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You are here: Home / back to school / Smooth Sailing into the Back to School Season with Tips and Giveaways!
back to school

Smooth Sailing into the Back to School Season with Tips and Giveaways!

July 27, 2014

It’s that time of year again… back to school! I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure we JUST got out of school. However, the stores are full of school supplies and I can’t go anywhere without drooling over markers and binders again. The season is upon us, for sure. Sooooo… some of my intermediate blogging friends decided to get together and help you sail straight into the new year with ease. We’re bringing you lots of simple tips and a big giveaway too, so be sure to stick around all the way to the end. 😉

For my back to school tip, I actually want to talk about something you can put in place now that will help you all year long. If you know me at all, you know I’m all about organization. Coloring coding, cute labels, and matching bins make my heart happy. So here’s my labor of love project, which I started in the spring a few years ago.

 

Did you just swoon a little bit, or was it just me? I love using centers, task cards, and all kinds of TpT goodness from other teachers. But, I quickly realized that I was having paper overload. Files were coming out of my ears. Should I file them by skill? By theme? By type of product? Task cards here, centers there? What about teacher materials? I had lots of great stuff, but couldn’t find it when I needed it because my filing cabinet was overflowing. 

So I took drastic measures and carted EVERYTHING home. All of my teacher materials. All of my printables. My centers. My mentor texts. My guided reading books. Everything. And then it started going into piles.

I made piles by month. I looked at my curriculum map and tossed the centers that weren’t obviously seasonal into piles by when I taught those skills. It was awesome because I was able to easily see where my “holes” were in my resources. If I needed more inference activities, it was blatantly obvious when they all went into the same pile. I was able to see what I needed to go back to TpT and search for to fill out my year. 


Here’s the end result. I keep the month I’m currently using (in this case March) on top so it’s easy to get in and out of the box as needed.Things like dice, spinners, player markers, etc. that get used over and over have their own “game piece” tub.  
 

Now that the tubs have been created, I can quickly print and toss new items I find throughout the year where they go. So easy!

Finally, here’s a bonus tip for you. I double file my resources on my computer. I keep them in folders by type (fractions, cause/effect, economics, etc.) but I also keep my files on my computer organized like my monthly totes– by month as well as by story in our textbook. I literally spend seconds finding my resources now. Love that!



Hopefully these tips will get you thinking ahead to how you’re going to stay organized this year. I hate having to go through and do that mid-year. If you can take advantage of these last few days of summer to get yourself set for the year, it will be so much easier. I promise! I’m always planned out well in advance this way and it makes preparing my weekly centers a snap. 

In all that organizational goodness, did you forget there was a giveaway too?! I will personally be giving away two $25 gift cards to TpT so you can stock up on your units for back to school and the whole year through. On top of my giveaway, you can also visit all of my favorite intermediate bloggers using the links below to enter THEIR giveaways too. Each blogger is giving away $50 in gift cards that will be perfect for back to school. That’s $1,000 in gift card y’all!


But wait, there’s more! {I’ve always wanted to say that} We have all contributed some of our best selling seasonal products to a GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE that’s worth nearly $300. What?! I’m helping you set up all those unit tubs I showed you by giving away my Fall Bundle of Big Kid Units. 

Here’s a preview of the entire pack one lucky winner will grab. You can click on each item to see more details!




HTML Map






When you enter to win the gift cards on everyone’s blog, you are also entering to win our Grand Prize Package. How cool is that?

Giveaway rules:

  • This giveaway is open to any elementary classroom teacher.
  • Three names will be drawn at Ms. Fultz’s Corner: Two winners will each with a $25 TeachersPayTeachers gift card and the third will be entered in the drawing to win the Grand Prize Package of products.
  • This giveaway ends on August 2, 2014.
  • Winners will be announced on the blogs and notified by email.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to visit all of these blog so you can enter to win THEIR gift cards and earn more entries into the Grand Prize Package too. 


An InLinkz Link-up



organization
by Christi Fultz 

About Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

View all posts by Christi Fultz

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Comments

  1. Sara Kovach / Dare to be Different - Teach! says: July 27, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    What a wonderful idea. I am already in the process of creating monthly binders for plans, notes, worksheets, ideas, etc. Now I am going to adopt this idea as well. I have task cards and games EVERYWHERE!!!!

    Dare to be Different-Teach!

  2. Morgan says: July 27, 2014 at 5:28 pm

    Thank you for the great idea and generous giveaway. 🙂

  3. Sally says: July 27, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    I've been filing my stuff by month for years! Last summer, I also sorted most my books by month!

    Sally from Elementary Matters

  4. Sandy Capitena says: July 27, 2014 at 10:44 pm

    I love the DOUBLE files! I file by topic, but that would keep things SO close to help with preparing lessons!

    • Laurie G. says: August 2, 2014 at 1:34 am

      I like that idea too! I may even color code the folders on my desktop–academic subjects, INB, management, journals, etc. Some things I save in two places, some I have just saved in one but could in another. So many ideas!! Brain. Buzzing.

  5. Kelly says: July 28, 2014 at 12:41 am

    I love the file boxes. Seems like it would be so much easier to get everything put away when you were finished. that's a great idea for the double files…I think that is an issue for every teacher. Thanks for sharing!
    Kelly
    I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher

  6. Graciela says: July 28, 2014 at 2:14 am

    Hello, I wonder if you could help me to select a song for Teacher's day to be sang by ESL students of second grade (primary school). I am looking for something not too difficult and nice to hear. Many thanks.

  7. Jennifer Weberman says: July 28, 2014 at 3:21 am

    I've been needing a tip like this! I brought all my stuff home and haven't quite reached the organizing stage. Looking forward to trying this method. thank you

Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

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Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my co Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my counter and cake crumbles with sprinkles all over my floor. The kids have had a sugar rush before noon, and we LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. 

Some of my favorite childhood memories are making cupcakes with my mom. When I saw the I’m The Chef Too subscription box, it was an easy YES. Almost everything you need is right inside the box each month to make it easy. There are typically about 3 servings, so you make enough for everyone to have one treat without leftovers hanging around.

Now... who is going to clean up this mess??

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #bakingwithkids #kidsinthekitchen #familybaking #momentsinchildhood
It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers subscription came on Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resist. These will bloom over the next few days. 💐
Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 // When you w Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 //
When you work with me, I become your digital marketing business bestie; one point person who helps you get it all done and saves you time with a website that will be beautiful outside and powerful inside. Design by Christi Fultz creates logos, installs WordPress websites, sets up email marketing, and offers virtual assistance for creative entrepreneurs. Let’s tackle your to-do list.

#wordpressdesign #teacherpreneurs #smallbusinesstips #websitedesigner #louisvillesmallbusiness #lousivilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #momsaroundlouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom #locallouisville #mompreneur #momprenuerlife #tptseller #creativebusinessowner #creativeladydirectory
Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorr Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorrow, but let’s stay up and watch reality tv.
DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big gi DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big girl room is one of my favorite places in the house. We let the kids choose their own decor for the new house and Charlotte’s room is a purple and pink dream... no surprise there! 

The DIY wallpaper was probably a “once and done” experience for us and took about six hours for this 9 by 16 wall. More pictures and sources are on our family blog, also linked in bio: https://completelychristi.com/2022/02/diy-floral-removable-wallpaper.html

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo #homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our ow Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our own custom closet, we decided to do my son’s too. We primarily use his closet for off-season storage and toys, but it was always a MESS! Then the mess spilled out onto his nightstand, desk, dresser, building table, and under his bed. He needed a system! 

I used the online design tool from @containerstorecustomspaces to create this DIY Classic Elfa system. It took about three hours to install and set up. I love how flexible the system is, which means we can reconfigure the layout as he grows. I’m also really proud of his label choices... maybe he inherited some of my organizational skills after all!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover #kidroomideas #childsroom #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
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As an experienced third grade teacher with a Masters in Elementary Education and K-12 reading license, I know educational resources need to be both inviting and engaging to capture students' interests. I am passionate about creating user-friendly resources to help all students learn while saving valuable prep for teachers. Read More…

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Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my co Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my counter and cake crumbles with sprinkles all over my floor. The kids have had a sugar rush before noon, and we LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. 

Some of my favorite childhood memories are making cupcakes with my mom. When I saw the I’m The Chef Too subscription box, it was an easy YES. Almost everything you need is right inside the box each month to make it easy. There are typically about 3 servings, so you make enough for everyone to have one treat without leftovers hanging around.

Now... who is going to clean up this mess??

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #bakingwithkids #kidsinthekitchen #familybaking #momentsinchildhood
It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers It Had To Be Done // When my monthly farm flowers subscription came on Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resist. These will bloom over the next few days. 💐
Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 // When you w Offering Websites + Logos Since 2012 //
When you work with me, I become your digital marketing business bestie; one point person who helps you get it all done and saves you time with a website that will be beautiful outside and powerful inside. Design by Christi Fultz creates logos, installs WordPress websites, sets up email marketing, and offers virtual assistance for creative entrepreneurs. Let’s tackle your to-do list.

#wordpressdesign #teacherpreneurs #smallbusinesstips #websitedesigner #louisvillesmallbusiness #lousivilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #momsaroundlouisville #derbycitymama #kentuckymom #locallouisville #mompreneur #momprenuerlife #tptseller #creativebusinessowner #creativeladydirectory
Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorr Why am I like this?? // I’m already tired tomorrow, but let’s stay up and watch reality tv.
DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big gi DIY Floral Wallpaper // Charlotte’s first big girl room is one of my favorite places in the house. We let the kids choose their own decor for the new house and Charlotte’s room is a purple and pink dream... no surprise there! 

The DIY wallpaper was probably a “once and done” experience for us and took about six hours for this 9 by 16 wall. More pictures and sources are on our family blog, also linked in bio: https://completelychristi.com/2022/02/diy-floral-removable-wallpaper.html

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo #homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our ow Kid Closet // Because we were so happy with our own custom closet, we decided to do my son’s too. We primarily use his closet for off-season storage and toys, but it was always a MESS! Then the mess spilled out onto his nightstand, desk, dresser, building table, and under his bed. He needed a system! 

I used the online design tool from @containerstorecustomspaces to create this DIY Classic Elfa system. It took about three hours to install and set up. I love how flexible the system is, which means we can reconfigure the layout as he grows. I’m also really proud of his label choices... maybe he inherited some of my organizational skills after all!

#louisvilleky #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #homeorganization #homeorganizing #closetorganization #organizedhome #organizedcloset #walkincloset #closetgoals #closets #closetdesign #customcloset #closetmakeover #kidroomideas #childsroom #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledg DIY Board and Batten Accent Wall with Display Ledge Tutorial // Carter’s room needed a punch of color and a place to display his favorite Legos. This weekend project was exactly what I had hoped for! Full tutorial and sources on my hobby blog, linked in bio. https://completelychristi.com/2022/01/diy-board-and-batten-accent-wall-tutorial.html 

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective  #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #diyhomeprojects #diyhome #homedesigninspiration #homeinspo#homemakeover #diyinspo #makehomeyours #kidroomideas #childsroom #childsroomdecor #childroomdesign #kidsroom #kidsroommakeover #kidsroominspiration #kidsroomdesign
Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flowe Farm Flowers // I absolutely love my monthly flower delivery. It’s the perfect “pick me up” on a gloomy January day… or any time! As a momma, it’s easy to do all the things for your family. This is one thing I do for me! And since I work from home, it makes my space just a little happier every day. I was initially intimidated by the thought of arranging my own bouquets, but they provide tips and pictures to help. The best part? They arrive mostly in bud form and bloom in your home so you can enjoy each arrangement longer. ✨ Mine usually last 10-14 days. Link in bio to learn more.

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #momselfcare #freshflowers #thebouqscompany

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