Label Power Cords {Coffee & a Clever Idea}

The Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge focuses on organizing your classroom. Each morning I'll be featuring Clever Ideas related to that topic.

Did you ever notice how we allegedly live in a "wireless world" and yet there seem to still be cords EVERYWHERE?! I loathe cords. And therefore I love this idea for labeling them easy-peasy. Simply attach one of those plastic tags that hold your bread shut and label it with the name of the item on the other end. That's the simple way. If you want to get a little more fancy pants you could use some spray paint you may have kicking around and make them all fancy pants. Either way it's a good use for a free item.

Join me each weekday morning for coffee & a clever idea. 

Here's how: Follow my blog.

Removing Ink From Plastic Containers {Coffee & a Clever Idea}

The Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge focuses on organizing your classroom. Each morning I'll be featuring Clever Ideas related to that topic.

Over the years I've written several posts about classroom storage and more specifically, creating your own storage containers out of recycled materials. At one point I collected several Stoneyfield Yogurt containers to use as manipulative containers during Math Workshop. {You can see them in this post.} I spray painted mine. But, did you know that you can use acetone nail polish remover to take off the printed words and images on those plastic containers? Now you do. 

Best of all you are helping the Earth and saving money!
{source}

Join me each weekday morning for coffee & a clever idea. 

Here's how: Follow my blog.

3.OA.1 TASK CARDS {Meaning of Multiplication}{

{Click here to access and download the 3.OA.1 Bundle}

The goal of this bundle is to guide students to understand how multiplication and addition are related. The strategy of knowing that equal groups can be recored as either an addition equation or a multiplication equation will help them to understand the concept of multiplication.

This bundle contains 4 sets of task cards and a related printable that can be used to document mastery of the skills. 

1) 3.OA.1 MEANING OF MULTIPLICATION CARDS SET 1: Students are provided with 3 expressions (example: 5 groups of 3; 3+3+3+3+3 and 5 X 3) and are asked to create an image to represent them.

2) 3.OA.1 MEANING OF MULTIPLICATION CARDS SET 2: Students are given a multiplication expression and are asked to draw a picture to represent it and find the product.

3) 3.OA.1 MEANING OF MULTIPLICATION CARDS SET 3: Students are shown an image of equal groups and are asked to write an addition equation and a multiplication sentence to represent it.

4) 3.OA.1 MEANING OF MULTIPLICATION CARDS SET 4: The students are provided an equation that shows repeated addition and are asked to write a related multiplication sentence.

5) A printable and a corresponding answer sheet for easy grading that can be used as a pre and/or post assessment, practice page, morning work or homework assignment. It includes questions that are just like the ones used in the 4 task card sets. I use it to document mastery.

This set is ideal for grades 2-3 as well as 4th grade review and for advanced 1st graders.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN THESE CLASSROOM PHOTOS & BLOG POSTS

How I Introduce Multiplication

Multiples on the Hundreds Chart

Common Core  Checklist and Student I Can to track student progress

3.OA.7 Task Cards

DIY Charger Station {Coffee & a Clever Idea}

The Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge focuses on organizing your classroom. Each morning I'll be featuring Clever Ideas related to that topic.

In our high-tech world teachers now often find themselves charging ipods for the classroom...or perhaps their own cell phones at times. I have added this to my DIY plans because it is such a cute solution to having cords cluttering the classroom (and admittedly my own house). Check out the site for a great tutorial on how to make a neat charging station out of a lotion bottle.

As an added bonus, you'll be able to make it match your classroom theme or color scheme which always helps to create a sense of neatness and order. 

Join me each weekday morning for coffee & a clever idea. 

Here's how: Follow my blog.

Back to Reality

I'm back. 

Did I mention I was going to be in Florida last week? It was a lovely and relaxing week of sun and fun at the beach with the family.  Despite a chilly start the first day, the remainder of the week was perfect...sunny and toasty warm, but not sticky, hot and humid. 

We spent our days playing in the sand in Siesta Key, looking for shark's teeth and shells, and splashing in the pool. We did a day at Legoland, visited the Mote Aquarium in Sarasota and basically just relaxed and enjoyed some quality family time.

I started my teaching career in Florida (at Eastbrook Elementary in Winter Park and Goldsboro Elementary in Sanford...anyone from there?) and always get nostalgic when I drive by Florida elementary schools with the outdoor campuses. I had such a great experience down there and miss the fabulous field trip opportunities. 

I'm babbling.

I'm trying to get caught up on emails, Facebook comments and Q&A left at my teacher store. I apologize if you are waiting to hear from me. I'm hoping to be caught up soon.

I also wanted to mention that I added word verification and approval checks to the comments on the blog. I apologize. I personally loathe those annoying "prove you're not a robot by typing these words" things. I swear there is something wrong with me because I am NEVER able to get it right the first time...or the 12th time for that matter. I was able to go almost 2 years without needing it, but the spam comments were getting out of control so I had to put these things in place. Hopefully it will be a temporary thing.

Do you have any fun vacations planned?

Keep Rolls of Paper Neat {Coffee & a Clever Idea}

The Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge focuses on organizing your classroom. Each morning I'll be featuring Clever Ideas related to that topic.

When I posted all about my classroom makeover last summer, I wrote about how I used wrapping paper a lot in my design. I love how it gave me more options for bright colors and fun patterns and not to mention it is pretty cheap. Needless to say, I have some leftover rolls of paper that have been open. This would also work well with traditional bulletin board paper and craft paper that you've set aside for projects.

Simply cut a toilet paper or paper towel tube and use it to secure the rolls of paper closed. In the past I've used elastics which sometimes leave creases. 

Join me each weekday morning for coffee & a clever idea. 

Here's how: Follow my blog.

CFC PROJECT: Get Caught Up

This week's Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge is simple. 

Because I'm not adding anything new for you to do. :)

I built in this week to give you a chance to breathe and get caught up on any of the things you didn't get around to during our previous weeks.

Below are links to all of the prior challenges for you to review and reflect upon.  If you are completely caught up then this is your week to relax and enjoy the improvements you've made in your classroom.

The Clutter-Free Classroom Project Introduction
You'll want to start here!

Challenge #1: Take Before Pictures
Nothing is more motivating than your own progress...before you begin the process you'll want to snap some pics to reflect as you move forward

Challenge #2: Create a Plan to De-Clutter
Links and free printables to help you plan for success

Challenge #3: Make a Clean Sweep
Get things cleaned up on the surface for an instantly improved look of organization in your classroom

Challenge #4: Classroom Storage Solutions
Ideas and links to help you find the perfect way to house the items worthy of keeping in your classroom

Challenge #5: Teacher Desk and/or Workspace
Over 25 tips to guide you to create an area of the classroom in which you can be productive

Challenge #6: Managing Teacher Resources
Strategies for streamlining and storing your curriculum and personal teaching books

Show Us How You Store Your Teacher Resources Linky

If you are new, be sure to start here to learn all about the CFC Project to Get Your Classroom and Teaching Life Organized in 2013. You certainly can jump in at any time and follow the steps that are being outlined each week.

This week's challenge was to streamline your teacher resources and curriculum and create an organized place to store it.

Now it's time to share what you came up with.

PROMPT(s):

Feel free to use one or all of the following:

Show us how you store your teaching materials.

Spray Painted Muffin Tin Organizer {Coffee & a Clever Idea}

Last week's Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge focused on organizing your desk.  Please visit that post for over 25 tips on creating and maintaining an organized workspace. This week I'll be featuring Clever Ideas related to that topic.

Let's wrap up the week with one last DIY desk organizer. Placing a muffin tin inside an open-space drawer will give you 6-12 little compartments to house all those little desk doo-dads. I'm pretty sure it was the yellow spray paint that had me at hello though.

Join me each weekday morning for coffee & a clever idea. 

Here's how: Follow my blog.

Magnetic Desktop Organizer {Coffee & a Clever Idea}

Last week's Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge focused on organizing your desk.  Please visit that post for over 25 tips on creating and maintaining an organized workspace. This week I'll be featuring Clever Ideas related to that topic.

Yesterday I posted a cute desktop organizer that was created using fabric and a frame so this seemed like a good follow-up. While the version above appears a bit "cluttered" to me, you could certainly take the concept and streamline it a bit to manage your basic needs in a neat and useful manner. 

Join me each weekday morning for coffee & a clever idea. 

Here's how: Follow my blog.

Picture Frame Desk Organizer {Coffee & a Clever Idea}

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Last week's Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge focused on organizing your desk.  Please visit that post for over 25 tips on creating and maintaining an organized workspace. This week I'll be featuring Clever Ideas related to that topic.

Isn't this a great option for taming all of those little scraps and odds and ends that find their way onto your work surface? This would be especially useful if you use a table in place of a traditional teacher desk.

I'm also thinking this would be great for correcting. You could fill it with colorful markers, stickers and an EZ Grader.

Join me each weekday morning for coffee & a clever idea. 

Here's how: Follow my blog.

Area & Perimeter Task Cards 3.MD.5 / 3.MD.7 {Task Card Tuesday}

Happy Task Card Tuesday!

{click to access and download this packet}

In my neck of the woods we've been busy mastering multiplication, division and area and perimeter...kind of at the same time. I created some Common Core activities with a farm theme to help supplement our curriculum. I'll spotlight those after we wrap up the unit, but for now I wanted to share the task cards I created to provide extra practice.

The cards require them to calculate the area or perimeter of a space when provided with the dimensions. There are also three cards that provide them with the perimeter of a space and they are asked to draw a diagram that would equal that.

The set includes task cards, an answer guide, and student recording sheets. All of my task cards can be easily viewed at my Task Card Pinterest Page.  This set reinforces 3.MD.3 and 3.MD.5.

Organize Your Desk With DIY Boxes {Coffee & a Clever Idea}

Last week's Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge focused on organizing your desk.  Please visit that post for over 25 tips on creating and maintaining an organized workspace. This week I'll be featuring Clever Ideas related to that topic.

This is a super-cute and economical way to containerize the items in your desk. I am always a fan of anything that allows you to personalize your space to match a classroom theme or color scheme. The labels are a great addition because labeled spaces greatly increase the odds that things get put back in their proper place.

Join me each weekday morning for coffee & a clever idea. 

Here's how: Follow my blog.

Cookie Sheets as Desk Draw Dividers {Coffee & a Clever Idea}

{source}

Last week's Clutter-Free Classroom Project Challenge focused on organizing your desk.  Please visit that post for over 25 tips on creating and maintaining an organized workspace. This week I'll be featuring Clever Ideas related to that topic.

The photo above shows cookie sheets being use to create defined spaces within a larger desk drawer. If you have an oversized drawer without dividers this might be a good solution. Bonus: It's magnetic!

Join me each weekday morning for coffee & a clever idea. 

Here's how: Follow my blog.

ORGANIZE YOUR TEACHER RESOURCES {CFC Project 2013}

If you are just joining us, you'll want to start here or check out my Clutter-Free Guide to Organizing and Managing Your Classroom.

Teachers have two types of resources: district-issued curriculum and books and materials that have been self-purchased. While you have more flexibility in how you organize and handle the latter, there are ways to make both functional and easy to access.

Purge unnecessary resource materials and develop an organized way to store the curriculum materials and teacher resources you are going to keep.

The resources that your district provides typically need to be preserved in their original condition in the event that you change grade levels or switch schools. 

Create a safe and separate space for storing the books that were issued to you, but that you do not use. You may have a reading curriculum that comes with ESL components and you have no ESL students. Perhaps your math guides don’t all align with the Common Core and you are using supplemental materials, but the school has not said to recycle the old ones. We all have stuff that we are housing simply because we need to. Don’t let it be clutter, but instead package it up neatly and out of sight. That way if you leave your position and need to leave the resources behind they will be gathered already. I find a great way to do this is to place them in a copy paper box and attach an inventory of what is inside onto the box. That way you can leave the entire box behind or turn it in if that is what you need to do. In my situation I have a deep shelf and simply store them in the back with items I use regularly placed in front of the box.

As for the district’s materials and resource materials you use on a regular basis...

• I prefer to house my teacher guides, manuals, resource books, etc out of student view. I try to eliminate as much visual clutter as I can and since the books are not something the students need to access, I keep them out of sight. I use the small group table as my teacher workspace. There is open shelving behind it so I keep my books in decorative boxes without tops grouped by subject area. These function almost as drawers. The students can’t see what is inside and I can access them easily when I am sitting there planning. (On a sidenote I had intended to snap a photo on Friday, but I was so excited to kick off February vacation that I rushed home sans picture. I’ll add one in when I get back next week).

• If you use a teacher desk, you may want to store them in the drawers. You could also use the drawers of a filing cabinet. Regardless of if you use a drawer of a shelf, it is important to keep subject areas together. Dishpans can be purchased at the Dollar Store and work great on shelves to cluster books together.  If you use a drawer, create tabbed sections using file folders.

• Add in related items like pacing guides, curriculum maps, a binder or CD of printables to the related section or bin.

• Many teacher guides are available online. Ask you curriculum coordinator if this is an option. Even if you’ve had the books for several years you may be able to use their online manuals by obtaining the code.

• Take a tour of your building. Most schools have classrooms with similar furniture, built-ins, closets and shelving. See how other teachers are housing their books. Ask if they are happy with their systems. Use their methods as inspiration.

• Go through your personal resource collection with a critical eye. Apply your rules for purging that we worked on earlier in the Clutter-Free Classroom Project. Tear out pages you want to keep and put them in a binder...or better yet scan them and go paperless. Pass the book on to a colleague or recycle it.

• If you use a traditional bookshelf, be sure to add dividers that make it easy to see where things are. You might also want to label the front of the shelf as well.

{photo sources 1/2/3/4/5}

On Friday, I'll put up the Linky Party related to this week's Clutter-Free Classroom PROJECT. The Linky will be ongoing and you can always jump in and link up at anytime. If you don't have a blog you can respond to the prompt in the comment section on Friday's post. Below is this week's prompt. Keep these questions in mind as you take your pictures:

PROMPT(s):

• Show us how you store your teacher resource materials.ganization supplies classroom storage classroom management classroom arrangement classroom organization skills organization ideas for the classroom organization ideas for teachers organization ideas for elementary classrooms decluttering a classroom declutter classroom before pictures kindergarten first grade second grade third grade fourth grade fifth grade sixth grade preschool 1st grade 2nd grade 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade time management, professional organizer, ways to get organized, organizing products, helping kids get organized, organizing teachers, the organized classroom, tips for getting organized tips for classroom organization storage manipulatives school supplies, how to organize a teacher's desk, organized teacher desk, how to clean a teacher desk, teacher desk, organized teacher desk tips, tips for organizing a teacher  how to organize teacher resources, teacher resource books

Teacher Desk Linky {CFC Project 2013}

If you are new, be sure to start here to learn all about the CFC Project to Get Your Classroom and Teaching Life Organized in 2013. You certainly can jump in at any time and follow the steps that are being outlined each week.

This week's challenge was to organize your teacher desk / teacher workspace.

Now it's time to share your little piece of real estate in the classroom.

PROMPT(s):

Feel free to use one or all of the following:

Show us photos of your "teacher area."

• Write about what you like about it.
• How you would like to change it?
• What changes did you make to it as part of the Clutter-Free PROJECT Challenge.
• What tips can you share to help others have a clear work-surface?c

MULTIPLICATION & DIVISION 3.OA.7 {TASK CARD TUESDAY {on a THURSDAY}

I’ve been on such a task card kick lately that I’ve decided to designate Tuesdays as “Task Card Tuesday” to spotlight all of the new cards we use in my classroom each week. They are the perfect complement to our Math Workshop Board and daily routines and the kids go nuts for them.

{Click to access and download the 5-Product Fact Family Bundle}

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/TASK-CARDS-3OA7-5-Product-Bundle-math-multiplication-and-division

Except that on Tuesday I decided I wanted to share my Valentine math activity so you would have to do it in your classrooms if you wanted to.

And then Wednesday slipped away.

And so alas I bring you "Task Card Tuesday"...on Thursday. :)

My students have been putting in a lot of effort towards mastering their multiplication and division facts. I use my Common Core  Checklist and Student I Can to track student progress so I find it very helpful to have a collection of activities to move them towards mastery and an assessment to document when they have arrived there. 

This week I focused on 3.OA.7 (also known as 3.OA.7.c) with the goal being to demonstrate an understanding of the multiplication and division fact families. I created four sets of cards and a printable that can be used as a pretest/post test, documentation of mastery, homework or simply a practice page. It also includes answer keys for all task card sets and the printable.

The sets are as follows:

1) 3.OA.7 FACT FAMILY CARDS SET 1: Students are provided with a multiplication or division equation and are asked to record an equation using the opposite operation.

2) 3.OA.7 FACT FAMILY CARDS SET 2: Students are given 3 out of 4 equations from a X / ÷ fact family and are asked to record the missing equation.

3) OA.7 FACT FAMILY CARDS SET 3: Students are shown 3 numbers (i.e. 6, 9, 54 or 3, 24, 8) and are asked to write the 4 equations related to that fact family.

4) 3.OA.7 FACT FAMILY CARDS SET 4: The students are provided with a multiplication and the related division equation and must identify the missing number that is represented by a symbol in each (i.e. 5 x ? = 30 and 30 ÷ 5 = ?)

Each set is sold individually and also groups together in a 3.OA.7 Cost-Saving 5 Product Bundle.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN THESE CLASSROOM PHOTOS & BLOG POSTS

How I Introduce Multiplication

Multiples on the Hundreds Chart