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.

Cricut DIYs For Your Classroom

A few weeks ago, my sister purchased the Cricut Explore Air 2. (Side note: I think it's the coolest thing ever!) She has been so kind in helping me put together a few things for myself and my classroom. Thank you so much, Natalie! My classroom is going to look adorable!

Check them out below:

Monday Through Friday Folders

When I was working as a preschool teacher, my co-teacher and I organized our lesson plans in Monday through Friday folders. It worked out great! I decided to implement this organization technique into my current teaching career. The labels are not only going to help me stay organized throughout the year, but they look so cute! Bonus: the folders were only 99 cents from Target. This is a great way to spice up your lesson planning folders on a budget.

New and Used Pencil Buckets

I've seen these everywhere on Pinterest. However, because of current conditions, I decided to put my own spin on the cups. Instead of saying "Dull" and "Sharp" on the buckets, I put "New" and "Used." This will help me differentiate between the pencils that have been used and the ones that have not. At the end of the day, I will be able to take the pencils that have been used and sanitize them for the next day. And, again, these buckets were only $1 at Hobby Lobby. Steal!

Popsicle Sticks Bucket

Like I mentioned earlier, these buckets were only $1 from Hobby Lobby. I picked up this pink one because... I thought it was cute tbh. I designed this label in Picmonkey and absolutely love it. I'm going to use it to hold popsicle sticks for brain breaks.

Starbucks Reusable Cup

My sister was so sweet and surprised me with this DIY. I absolutely love the way it turned out. I'm going to use this everyday!

I am hoping to share some more DIYs with you all in the future. Let me know what y'all would like to see!

5th Grade Teacher Amazon Wish List

I am super excited to announce that I landed my first full-time job as a 5th grade teacher at a private school. Throughout my undergraduate career, I volunteered for an organization that promoted emotional, intellectual, and social growth for at-risk migrant children. I absolutely loved my experience working with this organization and the children. Because of my love for working with the children, I decided to pursue a full-time teaching career. 

Here's my 5th Grade Teacher Amazon Wish List:

Hello Sunshine Teacher Planner

One of the main things I need is a teacher planner. (If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!) I saw this one on Amazon-- it has everything I need. Or, at least, I think I need. I also love the  cover. It's so fun!

*Update: I purchased the Big Happy Teacher Planner. I am thrilled with my decision! I love that I can purchase inserts and stickers to help me maximize time and space. I am hoping to get my hands on this sticker packet before the school year starts.

Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens

I have heard such great things about these pens. I am so excited to get my hands on these. I hear they are perfect for grading.

*Update: I picked a huge pack up at Sam's Club. I can see what all of the hype is about. I can't wait to use these to grade papers. 

Lilly Pulitzer Clipboard Folio

While browsing Amazon for clipboards, I came across this one from Lilly Pulitzer. I am obsessed! I love the colorful pattern. It also has a pad folio inside for all of my PD notes. Yes, please!!

3 Tier Stackable Letter Trays

This will definitely come in handy when organizing papers. I can use it for students to turn in homework, tests, etc. Or, I can use it on my desk to store papers that I need to copy or papers I need to grade. I definitely plan on ordering a few of these if my school doesn't already provide them.

Scotch Thermal Laminator Combo Pack

I recently joined a Facebook Group called Not So Wimpy 5th Grade Teachers. I stated that I was a first-year teacher and was in need of some recommendations for things I should purchase. More than 50% of responders suggested I purchase a laminator to keep at home. 

Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens

These pens will be great for planning. They're super smooth.

Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter

I'm sure my IT Department will have one of these, but if not, I plan on purchasing my own. This will allow my to connect my personal laptop with projector/smart board.

Sproutbrite Classroom Decoration Banner Poster Pack - Growth Mindset Wall Display

And, of course, as a first-year teacher, I am in need of some decor. With my background in psychology, I've learned a lot about the importance of growth mindsets and want my students to know what it means to have one. This poster would look super cute in my classroom.


*Update: I went to Hobby Lobby today and wrote down a few more things that I want for my classroom. They have the cutest signs and door decorations. I'm hoping to pick some stuff up within the next few weeks and share a haul with y'all.

I am so excited to be a 5th Grade teacher. Throughout the rest of the summer, I plan on doing more blog posts revolving around my career.