Yesterday, I was SUPER lucky to have my mom come up and help me in my library! So, last year I moved into my school at the last minute and didn't really have time to set it up as I had hoped. Going through my library is always a task that I don't enjoy doing and I always get side tracked because I can't decide on exactly how to organize it. So, my awesome mom came up from Cincy and helped me a TON! My books are ready to go, minus the labels I need to attach on the tubs (now they are just sticky noted so I know what they are)! My room is looking good and I am feeling much better about heading back to school.
So, I have two questions for you: What part of setting up your room is the most difficult/time consuming for you? Do you have a helper/s that comes to school and keeps you on track, like my mom does for me?
For the last four or five years, I have used Thirty-One bags for my Teacher Totes! This is my second one and I L-O-V-E this print. I recently heard it is no longer going to be sold after this August/September and I am thinking about ordering a second one! I would really like the kind with the zipper at the top.
Anyways, I have a file box inside my tote. (From Organized Living or The Container Store, I can't remember which one.) I have files inside of it that help me keep my papers organized coming and going to school!
What does your tote look like?
I've been trying to get my library organized as well so that it will be easier once I get into my classroom. I'm moving schools, so all of my teaching stuff is currently in the home office! I'm very indecisive when it comes to setting up my room, I always think "well what if?" Once I can get where I want everything mapped out, then I'm good to go. It's just deciding how I want it arranged, what should be on each bulletin board, etc that's hardest for me.
ReplyDeleteBryce
First Grade Stampede
I am pretty indecisive when I am setting up my room, too! I always want to change something and then I usually end up setting it up just like the year before, with minor changes.
DeleteThe bulletin boards always take me the longest. I used to have families that I've had the year before help, but now that I'm at a new school I'll be on my own. But, I'm sure I'll be twisting my fiancés arm to help me move in to my new school.
ReplyDeleteJordan
Team V's Second Grade Fun
Good luck with your move!
DeleteThanks for the thanks but you know I enjoy helping whenever I can! Now if only I had a new back! But there is always sitting work that has to be done! Love you!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
DeleteAnd I thought that I had a lot of teacher tote bags! I love the file system in the tote bag. I've never been to the Container Store, and I don't think we have an Organized Life here. I know what you mean about setting up the library - it takes forever!
ReplyDeleteThanks. The file box inside MAKES the tote! Without it, it just wouldn't be the same.
DeleteMy library is taking forever too! I have been working on it since last year!! The part that is the most time consuming for me is my bulletin boards! In the past I have had students come in to help me, but now they are in high school!! I love your teacher bags!!
ReplyDeleteMrs. 3rd Grade
Thanks!! Bulletin boards take me time, as well, but I like getting those done first to know that I have something accomplished.
DeleteLove the print on your Thirty-One bag!
ReplyDelete~Nadya
New Adventures in Elementary
Thanks!! :)
DeleteNo helper for me, and the actually unloading of everything packed up is the worst part for me. I love my Thirty-One bag too!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
A Very Curious Class
Ugghhh....Yes, I hate unpacking everything, too!
DeleteThis is SUCH a great post! Thanks for linking up and sharing! When I taught closer to my mom, she helped SO MUCH with my classroom setup (my first 2 years of teaching). Since I've been away for nearly 10 years, I'm on my own with some help from my fabulous hubby. I think the hardest parts are having to wait until the last minute for setup b/c of summer camp and cleaning in our building and DEFINITELY my classroom library. I'm revamping it this year, so wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteAs far as my bag goes....I've used tons of different ones and I'm in the market for a new one this year! A student gave me a great Gigi Hill bag last year that is still in good shape, but I think I'll check out Thirty-One bags after reading your post and seeing your pics. Thanks!
-Lindsey
It's Elementary, My Dear! Wordless Wednesday
Good luck with your library this year!! I haven't heard of Gigi Hill so I will have to look into those. I do love my Thirty-One bag. You won't go wrong with it! :)
DeleteThe hardest part for me has always been opening those cabinets and seeing how I threw everything in back in May. It is always such a mess. I have never had a serious helper, but this year I was a helper- with my first grade teaching daughter!
ReplyDeleteCarol
Teachers Are Terrific!
Haha! Ummm, do we do that? Throw things in the cupboards, that is!? I know I always end up getting to a point where I am done packing things up and then things just get shoved in cupboards. Good luck with your cleaning out this year and that was nice of you to help your daughter!
DeleteYour Thirty One bag is soooo cute! I haven't ever seen that one! Jealous!
ReplyDeleteGinger Snaps
Thank you!! :) I So want to get another before they go out of stock!
Deleteomgosh - I am so scared to try and set up my library in my classroom!! I have NO idea how i'm going to set it up!!
ReplyDeleteThat 31 bag is SOOOO cute! I love the colors! Thanks for linking up!
♥ Jen
Teacher by the Beach
Thanks so much! Libraries can be set up so many different ways and I think that is what makes it so hard to do! Thanks for stopping by and for hosting the linky!
DeleteI forgot to include this in my previous comment: How do you feel about the size of this bag? Does it fit a laptop and other items well? I'm assuming it does since you have a hanging file insert, but wanted to check. I saw this bag on Thirty-One and then one that was a larger size.....just curious, b/c I think I'm going to buy one from my friend who sells them!
ReplyDeleteYIPPEE!
-Lindsey
It's Elementary, My Dear!
Lindsey, it does hold a laptop. I have a MacBook Air and it fits perfectly in the bag. It doesn't fit in the box inside, but just outside of the box. Enjoy your bag!
DeleteI've been trying to get my library organized as well! I started in May (with the help of last year's students!) and I'm still not done. I found it really difficult to decide how to organize all my books. I finally thought to ask the ones who actually have to use the library to find what they need--my students!I What an eye-opener! So, with the help of my students I finally decided to organize my books by F&P levels, nonfiction sections, chapter series, and favorite authors.
ReplyDeleteMy mom is a great helper, too! She is coming next Friday to help me finish up my library and classroom :) Aren't moms the best?!
Stephanie
The Loopy Teacher
I love that you asked your students. Great idea! Mom's are the best!
DeleteThis year, going through my file cabinet was definitely the most time consuming and least fun part of getting my room ready. However, I am so glad it is finished! My friends and family are too busy with their own jobs & family for me to ask them for help, so I am on my own. This is fine with me though because I can get everything how I want it.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love my 31 bag! I am glad I read this post because it reminds me that I need to order a new one!
Mary
Fit to be Fourth
I've gone through my files before and they are time consuming!
DeleteI love your 31 tote. I have one as well. I saw a bright pink one with a zipper that I am tempted to buy. Organizing my classroom library has been stressful... so many books! I am also an Ohio blogger :) Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteAllie
The Positive Teacher