Our top teacher picks for the perfect reading nook!

Whether your classroom is big or small, a cozy place to read is a must.  We've both taught in spacious rooms and portables, and it's always been a priority of ours to create a reading nook for our students.  You will have avid readers and reluctant readers, so strive to make a space that is welcoming to all.  Here are some of our picks for reading nooks in your classroom or home.  Books are even better when loved, so ask around for donated books and items that will make your space just right!

 a. Every Reading center needs to start with a bright, cozy rug. This one is a steal at $24 (Wal-mart)

b. Throw pillows that are durable and easy to clean are a must. These have a material that you can just wipe right off for easy cleaning (Wal-mart)

c. Colorful book baskets with labels to keep all of your themed books together. This help little ones learn to sort books by subject or genre. (Really Good Stuff)

d. Little stools or chairs that are bright and whimsical, again think easy to clean. These plastic ones are just $7 and wipe right off with a  Clorox wipe (Ikea)

e. Each year I create a tree in my classroom, I use brown butcher paper for the trunk and the branches. I add 4 of these colorful leaves to create a cozy little canopy for my little readers. (Ikea)

f. labels for your book baskets to keep everything in it's place (Really Good Stuff)

g. Bean bags are a must for comfort, however I hate picking up all those pieces when they break. Ikea has the solution. Their inserts are filled with air...no more tiny styrofoam balls! (Ikea)

h. A soft fabric bookcase is ideal for younger students and large oversized books (Target) 

h. A large corner bookcase that allows little ones to reach their books with ease (Really Good Stuff)

i. This neat grass bookshelf from boon is whimsical and adds to the nature theme, just slide books in between the blades of grass. (Target)

I love designing a creative space for my little readers to blossom. Watching their faces as they enter my room each year and see the large reading tree with it's mighty leaves makes all the work worth it! Use your creativity to create something one of a kind for your students. Keep in mind these three things, comfort, access and function.

a. A wire basket in your reading nook is a great way to put books on display that relate to your science, social studies, or language arts topics.  I love using picture books in my classroom, and this way students can easily see some great book choices! (Urban Outfitters)

b.  Make your space cozy with a rug.  The more comfortable the space, the more your readers will linger.  (Target)

c.  Paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling are a fun way to make the space festive and intimate.  Simply hang from fishing line at different heights.  (Target)

d.  Butterfly chairs aren't only for dorm rooms.  They make a great addition to a reading nook in a classroom.  (Target)

e.  Sometimes classrooms are short on organization furniture.  This bookshelf can hold lots of books and create a divide in your space.  Look for new inexpensive ones or used ones in your community.  (Ikea)

f.  Make sure to have a variety of books in your reading nook.  Students can donate gently used books at the beginning of the year to add to your collection.  Having a series like Gregor the Overlander provides students a great reason to keep reading!

g.  Floor pillows can be an inexpensive way of assuring that everyone has their own space in your nook.  Our classroom rule is one person per cushion or chair, and when they're full the nook is full. (Urban Outfitters)

h.  I love the whimsical nature, but inspiring message of this poster.  Create a space full of motivation for your young readers.  (Etsy - Parada Creations)

We hope that you have been inspired to redo your old reading corner and create an inspiring place for your students to develop their passion for reading! We would love to see your creative ideas for a reading nook. please send photos and a description to simplysprout@gmail.com

 

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Welcome your favorite teacher back to school with this colorful freebie!

 What cuter way to say "Hi!" to your new teacher than to bring a sweet gift to start the new school year off right. These cute paint pails were found at Hobby Lobby, and we just attached some colorful ribbon scraps onto the handle for an extra burst of color. Attach the back to school tag found below. Fill with your favorite back to school supplies. Some other fun ideas: hand sanitizer, band aids, sharpie markers, gift certificates (Starbucks and Chik-fil-a are always teacher pleasers), post it notes, stickers etc.

We filled this polka dot container (from the dollar section of Target) with travel aisle items.  Making this a perfect first day gift for under $10. 

Just right click and save the image below. Use it to welcome your students or for back to school treats for teachers. It would even be fun for a back to school countdown chain for your young ones. Just add paper chains (5in x 1in strips of paper, glued or taped one to the next) to count down to the first day of school.

If you love our freebie check out the entire kit in our online store. 

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Our teacher tips and classroom faves to avoid a Manic Monday!

Saying goodbye to the lazy days of summer is hard for any teacher, and getting back into the work time routine is enough to make anyone go crazy. We wanted to share a few of our teacher faves to help make your Mondays a little less manic and a little more organized. Here are a few of our favorite organizational items that we love to use in our classrooms.

a.       Keep everything organized to and from school with this Thirty-One Bag. Lots of pockets for supplies and big enough for binders, teaching manuals and file folders (Thirty-One Gifts)
b.      I love personalized clipboards, I use them for my reading groups to keep track of my center schedules and for afternoon dismissal. It puts the information you need right at your fingertips. (Etsy)
c.       Keep track of your keys with this colorful key fob perfect to fit around your wrist as you head to lunch, special area or the playground. (Etsy)
d.      Personalized binders help keep you organized, and are great for creating a data notebook, or keeping up with your lesson plans. (Zazzle.com)
e.      These clear storage containers are perfect for extra copies of spelling tests, morning work or extra handwriting paper. Just label them and keep them in front of the classroom for easy access. (Wal-mart)
f.        I love using these Wilson brand presentation binders to keep track of my reading groups and center workshop time. They come with dividers in them that have clear pockets. Perfect for a quick view of a schedule or assignment. (Office Depot)
g.       Being a primary teacher means you have a lot of supplies and materials to keep track of. I love using these sorters to keep track of construction paper and other supplies we use daily. They are also great to use as individual mailboxes for your students…no more lost papers, they are neatly stored in one place for afternoon pick-up. (staples)
h.      You can never have too many post its. Perfect for a quick note home, pass to the office or a reminder for you. (Wal-mart)
i.         I use the utility crates to store my consumable workbooks. They are easy to keep them in and store easily on shelf or counter. (Wal-mart)
j.        This is my favorite teacher organizer. It keeps all of my materials for the week organized and ready to go. It is also perfect if you have an unplanned absence. All your materials are ready to go for a substitute to take over. (Really Good Stuff)
k.       Colorful binders help me to keep track of my worksheets and lesson ideas for each month. Just add a colorful label to the front and your materials are ready for quick access year after year. (Wal-mart)
l.         Colorful labels help me keep the organization consistent throughout my room. I label cabinets, folders, cubbies, supplies…pretty much anything. (Creative Teaching Press)

a. Baskets are a great way to organize math manipulatives, literacy centers, and other odds and ends in a neat and homey way. (Target)
b. Patterned binders brighten up your bookshelves!  I keep lesson plans, standards, and project ideas all neatly and fashionably tucked away.  If you don't want to spend money on new binders, re-purpose old ones by sliding cute scrapbook paper in the clear covers. (Target)
c. One of the best organizational and time management tools you can have in a classroom, a clock!  In an intermediate classroom it's important for students to begin to grasp a concept of time before they head on to middle school. (Target)
d. My mind has been blown by Martha Stewart's new Avery line at Staples.  I think I might have to cover my room in these sticky notes!  (Staples).
e.  I love journals.  I've kept one since I was a little girl, and I still use them in the classroom.  My students keep science journals to organize their thoughts and observations, and I'm always jotting down miscellaneous ideas.  (Staples)
f.  My hands down favorite teacher bag.  With tons of space, good structure, and pockets, it's a great way to tote your papers to and from school.  (L.L. Bean).
g.  Dividers are a must in my classroom.  For me and my students.  Papers don't get "lost" when they have a precise home.  (Staples)
h.  Homework and copies of future assignments have an organized space with racks around the room.  (Office Depot)
i.  These kraft paper labels are a great way to label boxes, cubbies, or student work.  (Staples)
j.  Solo cups aren't just for bbq's!  I use them throughout my classroom to corral markers, pencils, paintbrushes, and more.  (Target)

k. Every teacher needs to keep hydrated these adorable personalized cups make sure that you don't lose your favorite cup in the copy room (Etsy)

Keeping your space organized is the key to a successful year. We hope that some of our favorites become yours too! We would love to see your creative organized spaces....send us a photo of your classroom to simplysprout@gmail.com

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Drumroll please....and we have a winner. Actually we have two!

Drumroll please....and we have a winner. Actually we have two!

Congrats Gina and Robin

You both will be receiving our

Back to School is a Hoot! Classroom Printable Kit

 

Be sure to stop by our store and become a follower.

You will be the first to know when freebies are posted as well as when we put items on sale.

Have a great School Year!

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Simply Sprout's Back to School In Style

My students throw around the word "swagger" a lot and I think nothing shows off your swag better than back to school clothes.  It's a fun time of year for sure, and I have fond memories of picking out the perfect outfit for the first day.  It might have been jellies and tight rolled jeans, but look...what was old is new again! 

Marcy and I thought it would be fun to put together some back to school picks for the little ones (Pre K - 2nd grade) and the older ones (3rd - 5th grade).  They're practical picks from a teacher's point of view, but still high on the cool factor!  

(a)    Classic solid Polo shirts can be combined with many different outfits (Ralph Lauren, TJ Maxx)

(b)   Headbands and barrettes to keep their beautiful hair neatly tied back (old navy)

(c)    Short sleeve loose fitting shirts. (Gymboree)

(d)   Skorts are a must have for active little girls. (Gymboree)

(e)   Ralph lauren Polos are perfect under dresses and can me mixed an matched a number of ways (Ralph Lauren, TJ Maxx)

(f)     A classic Denim dress worn with leggings is perfect for Fall Pictures (Gap)

(g)    Lightweight raincoat for the rainy days. (Gymboree)

(h)   A pair of rain boots ( kept in the car) for rainy morning carpool, once they are on dry land they can change into their regular shoes (Gymboree)

(i)      Every mama loves a bargain! These $5 polos are a must have. (Old Navy)

(j)     A good pair of jeans that fit! They need to be above the waist to keep up with active kids, you want them to be comfortable so their focus is on learning. (Old Navy)

(k)    Let their personality shine with a cute pair of ballet flats (Old Navy)

(l)      I love Pottery Barn Kids Backpacks because you can find just the right size, and you can have them personalized so they don’t wind up in lost and found. Backpacks need to be proportionate to your child. It needs to hold a folder or two and a lunch box. (Pottery Barn Kids)

(m) Lightweight plaid shirts are perfect for the start of school.  (Gymboree)

(n)   Pull on jeans are perfect for your little ones who are still struggling with their independence. This will ensure there are no bathroom accidents trying to unbutton and unzip regular jeans.  (Gymboree)

(o)   Lightweight graphic tees with age appropriate pictures are perfect for school  (Gymboree)

(p)   Khaki Cargo shorts go with just about anything, no more struggling to match outfits each morning ( Gymboree)

(q)   A medium weight jacket ready for cooler morning temps, great to have on hand before cold weather strikes…(be sure to write your child’s name on the tag)

(r)     A colorful reusable lunchbox, give your kids some freedom let them pick their own unique style (Pottery Barn Kids)

(s)    A comfortable pair of tennis shoes, little ones need to wear closed toed shoes to school for comfort as well as safety (JC Penneys)

Parents remember your little ones are headed to school to learn, keep the focus on comfort and safety. Make life a little easier on you and buy outfits that can be interchanged, basic pieces that will wear and wash well. To ensure that your jackets and other items make it home be sure to label EVERYTHING!!!!! We love using  The Lollipop Label Shop for labels, they stick directly to your clothing tags and hold up to multiple washings.

 

(a)    Ahoy classmateys with a boatneck shirt (Old Navy)

(b)   Classic khaki shorts for boy and girls are essential for the school year. (Gap)

(c)    Belts are a must for growing kiddos. (Gap and J. Crew)

(d)   Plaid and patterned shorts are perfect with crisp white shirts. (Gap)

(e)   Lightweight raincoat for the rainy days. (L.L. Bean)

(f)     A good fitting pair of tennis shoes are key for recess and P.E. (New Balance)

(g)    Show your style on fall picture day. (J. Crew and Gap)

(h)   Fight for a cause!  These J. Crew shirts help our neighbors on the Gulf Coast and Toms provide shoes to children in need.

(i)      A quality backpack to carry work to and fro! (L.L. Bean)

(j)     Essentially a fabulous read for students, parents, and teachers of a 3^rd-5^thgrader. Ron Clark’s Essential 55.

(k)    Cheer on your favorite team this fall with a retro vibe.  (J. Crew)

(l)      You don’t have to be from the island to love Bermuda shorts.  (J. Crew)

(m) Let your face shine!  Pull back that pretty hair so that you can concentrate with a cute headband.  (J. Crew)

(n)   My students get obsessed with hoodies, so let’s layer instead with lightweight shirts. (J. Crew)

(o)   Practice wastefree lunches with a non-disposable lunch bag.  (Vera Bradley)

Oh and since money doesn't grow on trees, make your shopping trip a good math lesson.  Have your elementary aged children practice their estimating skills as they are so quickly throwing items into the buggy.  They can also practice adding with decimals too!  For those who live in states who practice "tax free times", this becomes an easier math lesson for children to add and come up with a total before they get to the cash register. 

So get your swag on and show your back to school style when the bell rings!

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Lotsa Dots Classroom Printables

Lotsa Dots has us going crazy over here at Simply Sprout!
This is our newest classroom creation. We just love the burst of color and the whimsy of the polka dots.

This adorable colorful set is bright and cheery and is perfect for any classroom. This set has everything you need to get started for the beginning of the school year. This set includes printable pages you can print on your color printer, cut, laminate and watch your classroom come to life with fun!

The set includes:

A classroom newsletter template

How we get home transportation cards (bus rider, after school, van, walkers, car pickup)

How we get home sign

Blank labels for cubbies or supply cabinets (3x5)

Blank sign (perfect for class rosters, welcome signs etc.)

Nametags for student desks

ABC's for a word wall or ABC chart

Word Wall sign

Blank round signs (2 sizes)

8.5x11 learning center signs ( Math center, writing center, language center, reading center, art center)

Supply labels for classroom supplies (3x5)

Table signs ( Table 1, 2 ,3,4 & 5)

Large number signs ( 1 - 20)

Open house sign in sheet

Open house foldable signs ( please sign in, welcome to open house, please take one)

8.5x11 binder covers (data notebook, grade book, lesson plans, sub plans, progress monitoring)

Afternoon dismissal chart

2 page lesson plan template (colorful)

2 page lesson plan template (simple)

Blank circles ( 2 sizes) (These are perfect for adding colorful letters to, hole punching the sides and attaching with ribbon, make welcome banners, bulletin board letters and signs)

class roster

 Colorful pom poms are all the rage this school year. They are so inexpensive and fun to make and will definitely brighten up even the gloomiest of rooms.

This set compliments Dots on Turquoise made by creative teaching press 

This is one of my all time favorite classroom kits!

A tech tip for you!

If you are purchasing this item from our online store you will be receiving it as a pdf to preserve original content. However you most likely will want to make this kit your own by typing your newsletters etc on it. So you need to find an online converter to convert the pdf to a word document. (you can find free samples of this type of software) To write on it draw a text box right click on it to format go to colors and lines make sure none is selected for fill and for line. Now you have made an invisible text box which you can use to type wherever you please on the document.  The fonts used in this pack are learning curve and howser and can be found for free online at sites like dafont.com. and Kevin & Amanda's fonts You will also notice once you convert it that the images are individual jpgs. This is helpful if you would like to convert say your newsletter into its own file. You would copy and past the newsletter image into a new document and save as just your newsletter. You would insert the text boxes and such in the same way.

Happy Back to School 

We are so excited to bring you these materials we hope that you will love them as much as we do. We would love to see pictures of your classrooms using our products.

If your pictures are used in a blog post we will offer you a discount on your next purchase. You can email your photos to simplysprout@gmail.com.....we love before and after shots! Happy Decorating!


Feeling lucky????? Be sure to sign up for our 20,000 view giveaway

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Lil Sprouts Book Club: Make a Vacation Book

Summer vacation will be over before we know it (moment of silence please) and our memories will be stored in our hearts, on video, and in xsome great photos.  This week for Lil Sprouts Book Club I thought it would be a great opportunity to have your children make a book of their own.  This is an excellent for a time of reflection at home as the summer days wind to a close, or during the first week of school.

Have children collect pictures or post cards of a trip, activity, or event that they participated in this summer.  We visited the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta while passing through, and my son picked out several postcards that he liked.  Its been weeks since our trip, and as I pulled them out today he was still able to name the animals and talk to me about them.  I decided that these post cards would make the perfect little book about his time at the aquarium. 

A vacation book has no rules.  You can encourage children to write or tell you about the things they saw, heard, touched, or felt while visiting.  You could have them make a fictitious story with the pictures they've assembled.  Or they could even choose to make it a book of facts about things that they've learned.

Using some white card stock paper, the map, ticket stubs, a gift shop bag, and of course the post cards we were ready to make a one of a kind book!  I cut the gift store bag down and glued it to the cover.  I had my son pick out sequins and place them on the dots of glue that I placed on the cover (great fine motor skill practice).  Then we talked a little more about the animals, and I wrote simple sentences to correlate to each post card.

I hole punched and tied it up with some ribbon, and it was snatched up quickly by the little reader in the house!  He was quite proud of his sequin work!

It's one of many ocean related books found in the reading nook of our house, but the only one made especially for him!  What a great way to showcase special times in your child's life.  I can't wait to have my students make summer books of their own when they come back to school.  What an amazing summer book library we'll have!

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