Classroom Crafts

Summer is more than halfway done, and although I have a LOT to do, I can't seem to tear myself away from Pinterest. In case you've been living in a hole: Pinterest is an online scrapbook of images, recipes, fashion and more. Each picture links to a website with more details on the image (i.e.: how to make what you saw in the photo or where to buy a piece of clothing).

In Pinterest, a community of educators has found an outlet for their lesson plans, behavior management strategies and crafts. Lots and lots of crafts. 

In the hours I have spent on Pinterest, I've found some really fabulous, cheap and creative ways to enrich my classroom and my teaching.

My first project was a set of bicolored popsicle sticks. At the beginning of the year I will write all my students names on them and put them in a mason jar (one jar for homeroom and one for my reading class). After pulling a stick and randomly choosing a student to answer a question/share I will turn the stick over so the other color on the stick shows. No more calling on the same kid over and over! This will make sure that all my students will be held accountable for participating in class. 

Idea borrowed from Kindertastic

My next project was a little more low key: decorating my parent communication binder and a binder of writing ideas (pictures from magazines put into sheet protectors).

My favorite project are these letters I made for my classroom word wall. How cute are these?!

Can't wait to put all these crafts to good use! More crafts coming soon!