Monday, July 16, 2012

Made It Monday..... Getting organized

It's another Made It Monday.  This week the theme of my projects is all about organization.  I have been working hard this summer to have a classroom that is neat and organized ( as much as I possibly can).  Often my classroom "looks" organized, but if you were to open a desk drawer, look in my teacher bag, or even on top of my desk you would see a disaster of papers, paper clips, and other small items.  So... I've been working a bit on that.   All of the projects below are Pinterest inspired.  What did we ever do before Pinterest?!  Seriously!!!

I'm linking up with Tara at 4th Grade Frolics for another edition of her linky party " Made It Monday". 
The first project I worked on really doesn't qualify as a "Made It Monday" because I technically didn't make anything.  Since organization was my theme this week, I wanted to organize my teacher bag.  I found this great idea on Pinterest in which someone  put a plastic file organizer in their bag.  So.... I pulled out my Thirty One bag, purchased a plastic file organizer at Wal-mart, bought some colorful labels from the Target dollar bin, and began to ORGANIZE.  Here's my finished product:
I can easily pull this out of my bag and keep beside my desk.  I labeled it with the following:
Reading Papers to Grade
English/Spelling Papers to Grade
Math Papers to Grade
Soc. Science Papers to Grade
Papers to reteach with students
Papers to file
Items to laminate
Items to copy
Common Core
Units I'm working on

The next item I created required nothing extra to purchase.  I had kept a couple of these Tide pod containers thinking I could use them for something.    I decided to use one of them to create a "Lost and Found" box to put on the counter in my classroom.  Every year I end up with many "lost" items.  Normally I have students put them in the pencil holder that is on my desk, but I want something a bit more organized and more practical.  Here is my Tide container transformation:
 The lid is a bright orange.  I could have taken the lid off, but I thought it might be nice to have a lid on the lost and found container, so I  spray painted it black.  Then I created a "Lost and Found" document that I copied on card stock and cut out.  Finally I used Mod Podge to place it on the container. ( I still have one container left.  I would love to hear your suggestions on how I could use this container in my classroom.. I thought maybe I could use it for Box Tops or a mailbox at my writing center??)


My last project was a  dry erase "To Do" list to keep on my desk.  This was so easy.  I had an extra 8 1/2 x11 frame.  I  created a "To Do" document and then copied it on card stock.  Finally I added some bows that match the theme of my classroom.

Don't forget to link up with Tara.  I can't wait to look at all of the projects!

20 comments:

Miss Sara said...

I love your to do list! Thanks for the freebies :)

Sara

Miss Elementary

Jennifer K. said...

I love your idea to use the Tide Pods container! I need to do some laundry so I can empty mine out now lol! Thanks for the ideas!

Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten

Unknown said...

I love your 31 bag! Those Tide containers are neat. I'll have to see if I can start using them. And, I've wanted to make one of those "To Do" frames and yours turned out too cute! Thanks for the printable!
~Andi

Miss Nelson said...

Love your lost and found bucket. My kids are always finding items and putting it in my bucket. Ours has nothing on your bucket.
Love it!

✣ Miss Nelson✣
Miss Nelson’s Blog

Kindertrips said...

I need to do the 31 bag-what kind of bag is it?
Jennifer
kindertrips

Unknown said...

I love the ideas! Way too cute!
Laura

TIPS: Teach, Inspire, and Prepare Students

Jill said...

I love your organization using the thirty one bag, I have one and I love it. You have been busy. Thanks for sharing.

Jill
Bubbalulu.blogspot.com

Elizabeth said...

You are so organized!

I love the lost and found. I have a basket, but I love the way you repurposed your Tide box.

Elizabeth
Fun in Room 4B

Unknown said...

I love that lost and found box!!!
Modern Kindergarten

April Walker said...

I love your 31 bag and your lost and found bucket.
~April
The Idea Backpack
ideabackpack@gmail.com

Queen of the Click said...

I love the lost and found container. I also love that you were so sweet to share your to do list. Thank you, Krista!

Heather said...

I'm dangerously close to buying a 31 bag. What type do you have?

Unknown said...

Hi Heather! The bag pictured is the Thirty One Utility Tote Organizer. The design is Black Parisian Pop.

Unknown said...

I like your To-Do List frame! Thanks for sharing! I'm your newest follower! I'd love for you to come check out my blog sometime!

CyndiLacy's Letters

Tara said...

Lost and found....what a great idea!!!! Love your projects! I'm thinking I need to be gettin one of those Thirty One bags.....hmmm. Thanks for linking up:))

4th Grade Frolics

Unknown said...

Love your Lost and Found idea!!! I definitely need one of those for my desk!

Great ideas! Thanks!
Sherri

http://booksblocksandbaskets.blogspot.ca/

Dallas said...

I have the same 31 bag as you, and I have been wanting to do the same thing after I saw it on Pinterest! I haven't been able to find an organizer I like, so I'll have to hit the Wal-Mart here! Love everything you've done here!

Dallas
nerdynerdynerdy.com

Fabulous Finch Facts said...

I love your bag idea. Your blog is so adorable too. Ladybugs are so cute. :) Thanks for sharing your ideas.

Janna
Fabulous Finch Facts

Unknown said...

Thanks for the "to do" freebie! I'm so forgetful, so I'll have to put a magent on the back so I can carry the frame with me to the office! lol I'm your newest follower. Glad to connect with another polka dot, third grade teacher!

Grade Three is the Place for Me!

Jessica said...

I love how you use your 31 bag!! What a great idea. I am also a teacher and I had one I use over the summer when we go to the beach so now that summer is over, I can use it for a different reason. I am having a difficult time finding a container to put it in. All the ones I find are very tall. Can you give me the size you have in your picture? or a UPC or where you bought it? jessbychurch@yahoo.com