Math Organization

One thing that I NEVER seem to be happy with is the way I organize my math manipulatives. I have used the open tub shelves like these:

I like the open nature of them and the easy access, but the manipulatives always ended up in the wrong baskets and I was continuously sorting them out :(  

Then I put them all away giant storage baggies. Into the cupboard and out of sight. I took each type of manipulative out as we needed it. But, that didn't work either. The kids couldn't get to them if they needed and when I was in a pinch for a quick use they were all put away...

So this year I am moving to bins with lids that will be placed on an open bookshelf. Target always has a great deal on plastic bins so I scooped up a few..

 

And I created some labels (of course; No bin shall go unlabeled!) to match my library ones:

You can get these labels and a few other goodies in the Math Organization Pack over at my TPT store! 

I already have them printed and ready to go. I am so anxious to get to school on Monday and get my manipulatives organized! I make sure to post pics when its all finished :)

How do you organize your math manipulatives?

Since I've been gone... (freebies)

I had a wonderful time hanging out away from town this week. It was great to get away and relax.

I got to feed a giraffe at the zoo! AMAZING! :)

The hubs and I on our segway tour... yep we were those "tourist" people!

Plus it gave me some time to think about my new bee unit :) My school does the whole BEST lessons... Be Responsible, Be Respectful, and Be Safe...

so that led me to bees of course!

You can pick up this bee mini unit at my TPT store. It includes 3 math centers, 3 literacy centers, a craftivity and an emergent reader.

And here are a couple of bee freebies to go along with it :) Click the pics to download!

bees writing combo pack

BEST Cards: be responsible, be respectful, be safe!

Thanks KPM, Scrappin Doodles and JW for the great graphics!
Hope you have a great day :)

This Is the Way We Go to School!

In a bus, car... by foot?

 

I read this book every year during the first weeks of school. It came with my social studies program when I was student teaching and I have been using it ever since. It is fun book that talks about all of the different ways kids can get to school... I mean EVERY way possible! The kids always love when we reach the part about arriving by helicopter, lol.

So with that book in mind and the beginning of the year just around the corner (seriously... it's right there... don't look...) I decided to make a mini unit to go along with the book :)

Take a peek...

 

the included text-to-self craftivity

It includes: 2 math centers, 2 literacy centers, two whole class activities and a text to self craftivity! And you can pick it up HERE if you are interested!

In other news... I am finally going on VACATION! Summer break is almost over, but I am squeezing in a week of relaxation 6 hours from here in a wonderful rented house (thanks to the hub's parents)! So excited!

Since I will be gone I did a TON of work in my room this past week. Here's a couple of progress pics (sorry- phone pics)...

that small purple one will be for math tubs... don't have a header or numbers yet... I mentioned they were progress pics right? :)

yes... I forgot the "the" at home and it didn't get laminated

Have a wonderful week and Ill see you in 7 days!