Last Monday Made It Before School Starts

I have a few "Made Its" to share from the last couple weeks.  You might have seen pictures from my Classroom Tour post.

Monday Made It #1: Happy Birthday Fun Straws

I copied this project from one of my co-workers, Ms. P, but I made my own birthday balloons.  I've used these chevron colors in other places in my classroom, so I thought they would match quite well.  I'm pretty thrilled with how they turned out.  Right now, I have 22 balloons stuffed into that class vase.  It's a little tight!  I haven't decided if I'm going to share these on TpT.  When I save them as a PDF, the center of the "p's" are colored in.  We'll see...

Monday Made It #2: Popcorn Labels

Last year, I used the ones that were all over pinterest.  This year, I wanted my name to be on the popcorn label, so I decided to make my own.  I am in love with how they turned out.  I posted a picture of these on Instagram and several of my teacher friends asked me to make a personalized label for them.  Life would be so much easier if fonts would go with documents when they're emailed.

Monday Made It #3: Class Rules

I decided to overhaul and simplify my class rules this year.  Katie, taught 4th grade last year and is our newest Lead Teacher this year, had these rules in her classroom.  I just like how simple they are.  My class and I can list rule after rule but really it all boils down to these two rules.  I'm going to have this blown up with the poster printer.

Monday Made It #4: Happy Birthday Fun Straws

Again, I got this idea from my friend, Ms. P.  I'm going to use this during guided reading.  It never fails that students come up to me asking SOMETHING when I am trying to focus on my group.  We'll see how this works out! ($1.00 at Dollar Tree)

Monday Made It #5: Ticket out the Door

This was posted on my Classroom Tour post, but I didn't really say much about it.  Again, my friend, Ms. P, helped me with this one.  She made a cute TotD several weeks ago.  I have pretty severe OCD at times, and it took me forever to figure out how to do these pockets.  There were only 3 of each color, so it made figuring out the pattern difficult.  This is what I came up with and I'm happy with it.  I LOVE the title!

Monday Made It #6: Dismissal Checklist

I posted a picture of this one the other night, too.  Last year, dismissal was pretty hectic at times.  Hopefully, starting this from day one, things will be different this year.

That's all I have pictures of to post!  Please give me feedback! :)

OH!!  I've discovered a great store that has things from $1-$5.  It's called Five Below.  You have to check it out if you have a store near you.  I'm thinking about trying stability balls after Christmas (I really want to try now, but I'm very unsure about this group of students.).  They're only $5 each!!  I got a couple games for indoor recess days.  I also got these two things:

I'm a little bit of a punk at heart and I absolutely LOVE plaid shoes!  I have a pair of blue plaid Vans. (The students think I'm cool when I wear them.)  I also found this duct tape.  I have been obsessed with sheep since I went to Ireland.  (They are everywhere in Ireland).  I don't know how I'm going to use the tape, but I couldn't pass it up! :) *Update: I decided to use the sheep tape to edge dry erase boards like the boards for earlier this summer (Monday Made It - Dry Erase Boards).  I only edged 6 boards and they will be used in my guided reading groups.

If you missed my Classroom Tour Video, I'm posting it again below.  Please give me feedback!  I love hearing it!

Monday Made It: Jobs Chart

Finally, after a few weeks of traveling, I'm able to relax!  Seriously, over the last two weeks, I've driven over 1,000 miles!!  Crazy!  Anyway, since getting back, I've had time to make some stuff for school!

I ended up having a meltdown a day after getting back.  My printer, after installing $40 worth of ink, would not print anything correctly!  I spent three hours cleaning everything I could.  So, I went out and bought a new one.  I don't recommend EPSON.

Monday Made It: Alphabet
The first thing I "made" was Ladybug's Teacher Files round cursive alphabet.  I have to tell you about the tool I found at Hobby Lobby that made this project super simple.  It's a circle cutter from Martha Stewart!!  After I cut them out, I laminated them and used the circle cutter again.  I also scaled the alphabet down to 85% when I printed it... full size was just too big for me.

Monday Made It: Jobs Chart and Student Numbers
The second thing I made was a jobs chart.  Several weeks ago I posted that I had plans to make one, but had no idea how I wanted it to look.  I went for super simple...kinda.  I printed the job names on Avery Sticker Paper and cut out each one and stuck it to those super cute paisley pockets.  I couldn't figure out what type of glue to use to glue everything to the poster paper, but ended up using Rubber Cement.  Hopefully it holds!  What do you think?  PS, I believe I've said before that OCD is a disability.  I, seriously, had to measure everything!  :)

My friend and co-worker, Ms. P at Wild about Learning!, suggested that I try to find craft sticks with hands on them for the student numbers for the jobs chart.  Get it?  Lend me a HAND? :)  I looked all over the internet and found nothing, so I decided to make my own.  I designed, printed, cut, laminated, cut (again) and glued them to craft sticks.  You like?  I'm going to put a pocket off to the side to hold the extra sticks.

If you're interested in my labels or hands, they're available on TpT!

That's all I had time to make!  I finished reading Nicholas Sparks' memoir, Three Weeks with My Brother earlier this week.  His books make so much sense after reading it.  Saturday, I read (yes, all in one day) Nights in Rodanthe.  It was really good.  I think they changed too much in the movie, though. Typical.

We haven't heard yet when we will be able to get back into the school to work.  I went in to do interviews last Wednesday and was told that we would definitely be able to get in when the floors are done!  It would be nice to be able to do a few hours of work every day and not have to rush to get the room ready!  When are you all able to get into your rooms?

Monday Made it: Magnet Love

I KNOW all of you have seen this at some point the last couple years, but I finally got around to making it.  I don't have a lot of patience when it comes to "no names."  Honestly, I would rather throw the papers away (and sometimes, if I'm in a mood, I will).  I just feel that there is no excuse by the time kids reach 5th grade.  Am I expecting too much?  Maybe, but I'm not lowering my expectations.  So, instead of harping, I'm going to try this out and see how it works.  I glued magnets to the back so I can put it on my whiteboard.  I also bought one of those giant clothespins from the Target Dollar Spot and glued magnets to the back of that.  You can never have enough magnetic clips!

So, I have this stuff... I'm not really sure what to do with it.  Obviously, I'm using the giant erasers again this year.  They worked out great last year.  I'm thinking about banning cap erasers from the get go.  {I saw them torn apart on the floor [from being thrown] more often than I saw them on pencils.}  I was thinking about velcroing the cups to the students desks to hold pencils, highlighters, and expos.  I'm not certain on that, though.  Has anyone tried that?  Did it work?

That's all for this week!  I don't think I'll have much, if anything next week, since I'm at my brother's and then home to SC Sunday.  BUT, maybe I'll surprise you! :)  Have a great week!

Monday Made It: Superfood Smoothie

Monday Made It Breakfast Edition: Superfood Smoothie

This really is a Monday Made It seeing as it's Monday and I just made it! :)  I've decided to try to become more healthy.  You mean exercise?  No... though I definitely should.  I'm being more aware of what I'm putting in my body.  For me, breakfast is when this really needs to happen.  I'm not one of those people that can skip breakfast... especially being a teacher.  If I don't have breakfast, I'll hit the floor and have kids running for help!  So... I'm on a healthy kick.  I started juicing a month or so ago.  Not as a meal replacement, but as added nutrition.  I realized, though, that I'm missing A LOT of the nutrition when throwing away the pulp.  I'm not sure if any of you have tried Naked Green Machine Smoothie, but it is my absolute favorite!  It's green... weird... yum!  I got to wondering if I could recreate this smoothie at home.

Enter Nutribullet.  {FYI, Bed Bath and Beyond accepts expired coupons.}  I like the Nutribullet because I get whole food nutrition by not throwing away pulp.  The Nutribullet also gets everything pretty smooth.  The other day, I went to the store and purchased kelp, spinach, lemons, pears, apples, carrots, cantaloup, kiwi, and pineapple.  I also went to Whole Foods and purchased the canister of Green Superfood and Ground Chia Seeds.  Both of these are incredibly healthy.  The Green Superfood is packed with.... SUPERFOODS!  Just don't smell it.  :)  The Chia Seeds are great source of Omega-3's and fiber and have been shown to prevent spikes or dips in blood sugar levels {I kinda have issues here}.  So, you're wondering, "How do all those weird things taste," right?

Well... the first smoothie I made was not so good.  I included spinach, lemon, pear, apple, carrot, Green Superfood (1/2 serving), Chia.  Good gracious acid reflux!  I was surprised that it wasn't good because this is one of my most favorite juicing recipes (sans Green Superfood and Chia).  Also, I don't eat pears, normally, because of how grainy they feel when I chew them.  This was no different when they were pulverized.  Sad day. :(  My second smoothie was pretty good, though.  Spinach, banana, cantaloup, pineapple, carrot, Green Superfood (1/2 serving), Chia.  Now, does it taste like Naked Green Machine?  Not even close.  Is it drinkable?  Absolutely!  I need to keep this up to see if I'll be able to survive the morning at school with this for breakfast.  Keeping my fingers crossed!

I'm hoping to have actually created something for school next week.  I've purchased a few things, but I'm not quite certain what I want to do with them, yet! :)

This is your last chance to enter my giveaway!!  It will end tonight at 11:59 EST!  Go enter and tell your friends! :)

It's a GIVEAWAY! {and of course it is Monday...}

Since I don't make those super spectacular units like some of you fine folks, I am hosting a giveaway for The Quietest Classroom Pencil Sharpener from Classroom Friendly Supplies.  I respect you all highly, and I would never endorse a product I didn't love.  I LOVE this sharpener!  I received one (the one pictured above) at the beginning of last year.  I didn't have a single issue with it all year.  NOT ONE!  Not only did my 21 students use it multiple times a day, but the teacher next door started sending her students over when her electric sharpeners bit the dust.  That's a lot of sharpening on a daily basis with NO ISSUES!! :)  Did I get my point across?

If you would like to celebrate with me, please enter to win!  There are two required entries:

#1 - You must follow my blog using either Google Friend Connect (over on the right side) or Bloglovin'.  Either are perfectly acceptable; however, if you follow using Bloglovin', you MUST "like" this post on there. Got it? 

#2 - You must like Classroom Friendly Supplies on Facebook.  

You will be able to enter today through Monday, July 8th at 11:59 EST.  I'll announce the winner on Tuesday, July 9th!  Good luck and thanks for entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday Made It
It wouldn't be Monday without a Monday Made It!

Vistaprint: I ordered the postcards from the first made it of the summer.  They came in the mail Saturday.  They're OUTSTANDING!!!  I've added two pictures below (one is a close up).  I also ordered something for my team and myself that I SO want to share, but I want it to be a surprise (and they read my blog).  :(  {You'll just have to wait, ladies!!}  I also ordered an iphone case.  Who knew you could do that on Vistaprint?

I'm not thrilled with the quality of the phone case.

Misused Words Poster: I saw this on Pinterest and I loved it, but it was not so pretty.  I just played around with fonts, colors, borders, and backgrounds until I found something I liked.  I'm going to make a poster of one of these using the poster printer at school.  If you would like it, it's free on my TpT!

Classroom Jobs: Finally, I think I'm going to have classroom jobs next year.  Does anyone else have jobs at the 5th grade level?  I just think it would make things run a little more smoothly...  If I have a person designated to answer my phone when it rings, I won't be send students to the hospital for staples in the head (true story this past year).  Ya know?  I have a list of jobs I've compiled, but I'm not sure how I want to post them in the room.  I don't want to take up a huge amount of space, and I don't have a free bulletin board to use.  SUGGESTIONS??

My jobs include: Captain (one per pod), Messenger, Homework Checker, Librarian, Operator (phone), Classroom Custodian, Line Leader, Caboose/Electrician, Teacher Assistant, Paper Passer, Pencil Sharpener, Bathroom Monitor (boy/girl), Door Holder, Hand Sanitizer, Table Washer/Waiter (wash lunch tables and get the snack), Substitute

Should I add, change, or remove anything?

Monday Made It - Dry Erase Boards

Cheap Dry Erase Boards:
I totally have to thank Tara for the inspiration for this week's Monday Made It!  I'd been considering making new dry erase boards, because my old ones are scratched terribly.  When I saw that Tara had edged her dry erase boards in duct tape, I knew that would be my next project!  I, immediately (well, a few hours later), went to Home Depot and asked them to cut shower board down to 9x11 (they actually cut it to 8.5x11... no biggie).  I chose the smaller size, because I just don't like my current 12x12 boards.  They're just too big for me.  After Home Depot, I made a trip to Walmart and purchased that beautiful, colorful polka dot duct tape.  I'm continuing my "colorful" theme from last year, so I thought this fit perfectly.

I tend to be OCD, hard to believe, I know, and my first few boards are bothering me, because they're not quite "right".  (BUT there is no way I'm redoing them.)  After a while, though, I found a system of lining up the white circles with the edge of the board.  It didn't really matter where on the white circle I started as long as it was the same all the way around.  :)  After a while, I also came up with the idea to cut an angle when folding the duct tape over to the back.  You can see a close up below.  It just made it look cleaner, and it didn't wrap around the sides (which will be tempting for students to pick at...).

Well, what do you think?  My logic might be flawed, but I'm thinking that since there is a layer of duct tape on the front and back of each board, when they are stacked, I shouldn't have to worry that the backs of boards will scratch the front.  I could be wrong, though!  Again, I have to thank Tara for the inspiration!  Please visit her blog to see what creations other teachers have to share!

That's all I had time to make this week.  Hopefully, there will be more in the coming weeks.  I got back to North Carolina Monday evening and left for Virginia Thursday (still there!).  I decided to visit with the brother for my birthday (yesterday).  It's been fun!  Yesterday, we grilled some amazing steaks (USDA Prime Ribeye) with corn, green beans, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes.  It was absolutely delicious!  :)  I'm thinking about heading back to NC tomorrow.  I'm dog/house sitting for one of my 5th grade teammates starting Wednesday.

Bloglovin': 

For those of you who have been using Google Reader, I've read that you will need to switch over to Bloglovin' to continue following blogs.  It's been a little confusing for me, because I just use blogger to follow...  I've added a button under the Blogger Follow button that will link to Bloglovin'.  Below is what you need to look for! :)

Monday Made It {and a Wedding}

Yay!  I'm participating in my first Monday Made It of the summer.  This week it will be simple.  I've designed "Welcome to 5th Grade" postcards to mail to my students in the fall.  I mailed postcards home at the beginning of this past year.  I didn't think it would be a big deal, but the kids really enjoyed receiving them.  These postcards are much more pretty {and personalized} than what you find in stores!  I haven't ordered them through VistaPrint, yet.  I'm waiting for a better deal...  What do you think?

Let me tell you, folks, PowerPoint is a useful tool.  I never actually use it to make presentations, but it is great for layering images (especially when you can't afford specialized programs)!  That's all for I've made for this week!  I can't wait to see what everyone else has made!! :)

Onward to other news:  I went home to SC this weekend for the wedding of a friend at Clemson.  It was a very nice Catholic wedding and the reception was absolutely beautiful.  It was in an old, renovated cotton mill {the Loom at cotton mill place} in Simpsonville, SC.  I should have taken a picture of the venue, but I didn't.  I do have a picture to share of two other friends from Clemson.  It was a fun reunion.  It really made me miss living in SC (which doesn't happen often).  By the way, I had my hair cut last Wednesday.  I am NOT happy with it.  I wanted it to be about two inches longer.  I'm not sure where I went wrong when I said "shoulder length".  While everyone seems to love it, I'm taking biotin religiously! :)

I almost forgot... Refocusing on teaching, after seeing several blog posts about the book Teach Like a Pirate, I decided to order the book last night.  I'm excited to receive it in the mail within the next week or so.  Those of you that have read it (or are currently reading it), what are your thoughts?  I've only heard good things, but I haven't put a lot of research into it.  Is it like a {required} book study book, or will I actually enjoy reading it?

When We Grow Up...

On the first day of school, I took all of the kids pictures in front of my chalkboard door and wrote what they want to be when they grow up.  (I'm sure you've all seen the inspiration on Pinterest.)  I finished it today, and I must say...  It is PRECIOUS!!  I wish you could see their adorable little face, but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post pictures of them on a non-county website.  They're funny about that stuff here.  The two kids that want to be Paleontologists didn't know how to spell it, and I, obviously, didn't know how to spell it either!!  Haha, oh well!  Now, I'll never forget how to spell it! :)

I sent it to my principal and she LOVED it! :)  I'm having our Media Assistant print it using the poster printer.  I'm going to put it up on the smaller bulletin board above my desk area.  I'm so excited for them to see it!!!  :)

I just realized... this can be a Monday Made it!!  It's been so long since I've been able to participate!  Yay!! :)

Monday Made It #5

Let me start off with an apology.  I didn't realize until last night that I had "word verification" turned on.  Apparently, it's a default setting.  Sorry about that, folks!  Those things drive me nuts!  Let's move on...

I've had a busy week of packing, and was away from my apartment dog sitting this weekend, so I only have two things to share.  Both were very quick and easy to make. :)

Teacher Notes Box: This one was inspired by Pinterest.  For the life of me, I can't find the pin.  If anyone has the address, let me know and I'll add it.

The one I saw on Pinterest, was a wooden box with a hole cut in the lid.  I bought new shoes last week and had a shoe box sitting in front of me when I got the bright idea to paint the box!  If you're thinking about doing this, let me give you a friendly warning: don't even consider acrylic paint.  It doesn't coat well and with each coat, you actually remove some of the paint.  Go straight for the spray paint!!  I was able to use acrylic paint for the pink and white after a coat of the blue spray paint.  I had a clear sealer left over from making my supply box, so I also sprayed on a coat of sealer to protect the cardboard box.  It's kind of funny that I want to protect a cardboard box. :)

Kiss Your Brain Jar:

I first saw this idea on Amanda's Blog (Teaching Maddeness).  I wasn't going to make one, but I saw this jar for cheap at the Christmas Tree Shop, so I decided to go ahead.  The hardest part??  Deciding on letters.  I seriously stood in Walmart for 20 minutes trying to decide which letters to buy.  I don't normally switch back and forth with caps and lower case, but there weren't enough of each in the pack I bought... and I wasn't about to spend the money on a second pack.  So... It just looks funky and fun! :)

Brownies:  I don't have a big sweet tooth, but I do love brownies!  What's more, I love slightly burnt brownies!! :)  I picked up a $1 box of Duncan Hines brownies at the grocery store today.  They are not the best brownies, but for $1, they're great!! :)

Yep, I couldn't wait to taste them. :)
**Update: I just realized I put the brownies in the refrigerator.  WHY???

That's all for this week!  I get to start working in my classroom tomorrow, and we have 5th grade planning on Wednesday, so I'm not sure I'll have time to make anything new this week; HOWEVER, you can expect to see classroom pictures as I get everything set up! :)

P.S. I have one last picture to share.  Last night, I packed my car full of school stuff that will be taken on Tuesday.  I would have done it tonight, but there is rain in the forecast and I didn't want to take the chance.  So, as of last night, this is all the school stuff that is left in my apartment (that I didn't want exposed to outrageous heat)!!  Woot!!

And yes, those are twigs and that is a pumpkin.  I never bothered to take down my fall decorations, but hey... It's almost fall, again!!!  Too bad I have to pack it all up, though. Haha :)

Thanks for reading! :)

---

I was just asked to join a "teacher fashion" linky party for tips on how to dress.  Mind you, I'm not the most fashionable girl (I just can't make myself care when I'm not trying to impress 5th graders), but I do know what's comfortable.

1. Do you have a favorite store for "teacher clothes"?

I am a loyal Kohl's shopper.  While I realize that the prices are marked up only to be put on "sale", I cannot help but love the clothes.  They are somewhat affordable and wear very well.  New York & Company is good, too.  I don't find their clothes quite as comfortable, though.

2. What are some of your favorite accessories?

I have to admit, I'm not an accessories girl.  I wear my pearl studs, my Clemson ring, and my Citizen watch everyday and that's about it, besides my Clemson lanyard for my ID. :)

3. What type of shoes do you teach in?

If you're smart, you're not going to go for fashion where your feet are concerned.  I'm lucky in that we are allowed to wear flip-flops every day of the week.  So, if it's warm, I'm usually in my Rainbows.  During the winter, I opt for Dansko's.  They're comfy and ergonomically correct for your feet.

4. Do you have a "go-to" item in your closet?

My closet is full lightweight cardigans.  They're great because you can wear them all year (especially when you want to wear a cute tank that isn't exactly school-appropriate.  Like these:

5. Have you ever had a fashion "uh-oh" at school? 

Ummm, last year, at the end of the day, I realized that a pair of my dress pants had a split in the back.  Luckily, it was in a position that no one could see!!! :)