Here is an inexpensive way to organize frequently used papers. We picked up this cute magazine rack for a few dollars at Ikea. (We've also seen magazine bins at the dollar store.) The point is that you don't have to spend a fortune. The folders were cheap, too (we love clearance sales). These folders feature the once popular teen show "Gossip Girl." Don't be afraid to use stuff that your students like. It's a great icebreaker when kids go to get their stuff from a Twilight, Justin Bieber, or Transformers folder (we know these references are dated but it's hard to keep up with trends).
Directions:
Create folders for the handouts that your students (and you) use most frequently. These might be daily journal sheets or standard grading rubrics. Instead of asking you for a sheet, students go to the bin which you've conveniently placed somewhere in the classroom. You might even want to create a bin like this to keep on your desk for your own frequently used papers.
Do It Cheaper:
- In the photograph, we used a cute bin from Ikea. But you could just as easily use an old cardboard box, a shoebox, or an old wooden drawer. Reusing and recycling are in, so take full advantage.
- Reuse old folders. At the end of the year, they'll be beat-up looking no matter what...so why spend a lot of money?
- There's no need to waste money on expensive printer labels. If your folders are not light enough for you to write directly on them, write the subject of the folder on a piece of paper, then tape or glue the paper to the folder.
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