File Some Individual Center Activities!
Ok, so you all know I am gaga over anything that involves classroom organization - so when I received this Duo 7-Pocket Accordion File Binder in the mail, I was smitten. This sa-weet contraption combines the best of both worlds and includes a 3-ring binder AND a 7-pocket accordion file! WHAT?! It really is so cool and I could see it being used for a TON of things in the classroom.
- How about sending home "book studies" where you include different books and activities, while having the parent letters in the front in the binder part?
- Perhaps you want a stress-free way to keep track of all of your grading? Pop your grading ledger book into the binder and then use the accordion files to separate all your papers by subject. GENIUS!
- And for my little idea that came on this week when I was deciding how I would use mine: how about creating individual centers that students can take to their seats when they have extra time? And all materials, directions, and handouts are already there? So cool!
Here is my newest product Common Core Skill Sharpeners (keep reading to find out how you can win one!), and you could create something similar in your classroom as well! These packed activity sets can be used for centers, intervention resources, or as a filler activity for those early finishers. You will never have to hear "I don't know what to do" again!
So, I started by creating a cover for my Duo Accordion File Binder with a full sheet label, cutting, and affixing it to one side so that students would know which one they are grabbing.
Then, I placed any master copies of the activities, directions, or other resources in the binder section. I made sure that my sign-in list was in the front. When a student completes an activity (they can do them in any order), they will place an X in that column next to their name. That way, if that same set is in use by another student later, he or she can just pick a different one and go back to the others when it is free. No more fighting over materials! Just grab another binder and go!
Next, I compiled all the directions (print them on cardstock and laminate for durability), along with the materials students would need to complete the activities. That sure looks like a lot of fun! They won't even know they are learning. :)
I wasn't sure it would all fit, but it did! I placed all 6 activities in a different section so that they were sorted and easy to find!
Last up, place your Skill Sharpeners in their Duo Accordion File Binders on a bookshelf or some other easily accessible to kids spot in your classroom and let them be. They come in several colors, so I would probably store my sets in different colors based on grade level, subject, and strand. Now, when you have early finishers, want to create a fun activity as an incentive, or just need a "review" day, students can pull out the binders and get working on their own at their own desk with their own supplies! And since the Skill Sharpeners are aligned with the Common Core State Standards, they will be reviewing the tested skills all year long! Bonus!
So, I absolutely L-O-V-E this handy Duo Accordion File Binder and can see using it at home too for scrapbooking projects or keeping track of bills too! Maybe I should call and see if they have stock options available? lol!
Anyway - who wants to win one? Everyone can use one of these bad boys for something! And as a bonus, I will throw in my new Grade Three Geometry Common Core Skill Sharpeners Set as well! Not a third grade teacher? No worries! When I get to your grade, you can trade it in for the one you want instead. :)
Get entered below and good luck to all!
