Perfect for Open House Night, a staff meeting, or even the first day of school!

One of the best ways to greet students when they return to school is to create a visually appealing & warm classroom environment.

Decor that has been carefully considered can inspire students and set a positive tone for the school year. Think about making interesting bulletin boards with student artwork, motivational sayings, and important details.

The learning environment can also be improved by adding curriculum-aligned banners, posters, & other decorations.

Offering cozy seating options like floor cushions or bean bags can also help to create a welcoming & laid-back atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

• Use colorful and interactive decorations to create an inviting and stimulating classroom environment
• Plan icebreaker activities to help students get to know each other and feel comfortable on the first day
• Incorporate team building exercises to promote collaboration and communication among students
• Organize fun and educational field trips to enhance learning outside of the classroom
• Integrate interactive technology to make learning more engaging and interactive for students

Setting the stage for a productive and pleasurable school year can be as simple as spending some time decorating your classroom with creativity and thoughtfulness. You can increase student engagement even more by including interactive components in your classroom design. A love of reading can be encouraged by creating a reading nook with cozy furniture and a wide range of books.

Setting aside spaces for interactive educational activities, like science or art stations, can also promote involvement. Also, incorporating natural elements—like plants or a tiny indoor garden—can improve the aesthetics and foster a peaceful atmosphere.

When your students return to school, you can pique their interest and spark their curiosity by creating a visually stimulating and interactive learning environment. Students can become more acquainted with one another and more at ease in the classroom by participating in icebreaker activities. Also, from the very first day of school, these exercises can facilitate ice-breaking and foster a welcoming and inclusive classroom atmosphere.

The game “Two Truths and a Lie” is a great way to start a class discussion. Students take turns sharing two true statements and one false statement about themselves, and the other students have to guess which is a lie. Students improve their critical thinking and active listening skills in addition to learning more about one another through this activity.

The “Human Knot” game is an entertaining icebreaker where students form a circle and each person takes the hand of the person opposite them. The object of the game is for the group to untangle itself while holding hands. In addition to fostering problem-solving, cooperation, and communication skills, this activity gives students a lighthearted and enjoyable way to socialize with one another. On the first day of classes, you can help establish a friendly and upbeat environment that prepares students for a productive academic year by implementing icebreaker activities. Encouraging students to participate in team building activities in the classroom is a great way to help them develop critical social and emotional skills.

The “Marshmallow Challenge,” in which students construct the tallest freestanding structure out of spaghetti, tape, string, and marshmallows in small groups, is an entertaining team-building activity. Students can collaborate in a fun and practical way with this activity, which also fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The “Escape Room” challenge is another fun team-building activity where students collaborate to find answers to a series of puzzles and riddles in order to “escape” from the classroom. Students can connect with their classmates in an engaging and dynamic way through this activity, which also promotes cooperation and critical thinking. You can support students in gaining critical social and emotional skills & foster a welcoming & inclusive learning environment in the classroom by implementing fun team-building activities.

A fantastic way to give students practical learning experiences outside of the classroom is through field trips. Field trips that are enjoyable and instructive can help students connect concepts and make learning more tangible. Think about planning an educational field trip to a nearby museum, zoo, or historical site.

Also, you can schedule experts or guest speakers to talk to your students about their fields of expertise. Also, think about planning outdoor learning opportunities for your students, like scavenger hunts or nature walks, which let them explore & learn in a new setting. A visit to a nearby farm or garden, where students can learn about agriculture, sustainability, & the environment, is another entertaining and instructive field trip idea. Students can gain a greater awareness of the origins of their food and the significance of sustainable practices through this kind of experiential learning.

You can help your students learn more effectively & practically while also giving them valuable real-world experience by planning enjoyable and instructive field trips. One of the best ways to get students interested in learning & improve their experience is to incorporate interactive technology into the classroom. For students to gain practical experience in learning, think about integrating interactive whiteboards, tablets, or laptops into your classes. To enhance your curriculum and give students more opportunities to learn outside of the classroom, you can also use educational games, apps, and internet resources.

To give your students an immersive and engaging learning experience, think about integrating virtual reality or augmented reality activities into your classes. Using multimedia projects or digital storytelling in your curriculum is another method to include interactive technology into the classroom. For instance, you can ask students to make podcasts, videos, or digital presentations to show how much they understand a certain subject. Students who participate in this kind of experiential learning not only gain valuable skills in digital literacy but also have the chance to express their creativity & demonstrate their knowledge in a novel way.

You can improve student engagement and relevance in the classroom and set them up for success in a world that is becoming more and more digital by incorporating interactive technology into the classroom. The school year can be started off with excitement & enthusiasm by hosting welcome-back assemblies. To commemorate the beginning of the new school year, think about planning a fun welcome-back assembly with special presentations, performances, & guest speakers. Also, you can include enjoyable and engaging activities that promote student participation and engagement, like games, competitions, or raffles.

To further foster a feeling of pride & ownership among the students in their school community, think about including the students in the preparation and coordination of the assembly. Adding themes or special events that relate to your school’s values or annual goals is another way to make welcome back assemblies exciting. To encourage empathy and compassion in students, you could plan an assembly called “Kindness Day” or a “STEM Showcase” assembly that showcases student accomplishments in math, science, technology, and engineering. You can foster a feeling of enthusiasm and cohesion among your students & establish a positive tone for the school year by planning engaging welcome back assemblies. Students can gain practical experience and develop critical communication & teamwork skills through collaborative group projects. Think about setting up cooperative group projects that need students to cooperate to produce something meaningful or find solutions to real-world issues.

One way to engage students is to assign group projects like designing & constructing a sustainable city model, producing a documentary about a significant historical event, or planning a charity event. Working with students on research projects or presentations that call for them to share their knowledge with their classmates is another way to offer collaborative group projects into your curriculum. Students can benefit from one another’s viewpoints & insights by working in groups to investigate and present on various facets of a given topic or issue.

You can give students invaluable opportunities for experiential learning while also assisting them in the development of critical social and emotional skills by incorporating collaborative group projects into your curriculum. In summary, there are a lot of entertaining and inventive ways to welcome back students, which can help create the ideal environment for an effective and pleasurable school year. You can contribute to the creation of a supportive and welcoming classroom environment that encourages student engagement and success by implementing innovative classroom decorations, icebreaker activities, team building exercises, enjoyable & instructive field trips, interactive technology integration, exciting welcome-back assemblies, and cooperative group projects into your curriculum. Not only do these activities help students learn in a more relevant and engaging way, but they also give them excellent chances to build critical social and emotional competencies that will benefit them in their academic endeavors.

It is crucial that educators take the time to prepare and coordinate these enjoyable welcome-back activities to foster a welcoming environment that will pave the way for a fruitful school year.

FAQs

What are some fun ways to welcome students back to school?

Some fun ways to welcome students back to school include hosting a welcome back assembly, organizing a school-wide scavenger hunt, creating a photo booth for students to take pictures, and planning a themed dress-up day.

How can schools create a welcoming environment for students returning to school?

Schools can create a welcoming environment for students returning to school by decorating the hallways with positive messages and colorful artwork, providing a welcome back gift or goodie bag for each student, and organizing icebreaker activities to help students reconnect with their peers.

What are some creative ideas for welcoming students back to school after a long break?

Some creative ideas for welcoming students back to school after a long break include arranging a “welcome back” parade with teachers and staff cheering for students, setting up a “welcome back” mural for students to contribute to, and planning a special breakfast or lunch for the first day back.

How can teachers and staff make students feel excited about returning to school?

Teachers and staff can make students feel excited about returning to school by planning engaging and interactive lessons, incorporating fun and educational games into the curriculum, and organizing a “welcome back” pep rally or dance party.

What are some inclusive ways to welcome students from diverse backgrounds back to school?

Some inclusive ways to welcome students from diverse backgrounds back to school include celebrating cultural diversity through music, art, and food, providing multilingual welcome signs and greetings, and creating a welcoming committee of students and staff to greet new and returning students.

BTS Welcome Banner

Tip about printing:  Make sure to print borderless so you just have to use a paper cutter to cut off the edges of the paper.  Makes it a snap!

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for Back to School?  This 114 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy Bulletin Board Ideas
• Quick Classroom Decor
• Fundraising Hacks
• Getting Parents On Your Side Right Away

…and even more!

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

See it HERE.

To hang, use a hole punch on the top corners of the white inset.  Then string with twine, use o-rings, or I actually used shower rod plastic rings to hang!

Click here to email your freebie

Enjoy and happy start of the year!   I have a feeling it’s going to be a year to remember!

~Charity

The post Welcome BTS Banner Freebie! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Not only do these displays add color and personality to the space, but they also create a positive and exciting atmosphere that students will love.

Let’s explore some easy and creative bulletin board ideas that are perfect for the start of the school year.

Get ready to welcome your students with the best back-to-school bulletin boards!

“Ideas That Soar” Hot Air Balloon Theme

Let your students know that their ideas are valued and have the power to take them to new heights! Create a hot air balloon-themed bulletin board using bright and colorful paper cutouts. Encourage your students to write down their ideas or goals for the year on small clouds and attach them to the balloons. This interactive display will not only showcase their creativity but also remind them to reach for the sky.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for Back to School?  This 114 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy Bulletin Board Ideas
• Quick Classroom Decor
• Fundraising Hacks
• Getting Parents On Your Side Right Away

…and even more!

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

See it HERE.

“School of Cool” Sunglasses Theme

Add a touch of coolness to your classroom with a sunglasses-themed bulletin board. Cut out sunglasses shapes in various colors and sizes. Invite your students to personalize their own sunglasses by writing their names on them. Arrange the sunglasses on the board with the words “School of Cool” or “Shades of Success.” This bulletin board will instantly add a hip and fun vibe to your classroom.

“Love to Learn” Heart Theme

Spread the love for learning by creating a heart-themed bulletin board. Cut out large hearts from pink, red, and purple paper. Write the subjects or topics that your students will be studying throughout the year on the hearts. Arrange them on a neutral background with the words “Love to Learn” in bold letters. This display will remind your students that learning can be enjoyable and exciting.

“Welcome Aboard” Nautical Theme

Set sail on a successful school year with a nautical-themed bulletin board. Create a background with blue paper or fabric, and add waves using a scalloped bulletin board border. Use anchor cutouts and ropes to decorate the corners of the board. Write “Welcome Aboard” or “Anchors Away to Learning” in bold letters to greet your students. This bulletin board will make them feel like they are embarking on an exciting educational journey.

“Best Teacher Crew” Superhero Theme

Show off your teacher superpowers with a superhero-inspired bulletin board. Design superhero capes with colorful paper and add the names of your students. Arrange the capes on a dynamic cityscape backdrop. Write “Best Teacher Crew” or “Superheroes of Learning” to acknowledge their superhero abilities. Your students will feel special and motivated to be part of your teaching team.

Out of This World Theme

I was thinking about Back-to-School Bulletin Boards as a random thought this morning and remembered a really fun idea that I came up with when I was our third grade team leader.

Every grade level in our school had a bulletin board in the main hallway that needed changed every month, so of course, we all took turns. 

But the first one was always a fun board that welcomed the parents and students into our school, so I really wanted something out of the box. 

While I don’t have any pictures of the bulletin board from that year (what was I thinking?), I can show you a quick example I threw together this morning so you get the idea:

1.  Find someone with a Mac.  Maybe there is a way to do it on a PC, but I don’t think so.

2.  Grab all the teachers on your team.  We actually were all together for pre-service training so I scooped all 8 of us up during a break in the training to shoot some pictures quickly.

3.  Open Photo Booth and pick the Space Alien Effect.  Every person needs to take a picture looking as silly as possible.  Side note:  if someone is drinking water while this is happening, chances are that it might end up on the floor from laughing so hard at everyone’s images, so no liquids are best.

4.  Back at home or at school, print off everyone’s pictures in color and cut the head only out of the picture.

5.  Take the pictures and put on the bulletin board, leaving a little space behind the picture to put some neon pipe cleaners.  Twist and roll the pipe cleaners in different directions so they appear to be your antennae.

6.  Add a fun title like “Third Grade is Out of this World” and call it a day.

It is easy, fun, and trust me when I tell you that it was the HIT of the opening day bulletin boards that year with staff, parents, and students all stopping by to check it out, even if their child was not in our grade level.  LOL!

Would you like a free printable title for this board idea? Grab it below!

Need a quick idea (or 18!) for a Back to School board?   I’ve got you covered!
18 files in one spot!

Each includes directions, premade printable title letters, borders, and student name accents.  You simply need a student roster and a printer.  Easy and lots of choices!

Includes:  Legos, shamrocks, writing, cookies, Tootsie Rolls, dogs, space, sunglasses, fish, gummy bears, buckets, rulers, calculators, owls, wild animals, bees, dinosaurs, and candy themes!

Click HERE to Get Your 18 Sets Now!

The start of a new school year is an opportunity to create a positive and inviting classroom atmosphere.

By incorporating these easy and creative back-to-school bulletin board ideas, you can transform the walls of your classroom into a visually appealing and inspiring space.

Ideas will soar, students will feel welcome, and the love for learning will be fostered. So, let’s get decorating and set the stage for an amazing school year!

Do you have a great back-to-school bulletin board to share?  We would love to hear your ideas below in a comment!

Have fun!

~Charity

The post Back-To-School Bulletin Board Ideas! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Attending those all-so-fun back to school PD sessions when all you really want to do is unpack your classroom.  

Trying to learn all about the bits and pieces of your brand new curriculum (though the textbooks and/or workbooks won’t arrive until about a month into the school year).  

And of course, the best part?  Doing cooperative learning/team bonding exercises during a staff meeting.  But – what if you used some of those ideas to write your first week of lesson plans?

Icebreaker activities are an effective way to initiate the school year and foster a sense of community within the classroom.

The “Two Truths and a Lie” game is a popular and engaging icebreaker, where students take turns sharing two factual statements about themselves and one false statement. The rest of the class is then tasked with identifying the inaccurate statement, promoting critical thinking and active listening skills while facilitating student interaction and familiarity. 

Another icebreaker activity that can help establish a positive classroom environment is the “Human Knot” game. In this activity, students form a circle and each individual grasps the hand of someone opposite them. The objective is for the group to untangle themselves without releasing each other’s hands. 

This cooperative exercise develops teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, ultimately contributing to a sense of unity and cohesion within the classroom.

Team Building Games to Foster Collaboration

The Marshmallow Challenge

One popular team building game is the “Marshmallow Challenge,” where students are given a handful of spaghetti, a marshmallow, and some tape, and are tasked with building the tallest freestanding structure they can in a limited amount of time. This game encourages creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as students work together to design and build their structure.

Building Trust and Communication

Another team building game that promotes collaboration is the “Minefield” game. In this game, students are divided into pairs, with one student blindfolded and the other acting as their guide. The guide must verbally direct their blindfolded partner through a “minefield” of obstacles without touching them. This game requires clear communication, trust, and teamwork, as students work together to navigate the minefield safely.

Benefits of Team Building Games

Both of these games offer a fun and interactive way to promote teamwork and collaboration among students. By participating in these activities, students can develop important skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and communication, which can benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers.

Engaging Brain Breaks for Student Energy and Focus

Brain breaks are essential for helping students stay energized and focused throughout the school day. One engaging brain break activity is “Simon Says,” where students follow simple commands given by the teacher, such as “Simon says touch your toes” or “Simon says hop on one foot.” This game not only provides a quick mental break for students, but it also helps improve listening skills and concentration.

Another fun brain break activity is “Dance Party,” where students get up and move to their favorite songs for a few minutes. 

This activity not only helps release pent-up energy, but it also promotes physical activity and boosts mood and motivation. Brain breaks like these are crucial for maintaining student engagement and productivity in the classroom.

Creative Writing Prompts to Spark Imagination

Creative writing prompts are a great way to inspire imagination and creativity in students. One creative writing prompt is “The Magic Box,” where students imagine they have a magical box that can grant any wish. They then write about what they would wish for and why. 

This prompt encourages students to think outside the box and explore their wildest dreams and desires. Another creative writing prompt that can spark imagination is “The Mystery Object,” where students are given a random object and asked to write a story about its origins and significance. This prompt challenges students to think creatively and develop their storytelling skills, while also encouraging them to think critically about the world around them.

Interactive Math Games for Hands-On Learning

Interactive math games are essential for making math fun and engaging for students. One interactive math game is “Math Bingo,” where students solve math problems to fill in their bingo cards and compete to be the first to get a bingo. This game not only reinforces math skills, but it also promotes healthy competition and teamwork. 

Another interactive math game that promotes hands-on learning is “Math Scavenger Hunt,” where students solve math problems to find clues hidden around the classroom or school. This game not only encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but it also gets students up and moving while learning math in a fun and interactive way.

Science Experiments for Curiosity and Exploration

Designing for Impact: The Egg Drop Challenge

One exciting science experiment is the “Egg Drop Challenge,” where students design and build a contraption to protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a height. This experiment not only teaches students about physics and engineering, but it also encourages creativity and critical thinking as they design their egg protectors.

Fizzy Fun: The Mentos and Diet Coke Explosion

Another captivating science experiment is “The Mentos and Diet Coke Explosion,” where students drop Mentos candies into bottles of Diet Coke to create a fizzy explosion. This experiment not only teaches students about chemical reactions, but it also captivates their attention and sparks their curiosity about the world around them.

Learning Through Exploration

Both of these experiments offer a unique opportunity for students to explore scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way. By participating in these experiments, students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which are essential for success in science and beyond.

Art Projects to Inspire Creativity and Self-Expression

Art projects are essential for inspiring creativity and self-expression in students. One inspiring art project is “Collaborative Mural,” where students work together to create a large-scale mural that represents their shared interests and experiences. This project not only promotes teamwork and collaboration, but it also allows students to express themselves creatively through art. 

Another art project that can inspire creativity is “Found Object Sculptures,” where students use everyday objects to create unique sculptures that reflect their individuality and creativity. This project not only encourages resourcefulness and innovation, but it also allows students to explore different materials and techniques in art. In conclusion, these 10 fun and interactive back-to-school activities for teachers are essential for creating a positive and engaging learning environment for students. 

Need a quick idea (or 18!) for a Back to School board?   I’ve got you covered!
18 files in one spot!

Each includes directions, premade printable title letters, borders, and student name accents.  You simply need a student roster and a printer.  Easy and lots of choices!

Includes:  Legos, shamrocks, writing, cookies, Tootsie Rolls, dogs, space, sunglasses, fish, gummy bears, buckets, rulers, calculators, owls, wild animals, bees, dinosaurs, and candy themes!

Click HERE to Get Your 18 Sets Now!

From icebreaker activities that build classroom community to art projects that inspire creativity, these activities are designed to foster collaboration, spark imagination, promote hands-on learning, and encourage curiosity and self-expression.

By incorporating these activities into the classroom, teachers can help students develop essential skills while also making learning fun and enjoyable.

How about a simple Welcome Banner to welcome your students, parents, and staff back to the fun as well? Download it below!

You can thank me later.   Now, get back to labeling all those student files.

~Charity

The post Welcome Banner Download appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Choosing the right books and activities for your students really can make a difference in whether they will want to return after their first day of school.

Some good book choices are posted below, along with some other fabulous return to the classroom activities – all provided by some of my fellow blogging buddies just for you!

Activities to Start Off the School Year

• Classroom Freebies is always a great place to start!  {Though I may be biased as that site is one I also created and manage – haha!}
• Need some new solutions for using binders this year in the classroom?  These 3 Back to School Binder Ideas might get your wheels turning!

• An entire page devoted to The Kissing Hand!  How fun are these cookie cutters?

Need a quick idea (or 18!) for a Back to School board?   I’ve got you covered!
18 files in one spot!

Each includes directions, premade printable title letters, borders, and student name accents.  You simply need a student roster and a printer.  Easy and lots of choices!

Includes:  Legos, shamrocks, writing, cookies, Tootsie Rolls, dogs, space, sunglasses, fish, gummy bears, buckets, rulers, calculators, owls, wild animals, bees, dinosaurs, and candy themes!

Click HERE to Get Your 18 Sets Now!

• With the littles, it is super important to teach name writing as soon as possible in the school year.  This name writing activity that goes along with the book Chrysanthemum will certainly come to good use!
• First Day Jitters anchor chart!  {source}

• Here is a handout you can use in your class to follow up your reading of the book What if Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick.
• A full week’s worth of lessons and connecting activities using Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!  Love these!

• Who doesn’t love the adorable Lilly and her Purple Plastic Purse?   I know I do.  Here is a free 20 page unit to go along with that book.  Your lesson plans were never done so quickly.

• The No, David books are some of my favorites!   I love the colorful large illustrations and simple words children can understand.  Even better when there are some teaching ideas to correlate with David heading to school!
• Speaking of great series, If You Take a Mouse books are always fun and I enjoy how the story always circles around back to the beginning somehow.  Here is a great unit for If You Take a Mouse to School!

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for Back to School?  This 114 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy Bulletin Board Ideas
• Quick Classroom Decor
• Fundraising Hacks
• Getting Parents On Your Side Right Away

…and even more!

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

See it HERE.

• Love these super cute listening posters from the teacher wife!

• Oh, the Places You’ll Go is a classic book – perfect for graduates and new students alike!   Here is a page of several worksheets to use with your students too!
• Do you have older students and prefer to start the year off with a great chapter book instead?   Thank You, Mr. Falker is a perfect title to take a look at when choosing your best book.  This website includes some suggestions for comprehension and discussion along the way.
• If you like the book Wonder (and like to watch the movie after), you’ll want to check out this site with tons of resources to accompany it!
• So, so, so many ideas here from The Picture Book Teacher’s Edition for How I Spent My Summer Vacation!
• Lots of comprehension connections listed for the book A Fine, Fine School if you have first or second graders!   Even includes a point of view freebie to practice!

Great Books for the First Weeks of School

Thanks to all the blogging buddies who shared their great ideas and I hope you are able to get some fresh ideas for yourself!

Need one more bonus printable?

Check out this super fun “Note to Myself” handout I just created for you.

Perfect for a first day or first week activity, it allows students to reflect on what they hope to do or accomplish this year, but in an informal way.

Make sure to have students date their paper – and then save them in a safe place where you will remember to grab them again the last couple weeks of school.

Students can get their papers back and see how they actually did.

They just night be amazed at how many items they unconsciously checked off their sheet!

Grab your handout below.

What other activities and/or back to school books are on your go-to list that might have been missed?  Feel free to leave a comment below to add to our collection!

Enjoy,

~Charity

The post Back-to-School Books and Activities appeared first on Organized Classroom.

One way to make organization more fun and engaging is by personalizing your school binder covers.

By adding your own personal touch to your binders, you can make them unique and reflect your personality and interests.

This not only makes organization more enjoyable, but it also helps you easily identify your binders and stay organized throughout the school year.

5 Creative Ways to Personalize Your School Binder Covers

1. Using stickers and decals: One of the easiest ways to personalize your school binder covers is by using stickers and decals. You can find a wide variety of stickers and decals in stores or online, ranging from cute animals to inspirational quotes. Simply choose the ones that resonate with you and stick them onto your binder covers. This is a quick and easy way to add some personality to your binders.
2. Creating a collage of favorite photos or quotes: Another creative way to personalize your school binder covers is by creating a collage of your favorite photos or quotes. You can print out pictures of your friends, family, or pets, and arrange them on your binder covers. Alternatively, you can cut out inspiring quotes from magazines or print them out and glue them onto your binders. This not only adds a personal touch to your binders but also serves as a source of motivation and inspiration.
3. Painting or drawing designs: If you enjoy painting or drawing, why not use your artistic skills to personalize your school binder covers? You can use acrylic paints or markers to create unique designs on your binders. Whether it’s a colorful abstract pattern or a detailed illustration, painting or drawing on your binder covers allows you to showcase your creativity and make your binders truly one-of-a-kind.
4. Using washi tape or ribbon to add texture and color: Washi tape and ribbon are versatile materials that can add texture and color to your school binder covers. You can use washi tape to create borders, patterns, or even write your name on your binders. Ribbon can be tied around the spine of your binders to add a pop of color. These materials are easy to use and can be found in a wide variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to customize your binders to your liking.
5. Printing out custom designs or patterns: If you have access to a printer, you can print out custom designs or patterns to personalize your school binder covers. There are many websites and online platforms that offer free printable designs and patterns that you can use. Whether it’s a floral pattern, a geometric design, or a custom artwork, printing out these designs and attaching them to your binders is a simple yet effective way to personalize them.

Binder Cover Templates to Print

Student Portfolio Cover

I started with a binder, tossed in some Heavyweight Presentation Sheet Protectors, and placed some Insertable Dividers in between the sheet protectors.  

I loved being able to design my divider tabs on their website as well!  I added some fun little clip art, a cute font, and spaced it just how I liked before finally printing right on the tabs from my home printer and inserting into the tab slots.  Perfect!

Need a quick idea (or 18!) for a Back to School board?   I’ve got you covered!
18 files in one spot!

Each includes directions, premade printable title letters, borders, and student name accents.  You simply need a student roster and a printer.  Easy and lots of choices!

Includes:  Legos, shamrocks, writing, cookies, Tootsie Rolls, dogs, space, sunglasses, fish, gummy bears, buckets, rulers, calculators, owls, wild animals, bees, dinosaurs, and candy themes!

Click HERE to Get Your 18 Sets Now!

How to use:  At the beginning of the year, have students choose about 5-6 pieces of work they are most proud of from each subject and place in the sheet protectors. 

As the grading quarter continues, students may replace one page for another if they feel it is a better representation of his or her work.  All other work gets sent home after grading is complete. 

When parent conferences roll around, students are them able to grab his or her binder and explain each piece or work inside to the parent and why that particular work made the cut. 

It is a wonderful way to hold students accountable and have them take an active role in assessment as well.

Puzzle Organization Cover 

Do you want to pull your hair out when you find random puzzle pieces everywhere in your classroom?  Organize them in a binder!  Yay!

Grab a strong binder first – I have never seen these before and they are pretty much indestructable.  {And we KNOW how students are around supplies – ha.}

Next, use some duct tape and place on the bottom of a large gallon sized zipper baggie.  Hole punch it across the tape.

Use some Marks-A-Lot Permanent Markers and the Avery Kids Writeable Labels to write the name of the puzzle and slap the label on the baggie.  

Place your puzzle pieces inside.

Stash all the baggies into your binder and place on a bookshelf!  Score on the classroom organization!

Fluency Binder Cover 

The last fun project I have to share is actually using a small 1 inch binder that fits the 5.5″ x 8.5″ inserts.   Place some Filler Paper, Plastic Dividers, and Binder Pockets inside.

Print out some small monthly sight word lists that are broken down by the month on one page.  Print an extra copy and cut those lists up by month.

Attach the cut up months to the plastic dividers on both sides with some tape (I used some cute washi tape I already had on hand).   

Write student names on the rest of the printed lists and place in side the binder pockets.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for Back to School?  This 114 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy Bulletin Board Ideas
• Quick Classroom Decor
• Fundraising Hacks
• Getting Parents On Your Side Right Away

…and even more!

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

See it HERE.

When it is time for fluency/sight word checks, you can simple open the binder and place like an easel. 

Use some highlighters (maybe a different color for each quarter?) to notate which words the student knows and which he or she does not.

So easy to assess and super simple to take with you wherever you want.

Hopefully you were able to get some new ideas for your classroom from what I have above and just for stopping by to check it out – I have some fun printable freebies that are also editable for you!

How about all the covers for all 3 projects?  Yayyyyyy!

Click on the covers below to download and enjoy!

Personalizing your school binder covers is an important and fun way to enhance organization and make the process more enjoyable.

Whether you choose to use stickers, create a collage, paint or draw, use washi tape or ribbon, or print out custom designs, the possibilities are endless.

By choosing materials and designs that reflect your personal interests and style, you can create unique and personalized binder covers that will make organizing your schoolwork a breeze.

So go ahead and get creative – your binders (and students) will thank you!

How do you use binders in your classroom? I would love to hear even more ways in a comment below.

Talk to you soon,

~Charity

The post 3 BTS Binder Ideas appeared first on Organized Classroom.

These can also double as a centers activity or something easy to get students started in the morning.

Daily Writing Prompts: Learn About Your Students

These creative writing prompts can not only get get students started in the morning and gives them a chance to work on their writing skills, but also allows teachers the chance to learn a little bit more about their students.

These writing prompts encourage students to write a story about their life or give little bits of information on the things they like, such as a favorite song or food, but also what they don’t like, or what they want to do in the future.

This can help the teacher to pay some extra attention to particular student when something comes up in class that they may enjoy.

From questions that range in topics from chores to family life to questions about themselves, these provide a way for teachers to gain some insight about those students they’ll be spending a lot of time with over the school year.

These are also simple enough to do in the morning or as center activities for elementary or middle school students. They can easily be printed on card stock, laminated, hole-punched, and put on an o-ring.

Extra tip: cover the o-ring in washi tape to give the finished product a cute touch!

The file can also just be pulled up on a computer and displayed on a screen for students to see. The cards are all pre-dated, so you won’t worry about reusing the same question on two different days or not having enough cards for the entire month.

Since everything is already completed, incorporating these into your lessons plans can be as simple as posting these up on a screen or handing them out to students for a quick and creative activity!

Kids Journal Prompt Ideas for Back to School

This freebie comes with a variety of prompts for kids. The writing prompts cover a wide range of topics from students’ families, favorite foods, to what chores students dislike the most.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for Back to School?  This 114 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 14 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy Bulletin Board Ideas
• Quick Classroom Decor
• Fundraising Hacks
• Getting Parents On Your Side Right Away

…and even more!

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

See it HERE.

These can encourage students to practice their writing skills with creative writing ideas. Kids can write a story about themselves, or can even make up a narrative about someone or something else depending on the prompt.

Some of the results could be funny, depending on how creative a student decides to get with their writing prompt. All of the prompts can be used from grades 2-5 students.

Here’s a list of just some of the prompts included in this freebie download pack:

• What was your favorite food when you were a baby?
• What’s your favorite indoor activity when it is raining outside?
• What is your favorite body part that we can see?
• If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
• If you could meet someone famous who would it be or why?
• If you have 30 minutes and no electronics, what would you do to pass the time?
• When was the last time you had an amazing meal?
• What is the best part of waking up?
• What do you want to be when you grow up?

How do you think you’ll use the writing prompts with your students?  We would love to hear in a comment below!

Happy student writing and enjoy the freebie!

~Charity

The post September Student Journal Prompt Cards! appeared first on Organized Classroom.