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......

Ya'll, let me tell you. Teaching is exhausting, both mentally and physically almost every day. For all of us! But, when you are dealing with a chronic illness, especially one that seems invisible, it can be even harder.  Several years ago I knew something wasn't right. I was only 25 but felt like a 90 year old. I was exhausted even after going to bed early. I seemed to be sensitive to the weirdest things. And I was in pain. All the time. Like, when one of my sweet students would give me a hug I could still feel the pressure even when they let go.  Over the next 7 years, I saw all sorts of doctors/specialists, and blew through any chance of a savings account with test after test. Finally a Rheumatologist gave me the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia,  (which I had already Google MD diagnosed myself with of course), along with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (that was a surprise but fit 100% and often goes with Fibro). Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that features wid......

So by now, I am sure you've heard about flexible, or alternative, seating in the classroom. Am I right?  Basically it means providing a lot of different seating options for students to use throughout the day rather than only traditional desks and chairs.  If you're wondering what the fuss is all about, or are curious but don't know where to begin- you are in the right place! I've used a variety of seating options in my first grade room for the last 7 years and I can't wait to share some ideas with you.  Before you go thinking you need to get rid of every desk and table in your classroom, I am here to share ways you can "take baby steps" towards a classroom transformation without breaking the bank.  ** I have included a few links in this post to my favorite seating options and classroom must haves. These are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you, if you decide to shop :) What's wrong with tradit......

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......