Guest Blogs Archives | Organized Classroom https://organizedclassroom.com/category/guest-blogs/ Less Stress, More Effectiveness for Teachers Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:58:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://organizedclassroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Guest Blogs Archives | Organized Classroom https://organizedclassroom.com/category/guest-blogs/ 32 32 Classroom Winter Party Fun! https://organizedclassroom.com/classroom-winter-party-fun/ https://organizedclassroom.com/classroom-winter-party-fun/#respond Wed, 20 Nov 2024 19:58:34 +0000 http://www.organizedclassroom.com.php74-41.lan3-1.websitetestlink.com/?p=82800 Guest blog post from Colleen at Teaching Heart with some ideas for Classroom Winter Party Fun!

The post Classroom Winter Party Fun! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
I know what you are thinking? Didn’t we just have a Halloween Party and now you want to talk about Winter Parties – we haven’t even started eating our Thanksgiving Turkey yet?

Yep, I am ready to pull out the snowman and the candy canes!

I wanted to give you some classroom party ideas that have worked from both a former room mom prospective as well as the teacher prospective.

Let me throw some tips and ideas at you! Get your ideas now and be stress free when planning for the Holidays. So grab a mug of hot chocolate and let’s get this party started.

Guest blog post from Colleen at Teaching Heart with some ideas for Classroom Winter Party Fun!

There are two free printable games in this post that will make you shine, so read on…

One of the first things that either the room mom or the teacher should get ready is the party bag.

Often kids will bring in treats for their classmates and this is an awesome way to be ready to store those treats quickly on a high energy day.

Go to you local grocery store and ask for enough brown bags for each child in your classroom and one for the teacher. You could either have the kiddos decorate them or you could simply print, cut, and glue a snowman to the bag.

Have an adult write the name of each child on the outside of the bag. I am sure the kiddos could write their own name, but having an adult write it ensures the name on the bag will be easy to read.

You might want to check out:

Seasonal School Celebrations eBook Cover

Need some new ideas for hosting successful classroom celebrations?  This 416 page digital book has you covered! Includes 61 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including holidays such as:

  • Groundhog Day
  • Winter
  • Black History
  • Valentines Day
  • St. Patricks Day
  • Earth Day
  • Spring
  • Mothers Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Summer
  • Independence Day
  • Fall
  • Halloween
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

On the day of the party, line up all the grocery bags along a wall. Have each child that brought a treat to share, drop the item in each bag. The teacher can also stick their treat for the kiddos in the bags.

When the party is over, staple the bags shut and the kiddos can carry them home on the bus. It’s like Christmas when they get home and get to go through their party bags.

The best way to run a party is to break the kids up into four groups. Each group will visit four activities (which will be run by an adult – so you will need three volunteers, plus the teacher) for a total of 10 minutes each.

Each of the four groups of students will rotate to the different activities. That is around 45 min. of activity time.

After all activities are completed, one of the volunteers should read a winter story to the classroom while the other volunteers prepare a small snack of Ho-Ho’s and a bottle of water! Or check out Craft and Things, Polar Express Snack.

Snack and Story is about a total of 20 minutes – Making total party time around an hour.

Decide in advance three games and one craft activity for the class to do (I will give you some ideas below).

It is a good idea to assign one volunteer per game and one volunteer to run the craft station. The room mom or the teacher should keep track of the time and make sure they announce when the kids should rotate to the next activity.

Also, it is a great idea to give each station volunteer a winter book to read to their group in case they find they finish their activity before the allotted time. So you may want to check out a few winter books at the school library before your party day.

Now that you have the general set-up of the party planned, let’s talk games. You want them to be age appropriate and FUN! Try not to make them difficult. This is a time for all the kids to come together and just enjoy the classroom community.

Here are some fun game ideas that would be great for PREK-3 (choose three):

-Pass the hot chocolate- get a box of hot chocolate packets from a local store. Play the song from the Polar Express movie, Hot Chocolate and have the kids pass around the box. When the music stops, whoever is holding the box gets a hot chocolate packet.

The winner stays in the game and play continues until “conveniently” everyone in the group has won a hot chocolate packet. Have the kiddos stick their winning in their brown party bag before moving onto the next station.

Guest blog post from Colleen at Teaching Heart with some ideas for Classroom Winter Party Fun!

-Play the Snow Globe Game – This is a free printable you will need to assemble before play.

You will also need small white pom-poms (Get these at a craft store).

Print enough board games (Page 1 – there are two on a page) for each child in your group.

Print a set of cards (Print page 2 twice to make a set).

Hand each child a playing board. Put the pom-poms (snowballs) in the middle of the table. The adult holds the playing cards.

Students take turns taking a playing card and adding the number of snowballs given on the card to their card.

First person to get eight snowballs and fills their globe is the winner. Be careful, you may draw a card that asks you to put a snowball back.

Guest blog post from Colleen at Teaching Heart with some ideas for Classroom Winter Party Fun!

-Play Snow Bingo. You can download six cards here.

Print the cards and play like regular bingo. The nice thing about this bingo is that for each call every student will have something to cover up. The winner is the first to get four in a row.

-Do a Snowman Relay – Check this snowman relay at Huie Elementary School.

Guest blog post from Colleen at Teaching Heart with some ideas for Classroom Winter Party Fun!

Cute, right? Looks like they used Pillowcases as the body.

Guest blog post from Colleen at Teaching Heart with some ideas for Classroom Winter Party Fun!

For an easy Snowman Relay with Hula Hoops visit Physical Education Update.

-Disney Family Fun has a very cute game to print for free called, Jack Frost is Not Lost.

If you are allowed to have food as manipulatives this would be tons of fun!

Let’s talk Winter Party Crafts!

I think one of the things parents planning classroom parties forget is that the craft must be ready to go home with the child and must be age appropriate.

Don’t forget time either. They must be easy to finish.

Since the craft will go right into the child’s winter party bag, no paint or globs of glue that must dry. Keep it simple.

Michael’s Craft store sells sets of crafts. Target and Walmart often have cute craft sets that are perfect for classrooms.

We have done door knob hangers in the past that are decorated with foam stickers. Start shopping now because these fly off the shelves.

My favorite craft for a party is a sticker scene craft. You can buy cute sticker scenes with a winter theme in bulk from Oriental Trading. Basically each crafter gets a background and a sheet of stickers to place on the background to create their own scene.

Kiddos from PreK to third love these and they are mess free.

I hope this winter party post has got your wheels turning in your head with ideas for your classroom party!

Have a wonderful time planning! Planning parties is always so much fun.

Seeing the kiddos happy faces the day of the party is even better!

~Colleen

The post Classroom Winter Party Fun! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
https://organizedclassroom.com/classroom-winter-party-fun/feed/ 0
Start with a Word Splash! https://organizedclassroom.com/start-with-a-splash/ https://organizedclassroom.com/start-with-a-splash/#respond Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:33:57 +0000 http://www.organizedclassroom.com.php74-41.lan3-1.websitetestlink.com/?p=83776 Check out this fun way to check for previous vocabulary knowledge when starting a new unit of learning in the classroom. Works for reading and math!

The post Start with a Word Splash! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
In my district, our new evaluation system focuses heavily on how we deliver content to our students and especially how we gauge their understanding of that content. I’ve been reflecting upon this quite a bit.  

I think it becomes very easy to fall into the “timeline trap” of blindly following the curriculum map or instructional guidelines without taking into account what your students actually need versus what someone else says they should do. I, for one, am glad that my expertise in this area might finally be appreciated!

Check out this fun way to check for previous vocabulary knowledge when starting a new unit of learning in the classroom. Works for reading and math!

One new strategy I recently found was to start a new concept with a Splash. A Splash is a super simple way to get kids to activate prior knowledge, build schema, and make predictions about what they’re going to learn.

It’s also a way to quickly get an idea of your students’ level of understanding before you start teaching a new concept to help you guide future instruction.

Basically, a Splash is a visual that that you will prepare before the lesson begins. Then you show the visual to the students and ask them what connections they can make from the words or numbers that they see.

Reading and Language Arts Power Pack

11 reading and language arts resource sets that pack a punch!

Reading and LA Power Pack Cover

This power pack includes the following 11 files:

  • Beach Activities Pack (K-6)
  • Chapter Book Reading Strategies Activities  (grades 3-8)
  • Chrysanthemum Reading Packet (grades 2-4)
  • Contraction Packet (grades 1-3)
  • DI Spelling Menus Packet (grade 2+)
  • Never Ride Your Elephant to School Activities (grades 2-4)
  • Reading Bingo (grades 2-8)
  • Space Theme Reading Logs (grades 2-5)
  • Fiction and Nonfiction Story Maps (grades 2-6)
  • Vocabulary Bingo (grades 3+)
  • Writing Menu (grades 3+)

See more details HERE.

Then guide them towards predicting what they might be learning about based on their discussion and the words you chose.

Here’s an example of a Word Splash that you might use to start a unit on plants:

Check out this fun way to check for previous vocabulary knowledge when starting a new unit of learning in the classroom. Works for reading and math!

Here’s an example of a Number Splash that you might use to introduce counting by or adding by tens:

Check out this fun way to check for previous vocabulary knowledge when starting a new unit of learning in the classroom. Works for reading and math!

I use these same mini-posters over and over again. They are laminated of course, and I use the vis-a-vis markers on them which I think is easier to remove with a damp paper towel.

What a Splash is not: A Splash is not intended for you to elicit responses for the students to add to the visual, nor is it intended to be done together as a class.

It’s also not for wrapping up a unit with your students. 

Of course, similar activities like this are purposeful and have their place, but a Splash should be kept as a special teacher-created visual that retains its unique purpose.

It is also not meant to be a permanent display during your unit of study. 

It is suggested that when you use a Splash, you hold up the poster and walk around the room or project on a document camera so that all students can see.

Grab your free posters HERE.

Give Splash a try and let me know what you think!

Check out this fun way to check for previous vocabulary knowledge when starting a new unit of learning in the classroom. Works for reading and math!

Visit Denise at her blog HERE!

The post Start with a Word Splash! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
https://organizedclassroom.com/start-with-a-splash/feed/ 0
Pocket Chart Make Over https://organizedclassroom.com/pocket-chart-make-over/ https://organizedclassroom.com/pocket-chart-make-over/#respond Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:19:39 +0000 http://www.organizedclassroom.com.php74-41.lan3-1.websitetestlink.com/?p=82383 Finding a good way to hang your pocket charts can be difficult if you don't have a pocket chart stand provided in your classroom.  Our guest blogger Denise has an idea that just may rock your world.  Enjoy!

The post Pocket Chart Make Over appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
Pocket chart stands are almost a necessity in an elementary classroom.  They can be used for so many different activities in daily lessons and offer a permanent home for those items, like anchor charts, you know you’ll want to review again with students.

Pocket chart stands are a necessity in an elementary classroom.  They can be used for so many different activities in daily lessons and perfect for review.

I know for me, I have always used an easel or chart stand in my various classrooms from kindergarten to sixth grade.  I love being able to teach from the carpet and use a pocket chart or chart paper as opposed to students sitting in desks and looking at the board.

Students are far more likely to pay better attention if they are seated in close proximity, they can easily get up and make it an interactive activity at the chart, and it’s a nice break to sit somewhere other than a hard desk chair for hours on end.

Finding a good way to hang your pocket charts can be difficult if you don’t have a pocket chart stand provided in your classroom.  Our guest blogger Denise has an idea that just may rock your world.  Enjoy!

You might want to check out:

Classroom Teacher Workspaces eBook Cover

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom environment?  This 108 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 16 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

  • Easy DIY Projects for Making Mundane Office Supplies Cute Again
  • New Ways to Use Old Supplies
  • A Quick Tech Tutorial that Will Save You Money on Classroom Decor
  • Unique Ways to Use Binder Rings
  • Student Desk Straightening Tips

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

I’ve been saving up this great tip just for you, the fantastic readers of the OC Blog!

I love pocket chart activities. I sincerely do. I do not, however, love the actual pocket chart. I suppose it’s actually the chart stand that gives me trouble.

The chart stands supplied by my district are really not chart stands, they’e actually chart tablet holders. This presents a problem.

The stand is a good 6 inches shorter than a standard pocket chart. So hanging a pocket chart from the stand always left extra space on either end of the chart. I tried just tucking the ends under, I double stick taped them down, I tried stapling them, but in the end, it was just a bad fit.

Does this look familiar?

Pocket chart stands are a necessity in an elementary classroom.  They can be used for so many different activities in daily lessons and perfect for review.

Just a sad, sad state of affairs. I really needed to buy an actual pocket chart stand (especially since a child got sick all over this one last year – yuk!) but a real chart stand can cost around $100!

I didn’t want to buy a new one of these even though they were less expensive because I was sick of the saggy, ill fitting chart problem.

How to make a DIY pocket chart stand

Then one day, I walked into a friend’s room and I saw a thing of beauty! A clean, white, lightweight chart stand that actually fit the chart perfectly – and it was on wheels!!

I gushed about it to my friend and told her how lucky she was to have such an awesome chart stand (the things we teachers get excited about, right?) I was rolling it back and forth and marveling at its clean lines and wider frame that was obviously made for the pocket chart when she looked at me like I was insane and said six words that rocked my world, “It’s a garment laundry rack from Target.

What?

Just as I was trying to process this, she further blew me away by telling me it was only $10! TEN DOLLARS!

Look at the improvement. Isn’t it breathtaking? (ok, I might be overreacting, but it’s darn awesome!)

Pocket chart stands are a necessity in an elementary classroom.  They can be used for so many different activities in daily lessons and perfect for review.

Am I right?

I even bought a new pocket chart to celebrate. It was seriously time. Look at how yellow my old pockets were!

It feels like a breath of fresh air in my room when I look at this thing.

Pocket chart stands are a necessity in an elementary classroom.  They can be used for so many different activities in daily lessons and perfect for review.

Here’s what it looks like in the box. If you have a Super Target, it’s not near the laundry soap, laundry baskets and irons, it’s actually clear across the store near the closet stuff. I learned this the hard way.

Or you can grab something similar on Amazon HERE.

Pocket chart stands are a necessity in an elementary classroom.  They can be used for so many different activities in daily lessons and perfect for review.

There are a few little drawbacks if I’m being completely honest, but to me the positives far outweigh the negatives.

1. It is not adjustable. This is ok with me though, you can see it fits the length of the chart pretty well. I also have a very sturdy little step from IKEA that my shorties love to use if they can’t reach the top.

2. You have to figure out a way to hook the chart to the stand. My friend used ribbons, which was very cute. I used some ball-chain keychains I had because they are all the exact same length.

3. It does roll, which I happen to love because I move my chart all over depending on what I’m doing and who I’m working with, but I’m not sure if you’ll find that a pro or con.

Simple Classroom Systems Starter Kit

Would you like to know step-by-step routines that put teachers back in control in just 4 weeks?

Download the FREE Classroom Systems Starter Kit now!

I hope my little discovery brightens your life like it did mine. Even if you already have a great chart stand, now you can afford to have another one so you can have two pocket chart activities going on at once!

What should I display on my chart stand?

So many ideas…

  • classroom pocket charts – everything from an attendance pocket chart to a sentence strip pocket chart
  • calendar – do some daily calendar math as a group from the floor
  • storage rack – use it as a spot to store extra supplies in the pockets, such as pencils, scissors, glue, calculators, and more
  • flip chart – a great spot for a “make-your-own-sentence” flip book with your chart stand
  • anchor chart holder – use o-rings to hold all your laminated anchor charts for the year and use the chart stand as an anchor chart library for review
  • chart paper – write down center rotation groups to display for easy reference

Well, my OC Blog buds, have a fantastic week filled with lots of love and laughter and I’ll see you again!

Do you have other ideas for using chart paper stands in the classroom?  Feel free to leave them in a comment below!

Pocket chart stands are a necessity in an elementary classroom.  They can be used for so many different activities in daily lessons and perfect for review.

Want something fun to display on your pocket chart and your new stand inspired by Denise’s post?

Here are some “Berry Good Fun Pocket Chart Header Signs” of you to print and display. Just print, cut, and add to your pocket chart. Then write each student name on a small sentence strip. Place the student names under the correct heading – and change daily, weekly, or as needed!

There are even 6 blank tags you can print and add your own headings if you need something different than what is included.

Pocket chart stands are a necessity in an elementary classroom.  They can be used for so many different activities in daily lessons and perfect for review.

Enjoy! ~Charity

The post Pocket Chart Make Over appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
https://organizedclassroom.com/pocket-chart-make-over/feed/ 0
Easy Kindergarten Cleanup! https://organizedclassroom.com/easy-kindergarten-cleanup/ https://organizedclassroom.com/easy-kindergarten-cleanup/#respond Mon, 05 Aug 2024 17:00:03 +0000 http://www.organizedclassroom.com.php74-41.lan3-1.websitetestlink.com/?p=81137 Now, I don't mind a classroom mess. My motto is that messy=successful!  But, I do like to contain the messy and make cleanup a bit easier.  My solution...

The post Easy Kindergarten Cleanup! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
Creating an effortless kindergarten cleanup strategy involves organizing toys and materials, establishing a clean-up routine, utilizing storage solutions, teaching responsibility and teamwork, incorporating fun and games, streamlining clean-up processes, and maintaining a tidy classroom environment.

By implementing these strategies, teachers can create a positive learning environment that promotes responsibility, cooperation, and organization among young students.

With consistent reinforcement and involvement from both teachers and students, maintaining a tidy classroom environment can become an effortless and enjoyable part of the daily routine.

Streamlining Clean-Up Processes

Today I want to share another simple, cheap and effective tip to deal with messes in your classroom.

In our class, we are all about art and one of our favorite art activities is painting.  We all know how messy students can be when painting, especially kindergartners!  

Now, I don’t mind a mess, in fact, my motto is that messy=successful!  But, I do like to contain the messy and make cleanup a bit easier.  

Now, I don't mind a classroom mess. My motto is that messy=successful!  But, I do like to contain the messy and make cleanup a bit easier.  My solution...

My solution:  plastic shower curtains!

Now, I don't mind a classroom mess. My motto is that messy=successful!  But, I do like to contain the messy and make cleanup a bit easier.  My solution...

Before we do a painting project, I place the plastic shower curtains over the tables.  The students get to paint like Picasso with no worries of getting paint on the tables!  

Now, the floor is a different story…

Now, I don't mind a classroom mess. My motto is that messy=successful!  But, I do like to contain the messy and make cleanup a bit easier.  My solution...

When we’re finished painting, I wipe the shower curtains off with a damp cloth.  

You might want to check out:

Classroom Routines eBook Cover

Need some new ideas for simple routines in your classroom? This 106 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 15 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:
• Organizing Absent Work
• Helping Student Get Organized
• Remembering Names on Papers
• Organizing All the Paperwork
• Bathroom Break Tips
…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

They dry quickly and I fold them up and store them in a re-usable shopping bag.

And our tables are ready to go with no mess!

I found my curtains in the clearance section of Wal-Mart for $1 each during the back to college season!  You can’t beat $1 and fun colors!

My name is Greg Smedley-Warren.  I blog at Smedley’s Smorgasboard Of Kindergarten.  My kindergarten blog chronicles the chaos and excitement that is our kindergarten classroom!

Organizing Toys and Materials

To make clean-up time more efficient and effective, it is essential to simplify the organization of toys and materials. This can be achieved by assigning a designated place for everything, making it easily accessible for students. Clear labels and visual cues can also help students quickly identify where items belong and how they should be returned.

Regular Assessment and Adjustment

Regularly assessing and adjusting the organization of the classroom is another way to streamline clean-up processes. This involves reevaluating the classroom layout and storage solutions to ensure everything is optimized for easy access and use. By regularly reviewing and making adjustments, teachers can ensure the clean-up process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Optimizing the Classroom Environment

By implementing these strategies, teachers can create a tidy and organized classroom environment that promotes efficiency and productivity. A well-organized classroom not only saves time but also helps students develop essential skills such as responsibility and self-discipline.

Maintaining a Tidy Classroom Environment

Once an effortless kindergarten cleanup strategy has been established, it is important to maintain a tidy classroom environment on a consistent basis.

This can be done by regularly reinforcing the clean-up routine and expectations with students, as well as providing positive reinforcement for those who consistently demonstrate responsibility and teamwork.

Additionally, regularly assessing the organization of toys and materials can help ensure that everything remains in its proper place.

Want a fun alphabet finger painting worksheet pack to use with Greg’s shower curtain idea above? Download your free pack right here!

Now, I don't mind a classroom mess. My motto is that messy=successful!  But, I do like to contain the messy and make cleanup a bit easier.  My solution...

The post Easy Kindergarten Cleanup! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
https://organizedclassroom.com/easy-kindergarten-cleanup/feed/ 0
How To Create a Digital Filing Cabinet https://organizedclassroom.com/how-to-create-a-digital-filing-cabinet/ https://organizedclassroom.com/how-to-create-a-digital-filing-cabinet/#respond Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:43:46 +0000 http://www.organizedclassroom.com.php74-41.lan3-1.websitetestlink.com/?p=83524 The idea of taming my paper clutter has been floating around in my mind for a couple years now, but this year I took the plunge.  If you know me, you know what a big deal this is.  I should probably introduce myself – “Hi.  I’m Amy and I have pack-rat tendencies!” So, I’m sure...

The post How To Create a Digital Filing Cabinet appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
The idea of taming my paper clutter has been floating around in my mind for a couple years now, but this year I took the plunge.  If you know me, you know what a big deal this is.  I should probably introduce myself – “Hi.  I’m Amy and I have pack-rat tendencies!”

Are your classroom paper filing cabinet files getting out of control? Need some digital filing cabinet tips? Make sure to see these tips from this teacher.

So, I’m sure you are wondering if I love to keep and save anything that I think might be useful in the future, then why, oh why, would I want to get rid of my filing cabinet.  

Well, the truth of the matter is that I have realized that I can keep everything I use or want and have it to use in a much more efficient manner.  

The other benefits of “downsizing” in my classroom include more space for my students to work and more room for things that matter on a day to day basis.

You see, I have created a new filing cabinet on my computer.  One that allows me to file with much more detail and one that is much more easily accessible.  

Additionally, it just fits me and the way I do things.  

I am not one for just doing everything the same way I did it last year.  

In fact, like many of you, I am always looking for new, engaging ideas for my classroom.

You might want to check out:

Calendar and Lesson Planning eBook

Need some new ideas for lesson planning and calendar organization in the classroom? This 70 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:
-Curriculum Mapping
-Setting Up Your Daily Classroom Schedule
-Digital Filing Cabinets
-Weekly Planning Resources
-Several To-Do List Templates
-Balancing Home and Work Life in your Calendar
-File Organization
…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

 
That being said, I have tended to accumulate more than I have reused.  If this sounds like you, I want to share my online filing cabinet with you.  By no means is this cutting-edge technology, but it has made my lesson planning and “filing” much more efficient and user friendly.  

No more stacks of paper to file away at the end of the week, month, or dare I say semester.

To get started with creating an e-filing cabinet, I went to my computer.  

I am a PC user at home and a MAC user at school.  What I will show you today is from my home, but can easily be done on a MAC as well.  

I started with the Libraries that were automatically on my computer in the Windows program.  In a sense it has given me 4 different filing cabinets: one for documents, pictures, music and videos.  

I use the Documents filing cabinet for my school things.

Are your classroom paper filing cabinet files getting out of control? Need some digital filing cabinet tips? Make sure to see these tips from this teacher.

Once in the Documents filing cabinet, I have created many different folders, just as I would have in a traditional filing cabinet.

Are your classroom paper filing cabinet files getting out of control? Need some digital filing cabinet tips? Make sure to see these tips from this teacher.

As you can see, there are folders for personal things and work things all together (and even a couple that need to be re-filed).  

I do all of my school things in the A+ Teaching Stuff folder.  Why A+ Teaching Stuff, you ask?  

Quite honestly, because I wanted easy access and A+ puts it at the top of my list, where as School Stuff, would have put it toward the bottom.  

Here’s a glimpse inside the A+ Teaching Stuff folder.

Are your classroom paper filing cabinet files getting out of control? Need some digital filing cabinet tips? Make sure to see these tips from this teacher.

I have tried to create folders to cover the different areas of my Teaching Stuff to further add some organization to my filing.  

Instead of everything together I separate out my school resources (divided by grade levels that I have taught) from resources that I create for my blog or TpT.  

Inside each folder you will likely find more folders until I get down to the very last topic or unit.  This allows me to keep like items together and saves me time when looking for something specific.  

Here’s an example of how it works for me. Here’s my Kindergarten folder.  I have it divided my subject matter or topics.

Are your classroom paper filing cabinet files getting out of control? Need some digital filing cabinet tips? Make sure to see these tips from this teacher.

When I am looking for something for social studies or math, this makes it easy to get right to the source.

Are your classroom paper filing cabinet files getting out of control? Need some digital filing cabinet tips? Make sure to see these tips from this teacher.

Inside the Social Studies folder I have further divided the topic into the units that we teach.  Each unit has its own folder which allows me to quickly and easily find items when I need them.

Are your classroom paper filing cabinet files getting out of control? Need some digital filing cabinet tips? Make sure to see these tips from this teacher.

And with a total of 4-5 clicks I have limited my viewings to my resources for our USA unit.  In this folder I keep everything I have, including items I have made, bought or found on the Internet.  

When I am ready to plan I can look through these files and pick and choose the items I would like to use.  

I have also saved a lot of ink since I only need to print the page or pages I want to use.  And by using a multiple layers of folders, I am not viewing thousands of files simultaneously or trying to remember what I might have saved a file as.

The best part of all, all of these resources don’t take up any more room that my computer.  I can also easily copy them into my Dropbox and access them from any computer.  

Now lesson planning doesn’t mean I must be in my classroom (since that’s where my files are) and I’m not toting home stacks of resources to look through.

It is a fairly quick and easy process to set up your own e-filing cabinets.  There’s no right way.  My advice would be to organize in a way that makes sense to you.  You will be the one using it!

One last thing – I don’t miss my big metal filing cabinet a bit.  I did lose my Magnet Center, but that just gave me an excuse to create this in my classroom.

Are your classroom paper filing cabinet files getting out of control? Need some digital filing cabinet tips? Make sure to see these tips from this teacher.

Thank you Pinterest for the idea of using an oil drip pan to make a magnet center.  I never would have thought of this on my own!  Tucked away behind my classroom door, I know how usable space in a generally unusable space!

Would you like a list of 44 Digital Filing Folder Categories to get you started? Download it below!

Are your classroom paper filing cabinet files getting out of control? Need some digital filing cabinet tips? Make sure to see these tips from this teacher.

Amy is a kindergarten teacher and the blogger behind Teaching in Blue Jeans. No, she doesn’t get to wear blue jeans everyday, but she uses her Blue Jean Mentality to make her classroom a place where students are comfortable, active and willing to try new things.

The post How To Create a Digital Filing Cabinet appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
https://organizedclassroom.com/how-to-create-a-digital-filing-cabinet/feed/ 0
Singapore Math Games https://organizedclassroom.com/singapore-math-games/ https://organizedclassroom.com/singapore-math-games/#respond Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:33:58 +0000 http://www.organizedclassroom.com.php74-41.lan3-1.websitetestlink.com/?p=82688 Finding simple, but effective math games for elementary classrooms usually means pulling out all sorts of manipulatives, but a you will see from the guest post below, it doesn’t have to include a ton of resources.  Sometimes simple really is better.  Keep reading! High Energy Math If you step into my classroom, you’ll notice that...

The post Singapore Math Games appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
Finding simple, but effective math games for elementary classrooms usually means pulling out all sorts of manipulatives, but a you will see from the guest post below, it doesn’t have to include a ton of resources.  Sometimes simple really is better.  Keep reading!

Math games for elementary classrooms usually means pulling out all sorts of manipulatives, but it doesn't have to.  Sometimes simple really is better.

High Energy Math

If you step into my classroom, you’ll notice that math is one of the most high-energy parts of my day. I absolutely love teaching math! It wasn’t always like that.

When I first started teaching, math was the one time of the day I just dreaded. I felt like I was only reaching half of my students and the other half were drowning.

What changed?

I learned about Singapore math strategies and I made it my goal to make math the most lively part of the day.

Singapore math strategies aren’t something new. Singapore math focuses on the WHY before the HOW.

For example, your kiddos need to understand why 4 + 4 = 8 before memorizing 4 + 4 = 8.

Do you recognize the number bond pictured below?

Math games for elementary classrooms usually means pulling out all sorts of manipulatives, but it doesn't have to.  Sometimes simple really is better.

The number bond shows the part, part, whole relationship between three numbers and is an important part of Singapore math.

During calendar, which takes place first thing in the morning, I share a number of the day (the number in the picture was 9). Students turn and talk to discuss what two parts can equal that number. We then share several ways to make the number of the day with the whole class and I invite students to fill in the class number bond.

Number Bonds

Number bonds are such a great way to show students number relationships and help with better understanding math facts.

If you already use number bonds in your classroom, great! Remember how I mentioned math in my classroom is high-energy? That’s because I play a ton of quick math games with my kids.

When I introduce number bonds, I always start with “Moose Math.” The kids love it AND it allows students to conceptually show their understanding of math facts.

Here’s how you play… You say a number, like 9, and students quickly make moose horns showing that number. I change numbers when all students have their hands up (making sure to correct mistakes) to keep it fun and energetic.

“Show me 9. Great! Now show me 8. Prove 8 is an even number with your hands (students show 4 and 4 with their fingers)!”

Math games for elementary classrooms usually means pulling out all sorts of manipulatives, but it doesn't have to.  Sometimes simple really is better.

You can quickly see which students know their math facts, and which students need to look around and think before showing that number. Yup, this game can be used as a quick math assessment, also!

Need an extension?   Ask pairs or small groups to make a double digit number.

You might want to check out:

Calendar and Lesson Planning eBook

Need some new ideas for lesson planning and calendar organization in the classroom? This 70 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:
-Curriculum Mapping
-Setting Up Your Daily Classroom Schedule
-Digital Filing Cabinets
-Weekly Planning Resources
-Several To-Do List Templates
-Balancing Home and Work Life in your Calendar
-File Organization
…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!

See it HERE.

Need an extra challenge? Have students make that two digit number without talking.

The rule in my classroom is that all students have to participate by showing a number with their hands if working in partners or small groups.

Math games for elementary classrooms usually means pulling out all sorts of manipulatives, but it doesn't have to.  Sometimes simple really is better.

This game may seem silly, but my second graders love it!

There are times when I ask what the answer to a math fact is, expecting a choral response, and I have students respond by saying, “Moose Hands” followed by them quickly putting their hands up.

Playing this game frequently is truly helping my students understand their math facts.

Give my students a number and they’ll quickly know how to break it down!

Math games for elementary classrooms usually means pulling out all sorts of manipulatives, but it doesn't have to.  Sometimes simple really is better.

Try it with your students and let me know how it goes!

What quick and easy math games do you play with your students? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

Guest blogger is Elizabeth from Tech out My Class, and she is very excited to be guest blogging for Organized Classroom!  She teaches 2nd grade at a Title I school in Oregon and have taught grades K-3. She thought she was going to be an intermediate elementary teacher, but once she went primary, she never looked back!

Need a Number Bonds template to print and use on your board? Download it for free below!

~Charity

Math games for elementary classrooms usually means pulling out all sorts of manipulatives, but it doesn't have to.  Sometimes simple really is better.

The post Singapore Math Games appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
https://organizedclassroom.com/singapore-math-games/feed/ 0
Making & Sharing Slide Shows with Google Slides & Animoto https://organizedclassroom.com/making-a-sharing-pictures-with-edmodo-a-animoto/ https://organizedclassroom.com/making-a-sharing-pictures-with-edmodo-a-animoto/#respond Tue, 25 Jun 2024 23:06:05 +0000 http://www.organizedclassroom.com.php74-41.lan3-1.websitetestlink.com/?p=82599 Educational technology has exploded in recent years and what was once a few fun apps, has turned into a huge marketplace of educational resource apps, websites, tools, and equipment.  Sometimes it’s hard to know what is really beneficial to learning, or just another distraction. If you are looking for a fun (and simple) tech solution...

The post Making & Sharing Slide Shows with Google Slides & Animoto appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
Educational technology has exploded in recent years and what was once a few fun apps, has turned into a huge marketplace of educational resource apps, websites, tools, and equipment.  Sometimes it’s hard to know what is really beneficial to learning, or just another distraction.

If you are looking for a fun (and simple) tech solution for communicating with students and parents in your school district, you might want to check out the ideas below for using Animoto from a fellow teacher blogger.

If you are looking for a fun (and simple) tech solution for communicating with students and parents in your school district, you might want to check out the ideas below for using Google Slides and Animoto from a fellow teacher blogger.

I remember wanting to come up with a fun slideshow for my students at the end of the year when I was first teaching.  I downloaded all the pictures from my digital camera on to my classroom desktop with a cord, then I went to napster (oooopsss) for some fun party music.  Finally, I manually dropped each image into a Power presentation and used slide transitions to make the images come alive (hello Ken Burns effect).

After I spent HOURS making the final version, complete with a cute title and ender page typed up using Comic Sans font of course, I was able to insert a CD-Rom into the drive and burn one copy.  Repeat that process another 20 times so I had one for each student in my classroom.

Of course, I bought some super cute neon transparent CD cases and had to make the paper insert covers, but that was done by typing up something in Microsoft Word and using a paper cutter to size it up so it was a close enough fit.

Whew.  It was a task, but the third grade students always loved them, as did their parents who attended the end of the year awards ceremony.

Luckily, times have changed and now with some new alternatives you can include photos AND video clips in those end of the year memories.  Imagine the possibilitites!

Plus, with the options shown below, you can even insert a quiz (might be fun for an end of the year activity where students have to test their knowledge of the teacher – haha!), student progress, and grading options too.

Even better that several choices in the tech world are free!  No cost = a happy administrator.  

I discovered a quick way to take photos of special classroom moments and upload them by using the application Animoto. The Animoto app is also free, but you can only upload up to 12 pictures per slideshow. If you want more, you will have to upgrade.

How do you use Animoto?

So, during the year, whenever students were doing a neat project or it was field trip day or party day, I would whip out my smartphone and take 12 pictures.

Then, when I had a free moment, I went to the Animoto app and created a photo album in just a few seconds (there you have options to add music and/or change the slide design layout).

Once I had a link for the slideshow, I could then share it with parents easily.

In just a few minutes, I was able to share a special memory that we made with my students and their parents!

At the end of the school year, we went through and watched all of the slide shows to reminisce about all the learning and fun times we had shared together.

Here is a screenshot of the video of my little sweetheart that I made in about two minutes.

If you are looking for a fun (and simple) tech solution for communicating with students and parents in your school district, you might want to check out the ideas below for using Edmodo and Animoto from a fellow teacher blogger.

How else have you used Animoto in your classroom now or in the past?  We would love to hear your ideas in the comments below.

Have a great summer!

This guest post is from Tabitha and grab your free slideshow templates below.

Making a Google Slideshow to Share with Parents

Prefer old school and looking for something to use with Google Slides instead?

Download these slide templates to your Google Slides account, add your photos and captions on top, and then share the published link from Google Slides with your parents!

If you are looking for a fun (and simple) tech solution for communicating with students and parents in your school district, you might want to check out the ideas below for using Google Slides and Animoto from a fellow teacher blogger.

How to create shareable link:

If you are looking for a fun (and simple) tech solution for communicating with students and parents in your school district, you might want to check out the ideas below for using Google Slides and Animoto from a fellow teacher blogger.
If you are looking for a fun (and simple) tech solution for communicating with students and parents in your school district, you might want to check out the ideas below for using Google Slides and Animoto from a fellow teacher blogger.

Enjoy!

~Charity

Charity Preston Bio Pic

The post Making & Sharing Slide Shows with Google Slides & Animoto appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
https://organizedclassroom.com/making-a-sharing-pictures-with-edmodo-a-animoto/feed/ 0
3 Favorite Classroom Things https://organizedclassroom.com/3-favorite-things/ https://organizedclassroom.com/3-favorite-things/#respond Sun, 02 Jun 2024 20:14:02 +0000 http://www.organizedclassroom.com.php74-41.lan3-1.websitetestlink.com/?p=81982 Holy moly this school year is flying! It’s Jaime from The First Grade Bloom. I’ve been so fortunate to guest blog for Charity at the start of each month this past year.  As this is my last post, I’m going to share 3 of my favorite, most used, things right now. DIY Student Clipboards My...

The post 3 Favorite Classroom Things appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
Holy moly this school year is flying!

It’s Jaime from The First Grade Bloom. I’ve been so fortunate to guest blog for Charity at the start of each month this past year.  As this is my last post, I’m going to share 3 of my favorite, most used, things right now.

Three favorite teacher items include DIY clipboards, a do not disturb custom lanyard, and a mini nurse station to help the classroom run more smoothly.
Simple Classroom Systems Starter Kit

Would you like to know step-by-step routines that put teachers back in control in just 4 weeks?

Download the FREE Classroom Systems Starter Kit now!

DIY Student Clipboards

My students have been up and about doing many different writing tasks across the curriculum lately that I needed to find an easy way to come up with clipboards instead of shelling out a ton of money and buying them.

Three favorite teacher items include DIY clipboards, a do not disturb custom lanyard, and a mini nurse station to help the classroom run more smoothly.

I simply use the whiteboards I already have and medium sized bulldog clips that I had and scrounged around for.

Three favorite teacher items include DIY clipboards, a do not disturb custom lanyard, and a mini nurse station to help the classroom run more smoothly.

Perfect for at seat or out of seat work!

Three favorite teacher items include DIY clipboards, a do not disturb custom lanyard, and a mini nurse station to help the classroom run more smoothly.

Do-Not-Disturb Necklace

I actually found this at a dollar store in Billings, Montana several years ago but it can be easily made with things found at JoAnn Fabrics (as if you needed a reason to go in there).  I wear this necklace primarily during writing time when I need to conference with students and when I’m doing one-on-one reading assessments.  If students still come up to ask a question or chat with me, I simply hold up the necklace for a quiet reminder and continue with what I was doing.

Three favorite teacher items include DIY clipboards, a do not disturb custom lanyard, and a mini nurse station to help the classroom run more smoothly.

Mini Nurse Station

You all have students who like going to the nurse, for one reason or another.  This little station allows kids to self manage their aches and pains so they don’t interrupt you.

Three favorite teacher items include DIY clipboards, a do not disturb custom lanyard, and a mini nurse station to help the classroom run more smoothly.

Here is a side view so you can see the nurse’s passes and pen included too.

Three favorite teacher items include DIY clipboards, a do not disturb custom lanyard, and a mini nurse station to help the classroom run more smoothly.

Here is what the steps are for students if they feel a little ill:

#1. Go to the bathroom.
#2. Get a drink of water.
#3 Bandaids.
#4. Try a mint.

I believe the old wives tale that peppermint can calm an upset tummy and stock this drawer with those small, pastel, chalky, melt-in-your-mouth mints.

I keep the Nurse Passes here too, so it’s easy and convenient to fill one out when a student really is sick.

I really hope you’ve enjoyed my posts and ideas this school year because I have gotten some fantastic ideas as well that I’ve tried and can’t wait to try next year.  I wish you all a happy rest of the school year from super sunny Alaska!

-Jaime

Need a Nurse Sign with these ideas for your classroom? Grab one inspired by this post!

Three favorite teacher items include DIY clipboards, a do not disturb custom lanyard, and a mini nurse station to help the classroom run more smoothly.

Enjoy!

The post 3 Favorite Classroom Things appeared first on Organized Classroom.

]]>
https://organizedclassroom.com/3-favorite-things/feed/ 0