Pre-Reading Strategies Freebie- Today Only! 7/23

I have been trying to finish up some of the posters I have been working on this summer.  My plan is to begin working on my classroom tomorrow, so the pressure is on for me :) 

I wanted to share this freebie to celebrate the fact I finished the first two weeks worth of lesson plans for the year! (yiphee!).  All I need to do is gather all of the goodies included.  My plan is to post more details this week. 

Go here to get your freebie: Pre-Reading Strategies Poster Download



So, what have you been making? 

The Zero Spending Plan.... Yeah Right!

So, as the year ended last year, I began to make my plan for the summer.  In my mind, I already had a ton of things that would work for next year.  I wouldn't need to purchase anything... yeah, right!

I have really done great up until now.  I honestly had only purchased the baskets I blogged about recently.  Well, I decided to use the folders I already had to make some testing dividers/ testing corrals.  They are easy to make and help the kids keep their work to themselves. 

All you have to do is take 2 file folders.  Put the left side of one into the right of the other like pictured.  I have used a stapler to put them together in the past, but this time I just used a glue stick.  My tip for you is to number them.  That way each student keeps their own at their desk.  Easy Peasy!

 They fold into themselves for storage!










I decided to take them to a local teacher store to get laminated instead of waiting to get them done at school.  Usually I wouldn't do that, but I figured the small amount spent would be worth it in the long run.  Now they are already cut out and ready to be used. 

I also bought a few things while I was there.  I am updating my welcome bulletin board to these:
 
I also bought a few more bulletin board borders for the space by my windows.

My classroom curtains have been the same for 7 years... decided to update them to this: (the fabric looks a bit different in person).  My fabulous sister in law (who reads my blog- hey Jac!) is going to make them for me!

Lastly, we went to Target and they were putting out their back to school stuff.  I bought this cute owl to put my scissors and pens in:

Also bought these- figured they would be easier than trying to use duct tape to make my own.  I may make a few and test them side by side.

Please keep my sis-in-law's family in your thoughts and prayers- her grandfather isn't doing well right now.  He is like a member of our family too.  He is a great man and hopefully he is feeling better soon.  Thank you!