Let's face it...shopping for a classroom can be expensive, especially if you a new teacher trying to set up your room for the first time! After 15+ years as a bargain shopping (school supply hoarding) extraordinaire, here are a few of my top tips when it comes to setting up a classroom on a teacher budget. 1) See What Your School Has Available When I first started teaching I was at a school that basically gave us a box of paperclips & a pat on the back before sending us on our way. I quickly learned that any materials I needed were up to me to supply.  Fast forward a few years and I am now at a school that works really hard to supply what the kids need like notebooks, crayons, pencils, etc and I just shop for backups, name brand preferences, and a few of my own must-haves . Get a Feel for How Things Work at Your New School Before going crazy shopping for all of the school supplies on your own (even though it can be SO tempting!), take time to ask someone at your school what to ......

While so much of the next school year is still up in the air, the control freak in me is wanting some normalcy. I like to work on a few projects casually over the summer so that by the time schools starts, I'm not as overwhelmed. Plus, by doing things in small chunks, I can still relax over break. Today's project involved some school supplies and a whole lot of colored washi tape! This #teachertip will help you manage materials and organize all in one. Plus, your students will help take care of their own messes! * This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a few cents if you decide to buy something, at no extra cost to you. I pinky promise to only share links to items that are teacher wallet friendly and my real favorites! Why washi tape? As someone who has been voted the most organized at my school, color coding is my jam! After finding myself with a large collection of pretty tape , I decided to use it in my classroom.  I'm lucky enough to be in a school wh......

Feel like you're surrounded by piles and clutter in your classroom?  Not sure where to even begin? Well then, you're in luck! I love organizing (so much so I even won the "Most Organized Award" at school this year) and I can't wait to share some tips with you. Whether you need a total class makeover or just a refresh, I've got you covered.  1. Use Hanging Folders I like to use hanging folders for a variety or purposes all around my classroom. I store construction paper in a crate (rainbow order of course) so it doesn't get all wrinkled and fall off the shelf.  I have one thin file box for student files where I keep their reading and math assessments, absence notes, and other important papers and records for each child.  I also have a box with take home books. I print leveled books from the Reading A-Z website (which I am in love with!). I color code the spines by level and have a hanging folder for each. Students can switch out books a......

Some women collect shoes, I however have a different obsession! When you walk into my classroom one of the first things you will notice is my giant classroom library. I have such a collection that other teachers, and sometimes even the librarian, will come to me looking for books. And while the collection is quite massive now, it certainly has taken time and some creativity to build. Today I am going to share some of my favorite ways to add to your classroom library, without constantly breaking the bank.  Before I begin I just want to say that you can have a wonderful classroom without a huge collection of books. Especially if you are just starting out. Your collection can grow with time, and others prefer not to have a large library at all. You do you, no worries! But for me, my library is my pride and joy.  The most important part is that your students are in a print rich environment, see you modeling your enjoyment and excitement for reading, and have access to a vari......

Hello! Wondering what else you can add to your shopping list? How about Dry Erase Tape (or rolls of the contact paper). It is one of my FAVORITE classroom materials and so easy to use.  Today I rounded up a few must try ideas for your classroom.  Links are included to make shopping a breeze. Please know that when you purchase from these links I do make some money to help run the blog, at no additional cost to you. See my full discloser statement for more details. Most importantly, I'll only share products I use and love :) 1) Label, Label, Label Cut strips of Dry Erase Tape to whatever size you need. Add labels to storage boxes, drawers, or shelves. You can easily switch out what you write on each one. I like to use Vis-a-Vis markers rather than dry erase on it so it lasts longer. The dry erase tape also comes in a few different colors which is awesome! Here's my #classroomorganization tip of the day....use a piece of Dry Erase Tape as a label ......

Ever have one of those days where you feel like curling up in bed and never leaving? And then....you remember you're a teacher. Ugh!  Should you take a sick day? What about your students? Certainly they will forget everything you've ever taught them while you're gone. Also, no doubt your room will be destroyed, your team will hate you for being a slacker, and your principal will fire you for being out! Ok, maybe it's just me who has those last few thoughts... but I have a sneaking suspicion I am not alone. Just in case there are a few others out there debating whether to take a sick day or not...hopefully I can help.  One of the hardest parts of being out is dealing with the teacher guilt that comes along with it.                                                                      ......