Bees or Fish

I have seen quite a few examples online of organizational folders that are called B.E.E folders (standing for Bring Everything Everyday). Jessica Meacham's page has a thorough description and she even has pictures and links for different pages that she uses in her "Bee Books." I have seen this idea over and over and I would really like to incorporate a take home folder that my Kinder Kiddos get into the habit of placing in a "Homework" basket every day when they arrive at school. Kelly uses this idea with her Kindergartners and said it's a great place for parents to put notes, permission slips, etc. as well as a great place to send home important papers/documents with little ones who are just beginning to learn about responsibility.

I decided that I definitely want to jump on the Bee bandwagon, but I came across some other fun ideas at Busy Teacher's Cafe and now I can't decide between

B.E.E.- Bring Everything Everday

and

F.I.S.H- Family Involvement Starts Here

I created some labels for both and I like the bee labels better, but I kind of like the fish acronym better. I have not yet discussed with my new teaching partners how they handle homework, but I am not quite sure I will be sending enough things home daily to merit the saying "bring everything everyday." From what I have seen, many teachers actually use binders and include a lot of different materials in them instead of simply a folder including information about particular procedures and subjects. I don't think I will be including too much stuff. I will collect the folders daily regardless of whether or not there are items to be returned/sent home, but I do want it to be an initial lesson on responsibility which means I don't want a lot of stuff in the folders that will end up crumpled, ripped, and missing.

I have always used double pocket Homework folders with my first graders and they are less expensive than purchasing binders for everyone. I am afraid regular folders won't be durable enough, so I need to do some exploring when I get back to OR. Since I have two classes, and these would be personal items, that means I have double the expense so I want to find an inexpensive solution.

I like the idea of the fish folder because I do want parents to take an active role in talking with their child about school and touching base with them daily about what they learned, what information is coming home etc. I like the idea of emphasizing family involvement and I think that gives "homework" a different feel as well. Since I only get my kiddos for just over 2 hours, I really hope they are continuing to do learning based activities at home as well. This folder could be a great way to send home "assignments" or ideas of activities students can do at home.

Do you use B.E.E folders or binders? 

How do they work for you? 

What do you include inside them (if anything?)

Do you think the F.I.S.H idea is just as cute?