As a reminder, if you would like to use the labels I created, then I can upload them to TPT (free).
I have created more labels this week. Can you believe I still have things I need to label? However, I have not printed and laminated those labels yet. So maybe we will see them next week.
Today I have a pointer and some file folders to show you. I decided to label folders with each of the Common Core State Standards so I can easily find activities and worksheets for areas that students are struggling in. I know this will help a lot with my intervention time. I have many plain manila file folders. I really wanted to purchase these folders to use as my Common Core folders:
(You can find these on Amazon. They are Pendaflex pastel file folders.)
I was looking for an assortment of colors so that I could easily find categories of standards. Did you know that it is incredibly difficult to find assorted color file folders that do not include red? I am anti-red in my classroom decor because I use a lot of pink accents. I think these folders are beautiful! And they are still in my Amazon cart, so I may buy them anyway.
As I was saying, my manila folders were just not doing it for me. So, I decided to upgrade them with some tape. I used duct tape on a couple of folders, but it was a bit difficult to work with.
1. I tried putting the duct tape over the tab, but I thought it would make labeling difficult. I also didn't like that you could see the folded over duct tape on the back of the folder.
2. I put the duct tape on the front of the file folder. I thought this looked much cleaner.
3. I tried putting tape on both the front and the back. This still had the same problems as #1 and I didn't like the lines of tape.
I had just purchased some washi tape from Dollar Tree, so I tried it out on a couple of folders.
Since I liked the duct tape look best from the font of the folder, that is how I applied the washi tape to the folders. This tape was very easy to work with. I am not sure how it compares to other washi tape because I haven't used others. However, I believe that this tape may be a bit thicker than typical washi tape. It was easy to layer the tape.
I started by making the long line all the way across right under the cut-out for the tab. I then placed another layer of tape next to/around the cut-out. This was a fast and easy project. I was able to tape 17 folders from each roll of tape. Since I already had the folders and the tapes were $1 each, I think this is quite the bargain project!
The other project I completed this week was a glittery pointer. I am not a fan of the hand or gimmicky pointers that most teacher stores sell. I decided to make my own pointer. This pointer is very long, but if I find it is too long to be practical, then it can easily be cut. I may try to add something to the end of the pointer like a bow or a flower. I haven't decided about that yet.
Supplies: spray adhesive, a dowel rod, glitter, newspaper, and (not pictured) clear acrylic sealer
This project was completed in stages. I simply sprayed the adhesive on the rod, rolled the rod in glitter that was on the newspaper, made sure all parts were covered, and let the rod dry. I found that if I tried to do another part of the rod before the first part was dry, then the rod would lose glitter and stick to the newspaper. Once the rod was totally covered in glitter, I sprayed on a layer of acrylic sealer. I have noticed almost no glitter loss from one layer of sealer, but I will probably add several more layers to be safe.
I also made a 2-sided pocket divider with a file folder and duct tape. While I don't know that I will use it, I am going to apply the idea to student spiral notebooks so that they have pockets to put loose papers in.
This just needs to be hole punched and placed in a binder.
