Here's another teacher post with past projects and easy ideas that can be implemented in the classroom.
First up, my owl poster. I always say if you can't find it, make it! Inspired by Susan Winget's owl design, I drew my owl on Kraft paper and painted it with acrylics. I made my own banner too. The only money I spent was on laminating my poster and banner. If you're tired of paying for posters and have a knack for drawing, this is a great alternative for classroom-themed decor.
My second project was sewing up my classroom management chart. In past years, I had made it with cardstock, but the wear and tear was quite clear, so this year, I translated my chart into a fabric version. I go by a one 1-2-3 count behavior system where 1 is a warning, 2 is a note home, and 3 is a detention. Each student has a clothes pin, and if they get a count they must move their pin from the line to the chart. Students who get 1 warning or none throughout the week, get a reward on Friday.
"Reading is a Hoot!" This year, I implemented a monthly reading challenge to monitor my student's reading and have the kids set goals for themselves. To make it fun and give a visual to their progress, I printed up a plain owl template which the students colored and cut out. Each student was given a plastic sandwich bag with a blank label on it for their name. I taped the owls with the baggies hanging under them.
I created mini book logs made up of printed labels that are stuck on small rectangular pieces of construction paper. To make it more appealing, I printed on the back of each book log a mouse, so every time a student finishes reading a book, they must fill out the book log and "feed" their owls. At the end of each month, I count the number of mice each student's owl has eaten. The top reader is awarded a certificate.
Other template ideas: Car template - the mini book logs can have gas pumps on the back. Each month you count the amount of "miles" each student's car has driven. Bulletin Board title: "Revved Up for Reading!"
* Hive template - mini book logs have a honey bee. Count how many bees have colonized each student's hive. Bulletin Board title: "Buzzed about Reading!"
* Monster template - mini book logs have "Boo!" Count how scary each student's monster has been. Bulletin Board title: "Mon-STAR Reading!"
* Flower template - mini book logs have water cans. Count how each student's flower has bloomed. Bulletin Board title: "Reading is in Bloom!"
That's all for now. If you have any other ideas, give a holler and share! Talk soon, Sue
