. 

Tip #1 All supplies are community supplies. I don't fool around with individual pencil boxes. It save so much time.

Tip #2 Bee Binders

click on pic to download free labels

Do you use organizational binders? I have always had some sort of reading folder and reading bag but a couple of years ago I switched to a 3 ring binder. This was the BEST tip/Organization idea I’ve ever done for my classroom.  Before binders, I was using plastic folders. I had folders for reading, folders for spelling, folders for homework. It was complete CHAOS! It was too confusing for the kids. I have found that I really like using the flexible plastic binders rather than the hard ones. I like using all one color and have found them for under 2 bucks at Wal-Mart and Office Depot. The only downfall is a cute spine and cover but not to fear you can still print out cute labels. Either way a 3 ring binder is the way to go! Many teachers have short catchy names for binders. I use B.E.E binders. BEE stands for Bring Everything Everyday. My students are great at remembering to bring their binders every day. When they arrive each morning, they take out any notes/money and homework and put their binders in the filing cabinet. I call it my Stop It and Drop It table. 
Now what goes in this great binder?

3 hole Binder Pouch: I always find mine at Wal-mart for around .59 cents. This pouch is great for holding money, notes, and even small leveled books.

Plastic Folders-This is where their reading log is stored along with their guided reading book for the night.

Page Protectors- I have their monthly lunch menu, spelling lists, class list, and any other important information in page protectors.

How do you store 18 plus binders? I have a small 2 drawer filing cabinet that stores mine but you could easily use file folder storage crates. I put hanging file folders inside of the filing cabinet so the students place their binders with the spine facing upwards. My students know exactly where their binder belongs because they each have a specific color hanging folder with their number on the front. I also put their class number on the spine of their bee binder.

Click on the picture to download my BEE intro.

More BEE items

Tip #3 Teacher Tool Box

I also just love the teacher tool box. This year I decided to keep it pretty simple. I love using no more than 3 colors to decorate my classroom. I think it keeps it simple, clean and crisp. 

Teacher Toolbox Labels

Chalkboard Labels

Tip #4 Page Protectors are your friends

Page Protectors-They work wonders. The possibilities are endless and did you know you can still make copies even if the originals are in page protectors? I love page protectors as little cheat sheet necklaces. Here is a cute alphabet one. They are great for wearable signs and posters. My students love to be "green" by using them in my word work station with dry erase markers. You can also cut them and make them any size! 

Tip #5 Try out Planbook.com- It's super easy to embed Common Core Standards. I LOVE planning NOW that I have a year subscription which says a lot. 

Tip #6 Reminder Board and What's the Buzz board to remind me of student's important things happening in their life.

Tip #6 Label items for subs and parent volunteers using clohthespins!

Can't wait to find some neat ideas. I'm always looking for organizing tips. It's my weak point!