Mailing Label Timesaver Guest Post at All Things Upper Elementary

All teachers want to find ways to save time and become more efficient in their planning and instruction.  Mailing labels are one of my favorite tricks of the trade.  There are so many practical uses for them, of which I highlight a few in my post today at All Things Upper Elementary.   Do you have a unique use for labels in your room? 

Thanks for visiting Kate's Classroom Cafe.  Happy Teaching :) 

No Homework Record Sheet Freebie

Tracking missing homework assignments is definitely NOT my strength as a teacher.  With 5 classes of up to 27 students each, my head starts to spin when I am organizing my homework records.   I've seen a few ideas on Pinterest about using a homework binder that STUDENTS fill out when they come into class unprepared.  So here is the form I whipped up for my homework binder.  I plan to grab some alphabetical tabs and a binder at Target this weekend and I'm going to give this baby a try!

Click here to download the form from Google Docs:

I'll keep you posted whether this actually works or just becomes "more paperwork."  How do you keep track of missing assignments in your classroom?  I'd love to hear your ideas!!

Thanks for visiting Kate's Classroom Cafe.  Happy Teaching...

Calling all Middle School Teachers!

Hello friends!  Here is a giveaway worth checking out.  These folks have great classroom ideas and materials so even if you don't win, following their stores is totally worth your time.

Happy Teaching!

Middle School Pinterest Board Showcase!

Hello Bloggy Readers, TWELVE middle school bloggers have gotten together to share with you their favorite Pinterest boards geared towards 6th-8th grade teachers. We hope you enjoy this variety of ideas. Be sure to check out our other Pinterest boards while you are there. Happy Pinning! Kristy from 2 Peas and a Dog recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Middle School Freebies You can find other great things by Kristy by following this link: 2 Peas and Dog Blog

Pam from Desktop Learning Adventures recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Hot off the Presses Latest Middle School Releases You can find other great things by Pam by following this link: Desktop Learning Adventures Blog
Ellie from Middle School Math Moments recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Middle School Math You can find other great things by Ellie by following this link: Middle School Math Moments Blog
Jennifer from 4mula Fun recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Success in Secondary You can find other great things by Jennifer by following this link: 4mula Fun Blog
Sidney from Teaching is a Gift recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Gifted Teaching Ideas You can find other great things by Sidney by following this link: Teaching is a Gift Blog
Kate from Kate's 6th Grade Classroom Cafe recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Grade 6 Tricks of the Trade You can find other great things by Kate by following this link: Kate's 6th Grade Classroom Cafe Blog
  Stephanie from The Creative Classroom recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Anchor Charts You can find other great things by Stephanie by following this link: The Creative Classroom Blog
Jamie from Miss Math Dork recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Math is Real Life You can find other great things by Jamie by following this link: Miss Math Dork Blog
Kim from Teaching Math by Hart recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Number Sense You can find other great things by Kim by following this link: Teaching Math By Hart Blog
John from An Educator's Life recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Reading Ideas You can find other great things by John by following this link: An Educator's Life Blog Erin from Miss Lifesaver recommends this middle school Pinterest board: School Stuff You can find other great things by Erin by following this link: Miss Lifesaver Blog Tammy from Teaching FSL recommends this middle school Pinterest board: Magnificent Middle School You can find other great things by Tammy by following this link: Teaching FSL Blog
Looking for other Middle School ideas? Check out the Middle School Blog Log

Resolutions

I will be a better blogger in 2014 thanks to Diane over at Fifth in the Middle.  She has encouraged me to write down my blogger resolutions. (So now I feel much more obligated to actually do them!)  

Happy Teaching in 2014 :)

New Year Organization Freebie

It is time to get organized in my house.  We are going on a clothing and toy diet, two things we have way too much of according to my husband.  (Well...okay to be fair, he is totally right.  I have at least 5 pairs of jeans that are either way too big or way too small.)  

Organization is a major focus for our family this year, so I figured...why not carry that over to my classroom?

 My middle schoolers are notorious for their developing organization skills, especially my 6th graders who are new to the game.  Some of these kids struggle immensely with  changing classes, particularly in the area of supply organization.  You know that kid who shows up to science class with nothing but a broken pencil the size of a paperclip, a pack of post-its that have all been used to showcase his/her artwork and a disheveled ELA binder?  Well....this new year is all about helping them get on the fast track to success! 

Here is a printable locker liner that I created to assist struggling students with planning out their locker stops and supply needs.  The plan is to conference with the student (during lunch or homeroom) and fill out the form together, discussing the optimal times to gather and drop off materials.  Once complete, the list will be posted into their locker.  With the help of other teachers, we will praise this student for coming to class prepared according to the plan and support/remind the student as needed.  I hope this printable helps you and many students in need of an organizational boost this year.

Happy New Year and Happy Teaching!