Desktop Organizer DIY

I've been wanting to make one of these desktop organizers for years. As soon as I saw these jars at the Target Dollar Spot I knew it was time for a project.  There's something that makes my teacher heart so happy when my pens and markers are organized!

I used a Lazy Susan from Walmart and painted it black.  All of the containers are from the Target Dollar Spot except the large mason jar in the center.  This was such simple project since the jars are already adorable. 

Change the way you teach writing...

If you are ready to change the way you teach writing and the way your students think about writing this is for you. 

 This product has been my baby this summer. I have used this in my K-2 classrooms for years. It's been a goal of mine to get it into the hands of other teachers. The problem is that teaching writing is hard. It comes naturally for some but not for most. Learning to write is even harder. Insert writing is about to change that for you. At least for a few times a month when you use it, you'll know you're getting it write. Watch this quick video that shows rather than tells you what exactly INSERT WRITING IS.

AMAZING RIGHT? 

 I promise that this will help all of your young writers feel confident. It engages them and motivates them to write. It's also fabulous for a dozen other reasons they won't even be thinking about because they will be so excited. It reinforces vocabulary. It aids in comprehension of content. It distracts students from worrying about how to spell hard words. In writing, spelling isn't always that important. It is differentiated. There are multiple paper choices. It's up to the teacher what the students use - all pictures? all vocabulary? a mixture of both? Yes...that my friends is time saving differentiation. 

 Let me not forget the most important thing....the children will want to do this because it's FUN. We could all use a little more fun in our lives! 

 Your questions answered... 

Will you use this type of writing every day? No. You introduce it a few times a month. The units I created follow weekly/monthly themes. In October you can do it for Bats and Christopher Columbus. This will keep students excited about the times you do do it. 

Does it use a lot of ink? Nope. Each student piece is printed 4 to a page or 2 to a page. If you choose to print in color you will be printing 6 to 12 pages with minimal color for a class of 24. 

Can the students really cut the pieces out? Yes! I've used it with so many different levels of learners and I can honestly say I've only cut pieces for 2 students. It was not because they couldn't do it....it was because they couldn't' be safe with scissors. Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Summer Shopping

I've finally crawled out from under the rock I've been living under and created a few products.  Not really...I changed schools and had a baby but you get the picture.  I hope these items can inspire some of your back to school planning.  Enjoy! 

Ready to Write Bundle

My Ready to Write Bundle features monthly units with already made writing paper that have prompts. Each month contains prompts for narrative, opinion, and informational writing topics.  You can also purchase each month individually. This is a growing bundle that will be complete before the end of summer 2015.