8 Spring Break Teacher Projects

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! #HeIsRisen

In today's blog post, I decided to share some teacher projects I have been working on while on Spring Break. I decided to use my time off to lesson plan, create new content for my students, and DIY some organization materials with my sister's Cricut. 

1. Rae Dunn Inspired 3-Tier Cart

My sister used her Cricut to DIY some of my most recent purchases from Michael's. I purchased a 3-tier rolling cart and labeled it with the words "motivate," "educate," and "differentiate." I am planning to use this cart for guided math and reading groups. Hopefully, this will cart will help me manage my groups a little bit better. (Be sure to follow me on Instagram @guilianna13 to see pictures of my DIYs.)

2. Task Box Organizer (Math and Reading Centers Approved)

Michael's was having a huge sale a couple of weekends ago. I picked up two Rainbow Photo & Craft Keeper by Simply Tidy.  Each of these photo keepers are holding task cards for my math and reading centers. I also made labels for each of the containers. I am obsessed! I will be doing a whole post on these storage boxes over the summer. 

Run, don't walk: it's currently on sale for $14.99. 

3. Word Work Bin

Worksheets are SO overrated! Am I right? I decided to do some research on Word Work. I created these worksheets inspired by Pocketful of Primary and other elementary YouTubers. I created an instruction sheet and an actual worksheet for student practice. On the instruction sheet, I included optional activities the students can do if they finish early. Click here to print out your own copies.

4. Amazon Wish List (For Next Year!)

Start to put together your Amazon Wish List! As a first year teacher, I wasn't sure what I wanted or needed for my classroom. As I came across things that I would like in my classroom, I put together a list on Amazon. Something big on my wish list this year is a kidney table with flexible seating. I do a lot of small group instruction and differentiation in my classroom. A kidney table will allow me to give individualized instruction to my students who need a little extra support. 

Check out my Amazon Wish List here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/YKAJD35K793K?ref_=wl_share.

5. Google Classroom Assignments 

Get ahead of your Google Classroom game and post assignments for the upcoming weeks. This will take a load off after coming back from Spring Break. I spent a couple of hours scheduling the rest of my spelling assignments for the rest of the year. Yes, you read that right. The rest of the year! I am so glad that is done! 

6. Organize Your Google Drive.

I love TPT, but I also love to make my own stuff-- from task cards to worksheets to manipulatives. Sometimes, when I'm in a rush, I neglect putting my documents and slides in their designated folder. Taking 20-30 minutes to "spring clean" my drive will help me see what I still need to complete for the weeks ahead.

7. DIY Student Mailbox

I need student mailboxes! However, I have no desire to pay $50+ on Amazon for actual student mailboxes. That's absurd! I decided to DIY my own set of student mailboxes. I picked up an InstaCrate from Costco for $6.99. Then, I used some hanging folders and labeled them 1-20. I created a sign that says "You've Got Mail!" for the front of the crate. On the side of the crate, I have the students' names and numbers. This will definitely come in handy next year! I am planning to reuse this for years to come. 

8. Make a Summer To Do List

I have so much I want to vinyl and laminate. I also have so much I want to plan for next year. Making a list will ensure I get everything I need to accomplished. Here are some of the things on my to do list:

• Plan At Least 8 Room Transformations 
• Buy Books For My Classroom Library
• Organize My Lesson Plan Binder/Reflect On Lessons/Worksheets That Worked and Didn't
• DIY Calendar Blocks For Desk 

I had a ton of fun completing these projects over Spring Break. I am so excited to get started on some new projects once summer starts. Stay tuned for more teacher themed blog posts.