Numbers..............

Okay..... I was so anxious to get into my classroom yesterday.

I had so many things on my "to do" list to get accomplished while my little darlings were at day care.

But .... it was 103 , and my school which is all brick does not have the air on in the summer.

SO.... I opened a window, drank lots of water, and got to work.

Whew!! I spent 4 hours there and lost 5 pounds ( of water anyway).

I spent a lot of time updating some of my things to the number system for organization.  I have used numbers with my students for years.  I think it began when I was student teaching.  I'm sure many of you use numbers in your classroom.  It is such a time saver and makes organization a little easier.  Here's how my little system works for me:  I assign a number to each student.  I basically go in alphabetical order down my list of students.  I also record this number next to the student's name in my gradebook. If any new students are added throughout the year, they are given a number that has not been assigned.  These numbers are then also written on each student's desk tag so that they can easily remember their number.

I use these numbers for everything:

1. ( Papers) At the beginning of the year, I get students into the habit of writing their number next to their name when completing work.  This helps me easily put the papers in alphabetical order to record in my online gradebook, and helps me identify easily whose paper I might be missing.

2.  (Lockers)  Our school building used to be the high school.  There are floor to ceiling lockers located in all of our hallways.  This is where students keep their backpacks, coats, lunchboxes, and etc.  We used to place locker tags with each student's name on their locker outside of the classroom, but just last year my grade level decided to put #'s that go with each student rather than their names on these lockers.  It worked wonderfully.  We don't have to replace the labels each year, and it reduced the number of items that were taken out of lockers last year.  Without the name tags, students didn't know as easily the locker of a particular student.  I updated my locker numbers with these cute labels from Clutter Free Classroom.  Click on the picture below to be taken to their TPT store.

3. (Supply boxes)  I purchased large plastic shoe boxes several years ago in which to keep each student's supplies such as crayons, markers, scissors, and etc.  These are kept on a large shelf in the classroom.  These also have numbered labels on them so that they may be used year after year.  These boxes are placed on each students desk on our "Back To School Night".  This night is always held the evening before the first day of school.  Students are able to visit the new classroom and bring their  school supplies on this night.  It helps with the first day jitters , and with the help of each parent we are able to put away a lot of the school supplies.

4. (Book boxes)   I placed numbered labels on the book boxes to use with the Daily 5. 

5. (Writing Binders)  I also label the writing binders with numbers so that these can be used year after year.

If you are interested you can check out these polka dot labels by clicking HERE.  They are part of my Ladybug and Dot Classroom decor.

6.  ( Pick Me Sticks)  I have always placed numbers on popsicle sticks that are in a jar.  I use these when choosing volunteers, picking students to answer a question, and even pairing up students at times.  BUT  I found this adorable way to "jazz" up this idea from  Teri at A Cupcake for the Teacher.  It's called the "Pick Me Pot".  You can download this adorable idea and printables for free by clicking HERE.  Don't forget to leave Teri some fabulous feedback for this great idea. Here's my modified version below.  I didn't use a flower pot but some buckets I had purchased from Target for $1. 

Do you use numbers for organization in your classroom?  What do you use them for?  I would LOVE to hear more ideas and suggestions.