Folders

Thanks for all the comments about my folder debacle. I got some good tips and links to check out. I really like Nicky's folders which came as a recommendation from Sunny at Caffeinated Teacher. We actually used those when I taught first grade and I did really like them. They are plastic, so they are more durable and lasted all year (when they didn't get lost!). These particular ones come in a variety of bold colors and sell for 95¢ each (but you have to buy at least 100, which usually works out well when purchasing for the entire grade level). There are also other versions that have more pockets if you need more space for papers.

The kind we used had two pockets and had "Return to School" and "Keep at Home" printed on either side which was helpful for organization. These were always ordered by my teammates, so I was really happy to get the link from Sunny. I decided that it would be cute to get the yellow ones for B.E.E. folders. Kelly made a good point that the words "family involvement starts here" are a little more complex for Kinder kiddos to get than "bring everything everyday" so I think that Bees win over Fish!

I decided to email my Kindergarten teaching team to inquire about what they might already use and one teacher emailed me back saying she has a brand new box of Nicky's folders on her desk that they ordered for this year. What a great coincidence! She said they ordered black folders and then they color code the classes by inserting colored sheets of paper in the front and black slots. Sounds great to me. Luckily black folders will still coordinate with the BEE theme and I can either just have plain colored sheets like they do or I can use the B.E.E. covers from the Busy Teacher's Cafe. I tend to go along with systems that teachers already have in place when I am the newbie on the team, but I do think that this year I will be a little more forward with my own ideas and I will try to experiment with them rather than always just going along for the ride.

It seems silly to think and worry so much about small things like folders, but I want everything to be organized and go smoothly. Thanks again for the suggestions!!

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P.S. Sunny if you are reading this, thanks for all of your comments. I read all of your posts and frequently want to comment, but for some reason your page is not loading correctly on my browser and I am not able to post any comments. Just wanted to let you know because I appreciate your blog love and I wish I could return some to you! Your posts are great.

P.P.S If you don't already follow Sunny, check her out! www.thecaffeinatedteacher.blogspot.com