Teacher Binder

*Since posting this this morning, I decided to add a bunch of covers...there are now 46 pages of covers to choose from!*

Teacher Binders are the #1 way to start organizing for next year.  EVERYONE is making one, including me.  

I can't print in color at school so I end up buying a lot of ink!  I wanted my binder to have some color but not a lot so I can print most of it at school.  I made this kit with that in mind.  Most of the pages have no color on them but I've included several ideas on how to personalize and add color to your binder.  Here is my cover: 

The entire binder is editable - just add text boxes and graphics to match your theme!  I added the cute little crab to go with my ocean/beach theme from Schoolgirl Style.  

In the pack, there are many binder covers to choose from....here are a few: 

       

There are 12 different "pops" of color to choose from - pick one that fits your theme! These covers is almost identical, except I added a little "cloud" at the bottom so you can add more info about the binder.  For a teacher binder, I might add the year down there or room number.  You can also use these covers for any other binder so you could list the common core standards or the weeks of material you are covering...up to you!  

I've just added colorful chevron & colorful diagnal striped covers (9 colors each):

       

      

The third type of cover that is included has no color.  It's like my binder cover so that you have more freedom to add graphics or a lot of text.  These would also be good as section dividers. This is what's included: 

Binder spines are included for 4 different sized binders: (the Chevron print didn't look right in the spines so I went with stripes)

What binder would be complete without a calendar?!

Two versions are included...a 1 page template & a 2 page monthly template. 

I printed the two page template for myself.  The little rectangle by the month is for the year.  I didn't add dates because we don't all start school at the same time.  So for those people who start the year in January, they would have to wait for me to update the pack before they could print the entire school year.  I always color code my calendars by using flair pens.  They are amazing and every teacher I know LOVES them!  I use one color for scholastic book orders, one for parent meetings, one for CSE meetings...you get the point :)

Just look at all those pretty colors!

This is an example of how I used one of the cover pages as a section divider.

Below are cute section tabs...just add text boxes and print!  To add more pops of color, print on colored paper. I attached mine with packing tape.

Since I made this binder for myself first, I included my planning and assessing tools.

(Sorry it's sideways) this is how I plan units.  When I plan, I look through my filing cabinet and pinterest to collect my resources, that way I don't forget anything!  

This helps me map out my quarters.  I don't do those crazy long range planning guides that some of you do (I wish I could, I just can't!) so this is my lazy-teacher version.  It says subject at the top, I usually end up jotting down the big topic that needs to be covered in each subject per week.  It just helps keep me on track. 

Finally, a cute lesson plan template.  It looks crooked but it's not...the frame is not a perfect rectangle.  

This class list form is how I initially keep track of grades.  Later, I have my classroom aide transfer their scores onto individual grade sheets.  When I enter report cards, I do it per kid so this makes it easier for me.  So much in my room is individualized, the kids don't all take the same assessments.  

Here is my individual grading sheet.  Two versions are included, one with 6 subjects and one with 4 subjects.  I print 4 of these per student (1 for each quarter).  This may not be for you, but I like it! 

I track IEP goals the same way.  There are 20 spots to record scores for each goal (type the goal in the long blank space).  I did 20 spots so that you can assess every other week.  It's helpful to see all of their scores on one page.  I try to only have 3-4 goals per student so usually this page printed front and back is enough.  

There is also a parent contact log included.  

I use these colorful dividers between my sections.  I keep all my positive notes home in the parent divider so they are all cut up and ready to go...this means I actually send them! 

The best part about this binder is that it's only $1.50  Right now it's 20% off.  I'm not necessarily done with this project...if you buy it and there is something else you want included, let me know.  With that being said, there is no guarantee that I can do it but I'll do my best!  Click the picture below to grab yours! 

Of course, you will also need a binder...I had a pink binder laying around that I used but I typically like to keep all the binders white to give my room a more cohesive look.  This 1 1/2 inch binder on Amazon is 77cents! (of course this price might change but it's too good of an offer not to share!)

This post contains affiliate links but all opinions are my own. 

4th of July Sale!

Everything in my store is on sale!  Last week, I went through and lowered some of my regular prices so the sale is on top of the already lowered prices!  

Click the picture to go to my store!

Here are some of my favorite items: 

This completely editable substitute binder saved me sooo much time last year because I felt like I had already given the substitute all of the critical info.  

I wanted my students to spend time actively engaging with a text but I had students who couldn't write to students who were writing paragraphs.  I made these activities with a wide range of abilities in mind.  

I made this when I was thinking I might be teaching 4th and 5th grade next year.  Each page reviews a concept that my special ed students typically struggled with like factors and multiples, equivalent fractions, and long division and multiplication. There is a black & white version included too.

I have my editable class rules sets up as well.  There are tons of themes available!

I know there are a lot of sales going on right now so it's the perfect time to get things ready for the start of school!

Ten Pin Linky - Reading Pins

There are so many great linky parties this summer!  Today I'm linking up with Ashley for her amazing Ten Pin Linky Party!!  This weeks topic is reading pins.

Here are my top 10 reading pins (in no particular order):

I love the idea of having the kids fill out a little book report & tape or glue it onto a brown bag filled with popcorn.  The kids can eat their popcorn while they discuss their books.  So cute!  (Cara did it differently so click the picture to read about the original idea)

I have some students who can't read or who are stuck at level A or B for years.  There are only so many level a and b books out there.  Hailey from The Autism Tank made these books.  The kids match the pictures (there is a small playground picture in a bag with the book).  

I bought this book because someone recommended it to me.  It is PERFECT for teaching predictions (for young kids).   It's super cute.  I will be reading this the first week of school for sure! 

When I first read about this retell center, I fell in love!  I already started planning mine...I'll be doing it a little differently so stay tuned for my post on it later (much later). 

This is a book tasting...about 5 books are set on a platter.  The kids browse the books then choose an appetizer.  They get a total of 3 trays (appetizer, main dish, dessert).  They fill out their order sheet of the 3 books they chose. 

This is a freebie from Teaching to Inspire in 5th.  It's simple but good!  Go download it!

This is the lesson plan format I use for my reading groups.  I love how fast they are to fill out and they are customized for each level.  The amount of time this has saved me in lesson planning is unreal haha

In these inference bags, kids put an item of their choice and then write clues about the item without giving it away.  The class needs to guess what is in each bag.  Great way to make inferences!  

I love these play-doh centers.  My kids LOVE play-doh so these are perfect.

Reading with flashlights?!  What kid wouldn't love this?  

As I compiled this list, I realized that even though I look at my pin boards, I don't really take time to REALLY look...does that make sense?  I overlooked a few of these pins while looking through my reading board to find my "Top Ten" pins so thank you to Ashley who "made" me look closer :) 

*Also, My entire store will be on sale from July 4th-8th 

Monday Made It

I love participating in Monday Made It!  I have been starting a million projects and not finishing any of them. This linky makes me get something done each week!  Thanks Tara! 

Click to Link Up too!

I can't get into my classroom yet so I'm using these weeks to really plan out how I want my room to run with 3 different grade levels all mixed together and what topics I need to buy/make materials for.  While I'm still processing all of that, I made some classroom management stuff this week (nothing too exciting).  

The first thing I made was my class rules:

 I love the look of the buntings so I thought it would be a great way to display our rules.  The colors are brighter than they look (bad cell phone pics sorry!).  I'm going to review the rules daily like they do in whole brain teaching.  We will see how that works :) 

The next thing I made was my clipchart: 

 I didn't put specific consequences on the clip chart to give me more freedom. Basically, slow down is a warning and/or lose some free time (depending on what the child did).  Stop means losing most/all of your free time, possibly going to the principal's office, and/or calling home. 

The third thing I made but didn't print yet are my name plates.  

My students referenced the number line and alphabet on their name tags but nothing else.  They were so big that there was no room to add little behavior plans or student schedules on their desks.  See the big empty spot at the top of the name plate?  That's where I can put student specific things.  

For my students who only need to know their therapies and specials for the day, I'll just add those to the top (see above).  Other students might have spots to earn stars for behavior or a "First...Then" picture cue.  Some students may have their whole morning schedule there.  It all depends on their needs.  All the picture cues will be velcroed on.

If you can't tell by now, I'm doing a colorful, beach/ocean theme next year.  I had the kids vote on it at the end of last year (since I'm keeping some of the students) and this is what they chose.  

I'm off to watch movies in pjs since it won't stop raining!