Sharing with Teachers

I got tired of chasing my grade-level colleagues down or putting photocopies in their box where they might be overlooked. I finally put three baskets in our photocopying room. Each basket is clearly labeled with each last name. Then, when photocopying items of interest, I make a couple of extra and throw them in the baskets. The reverse is true also. When my colleagues have something for me, they put it in my basket. The phtocopying room is the perfect place for the baskets, because all three of us always go in there before school!

Taming the Paper Clutter

Like all teachers, the amount of papers to collect and grade and the amount of paper work to do can be overwhelming. The first step is to have a "system" that works for you. I use baskets with large labels. The labels include: Work (students' completed word), Copy (photocopying), Incomplete Work (for students to finish); File (students' corrected work), and File (teacher's important papers). The students' work basket is placed in the front of the classroom. The remaining baskets are on the back counter near my desk. If a parent drops in for a few minutes to help, they know to go to the File basket and file the students' completed work in each student's hanging file folder.
At the end of the day, I go through my baskets and take care of my paperwork.
Two tips:  One, don't get behind on the paperwork or it will become a mountain in a few days. Two, touch each paper once and do something with it!Don't keep handling the same piece of paper, note from the office or parent, or flyer---act on it, respond to it, file it, or toss it!

Getting Organized for the School Year

To help get your school year off to a great and organized start, number every student item! It's easy to do! First make a class list. I like to put my list in alphabetical order by student's first name followed by last name.
Then assign each student a number.  For example:  1.  Alice; 2.  Ben; 3. Carlos
When setting up the students' desks, number everything--pencil boxes, folders, books, etc. An easy way to do this is print up a bunch of numbered labels. Stick the 1 labels on everything belonging to Alice, the 2 on everything belonging to Ben. etc. I use a sharpie to number the pencils (just below the eraser), scissors, and even their name tags. This makes it easy to return items found around the room!

Zero K Marathon

The girls have been training hard for the Zero K Marathon. This is a fundraiser for the Buddies thru Bullies rescue organization.

Bea and Savannah Girl

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

Bea and Gracie

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

The Girls

The top pictures shows Gracie giving me the "stink eye".

The bottom picture is of Bea.

In the evenings after work, Bea and Gracie like to walk around in the backyard.
This is Bea with her little face next to that of the Savannah girl statue.