Must Have Monday: Classroom Essentials

I'm excited to be linking up with the girls over at Freebielicious today for Must Have Monday. There are LOTS of things I MUST have that you can't just go and buy.... can anyone say SmartBoard?? I'll share the things you can grab though that have made my teacher life a lot easier!!

Book Bins from Really Good Stuff

I love my clear book bins from Really Good Stuff. I bought them 3 years ago and while some of the kids have been a little rough on them, most of them are as nice as the day they were purchased. I made the choice to buy clear ones because our school changes themes every year and this way I know they will match no matter what! I simply print a new themed label each year and stick it on! Easy Peasy!! 

I love the look of circle labels but I HATE cutting circles... enter the most fabulous invention ever. The Circle Punch! This one is a 3-inch diameter and it makes cutting my labels a breeze! I bought mine at Michaels with a 40% off coupon and my teacher discount!!! Here is the link to one on Amazon though if you're interested. 

Clear File Folder Book Bins (Amazon Link)

Lastly, I love these clear file folder sized bins from Amazon. It comes in a pack of 6 for around $25. I have these on a book shelf behind my reading table. I labeled each container with the names of the kids in my group and then stuck the reading pouches for the books we were working on plus the next few inside the bucket. I would also put any games we were playing and reader's response prompts inside. This made it so easy. Once I called a group to my table, I would just put the bucket next to me and have everything I needed. It was also a cinch to leave sub plans since everything was in one spot! 

I cold go on and on about Sit Spots, rolling containers, pens, markers etc - maybe I have a problem!! Ha. Head on over to Freebielicious to see what everyone else must have!

Tutorial Time: How to Create a Secure PDF

Hello Friends!!! I have to tell you a secret. When I first started creating things to TpT, I knew that the files had to be secure to protect the clip art and fonts I'd purchased. I thought, if I turned my work (created in PowerPoint) into a PDF, it was secure. Turns out I was wrong. Simply turning the PP presentation into a PDF still allows the users to right click and save images and text. YIKES!!

I did not want to break any TOU of these fabulous artists that I respect so much. So, I had to figure this out. I thought I was going to have to purchase expensive Adobe software in order to secure files. Turns out that's not the case (happy dance)! Below, I am going to list for you the steps needed when using a Mac and PowerPoint. I have Office 2011 but I am thinking it would be pretty similar to other versions? Sorry, I can't help you with a PC. If you try this on a PC, I'd love for you to share your experience in the comments!!! 

Here we go!

File > Print

Pull down PDF menu

Save as PDF > Print

Security Options

Check Require Password > enter a password others won't guess

Select use as .pdf

Okay, now when you open the PDF version you'll see (secured) next to the title. You're all set - ready to upload your file to TpT!

Red, White and Blue Calendar Freebie

Click on the image to grab it from Google Drive

This is going to be short and sweet my friends! Happy 4th of July. To celebrate, I created these patriotic calendar numbers. I figure I can use them during "freedom week" or even as a beginning of the year math center and have the students order the numbers. Each card is 2.5 x 2.5 so they will fit on a wall calendar and in a pocket chart. If you enjoy these, I'd love to hear from you!! Thanks for stopping by,