2018-2019 Classroom Reveal

Preparation:

  I have been preparing all summer, as all teachers do, for my new classroom theme. I am changing it from my beloved Dr. Seuss theme to the simple and classic farmhouse theme.

My 2017-2018 Dr. Seuss Classroom

I rummaged Goodwill, my house, yard sales, and other people's homes for items to fit. I even reused many things that were in my room originally, I just added spray paint. I kept to a black, white, gray, green, and navy theme.

  I created most of my learning decor myself, because I just couldn't find what I was looking for. :) (So why not make it?) I absolutely LOVED making my own decor. It's like the image from my head came to life!! No better feeling than that!  Check out my Simple + Modern Farmhouse Classroom Decor here.

So without further ado, here is my 2018-2019 Simple + Modern Farmhouse Classroom.

Have a great school year! 

DIY Pocket Chart Calendar

Man oh man! It has been a busy summer. I moved from one city to another, from one kinder class to another sweet kinder class. What a change!!! I am handling it so far so good. :) I have been in the Target Dollar Spot so many times that I can say my theme this year is "Target!" Haha!

 I just love all their rainbow and Dr. Seuss items! (I use a lot of exclamation marks because I am so excited)

I found this awesome Dr. Seuss calendar for a steal at $3!!!!

Eek!!! I got to looking at it, and I figured that it wouldn't hold up as well as I would like. I have used pocket chart calendars my entire school career, and knew I wanted to make this one as well. I looked it up on Pinterest, found one, ONE, post about how to make a paper calendar into a pocket chart. But I found a way that is even easier than that one, so I am going to explain that here. Okay, here we go.

Materials:

Vinyl

Marker

Scissors

Double-sided tape

Straight-edge (large ruler)

Calendar

Procedure:

Measure your calendar and figure out how much space you want for the number pieces. :) 

I wanted mine to only go 3/4 of the way up on each number square for easy number change.

Use your Straight-edge and marker to make lines on the vinyl to cut.

Cut on the lines.

***Now you're ready to assemble. ***

Get your double sided tape and take a piece that is the length of your calendar.

I stayed as close to the lines as possible. 

Then you add your vinyl pieces (bottom of the vinyl will have the tape, sides and top will not!)

Once you have the bottom of the vinyl secured, cut the excess from the sides, and secure it with tape. 

Continue until the calendar is finished. 

I am so stinking happy with the way this turned out! It's absolutely adorable, and durable. :)  

Here are my other projects that I have been working on for my Dr. Seuss themed kindergarten classroom. 

My $3 yard sale bookshelf

Made over with Target dollar spot shelf contact paper. Love!!!

My $5 student mailboxes that I have had for 2 years. I FINALLY refinished them. 

They were ugly and business-like, so I put my touch to them :) 

Thank you for reading! 

Happy refinishing! 

Homework Folders

If you send homework home each night, you may find yourself in a paper war. It can get overwhelming to see who sent what, back. It was overwhelming for me. I couldn't stand it! I finally came up with a solution to my problem,  and I think I have a perfect product for you.Click the link to go to my TPT shop Homework helper!

Here is my folder set-up.

I have a pocket for homework and a pouch for pencils, sight word flash cards, and money.

The homework helper is right behind the pencil pouch.

The helper helps to alert parents that their child's homework has been turned in, and their child's behavior for the day. I like that part because you can see a trend in behavior for documentation purposes. 

Explanation:

1. You need to add the dates for the month and then copy/hole-punch for entire class.

2. Write the student's name to the top. The student can color the start and stop and the top of paper, if you choose.

3. The behavior circle is colored the day of behavior. Meaning... Today's date is when the red behavior is happening, so you color today's circle red. 

 4. When checking homework you will ALWAYS be a day behind. Meaning you sent homework home last night, and they turned it in today. Put a sticker in yesterday's circle. 

Today is 4/8. Circle is red. Student turned in last night's homework. sticker goes on 4/7.

5. When a child doesn't turn in homework, I write a simple note on the sticker sheet... When the homework is finally turned in, I put a sticker over the note. if it never gets turned in, I have documentation.

6. When the month is done, move to the next sticker sheet. You can file the sticker sheets away for reference. 

Other parts of my homework folder include: A parent communication area...

A pocket for graded work to be sent home...

I also include a reading log for the students to complete daily. 

I suggest using the poly plastic folders to stand up against backpack wear and tear. The parents have responded well to the homework folders, and look forward to them when their child gets home. They are handy in so many ways. 

Thank you for reading! Enjoy!