How to Purge Your Kids' Closets

Keeping up with my kids' clothes can feel like a full time job sometimes! 

Between finding great deals on items that they need, laundering their clothes, keeping their dressers/closets sorted/organized, purging items that need to go, transitioning out pieces my older one has outgrown and adding them to his little brother's closet...maintaining organization in this area definitely keeps me busy! 

Today, I am sharing my best practice for How to Purge Your Kids' Closets! 

While preferences will differ when it comes to how to tackle this, these tips have helped us be successful in eliminating clothing clutter and staying organized!

1. Remove everything from the closet (or dresser)! This will allow you to take a close look at each item. Check for stains/wear. Check the size - Does it still fit? Do you/your child (depending on their age) love the item? Does your child actually wear the item? If they don't wear it or you find yourself thinking They might wear it someday. get rid of it: unless it is a size/piece you have purchased for a future season. (Read: How Buying Ahead Saves Us Loads of Money)

2. Think carefully about each item that you return to the closet/dresser. Purge items that are stained/worn. Purge items that no longer fit. Purge items that were gifted/passed down to your family that you/your child don't really love/wear - Yes, even if the item(s) came from grandma.

In the dresser drawers, there is a drawer for casual shirts, a drawer for shorts, and a drawer for jeans.
Keeping this simple makes it easy for my little ones to assist with putting away laundry and picking out their own clothes to wear. 

In the closet, I hang nicer tops/sweaters, dresses, and coats. 

*Your approach to this may differ depends on where you live (We are in the Carolinas where many items work year-round.), the size of your closets, etc.*

3. Make smart decisions about what to do with items you have purged:

My Recommendations

Return any/all recently purchased/gifted items that still have the tags - Yes, even if you don't have a receipt. Many stores will offer you store credit toward/or the option to trade for something you actually need. This is just one small part of How I'm Able to Dress My Kids for Free - and you can, too! (Read: How to Dress Your Kids for Free)

Sell higher end name brand items on eBay or another great on-line marketplace - new options seem to be popping up all the time! (Read: How I Earn Extra Cash from Home)

While I choose not to consign my kids' clothes, you may love this option! 

(Read: Why I Don't Consign My Kids' Clothes)

Have a yard sale! Now hear me out...I'm not talking about a yard sale where you practically give your items away - charging customers only $.25 or $.50 for nice children's items simply because you want to get rid of the stuff. There are ways for you to actually make money having a yard sale, and I would love for you to read my tips for how that is possible! 

How to Have a Yard Sale (And Actually Make Money)

Donate your items! Help a charity of your choice while also taking a tax deduction for yourself - It's a win/win for everyone! 

I love this tip from A Bowl Full of Lemons: 

Keep a laundry basket (with a trash bag inside) in your closet. Whenever you want to purge clothing, just toss it into the basket. Once the trash bag is full, it's time to donate!

A Little Encouragement: 

Keep few (if any) sentimental items. When it comes to purging items that are no longer needed, sell them...donate them...pass them along to someone else before they yellow...before they become dated/out-of-style. Release them - allowing someone else to enjoy the life that's left in them rather than you hoarding them for years to come.

Want to have a cleaner home? Own less stuff. It works every time. - becoming minimalist

Read: Tips for Purging Your Home

Follow All Kinds of Things's board All Kinds of Things' Posts on Pinterest.

Also, be sure to check out my best tips for How to Purge Your Closet:

5 Books I Plan to Keep

In Tips for Purging Your Home, I shared my thoughts on storing already-ready books:

We do not keep [very many] books (including completed Bible study workbooks, cookbooks, etc.). There are a few books that have literally changed my life. These [less than a dozen] books can be found on the bookshelves in our study, but all other books - after they are read - are purged. I may take a snapshot of any interesting thoughts, inspiring quotes, etc. but the books do not stay in our house. I do not take the same approach with children's books - We have plenty of those as they serve a very different purpose in our home.

So today, I am sharing 5 books that have had a powerful impact on my life...

5 Books that I Plan to Keep.

1. It's Not About Me by Max Lucado

This book is all about reminding us that there is more to life than living for ourself. Max Lucado challenges his readers to a lifestyle that is very different from what the current culture embraces. This is a quick yet powerful read that I have always kept on my bookshelf.

2. The Fifth Gospel by Bobby Conway

This book is centered around the following idea: There are five Gospels...Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and You - the Christian. Most people will never read the first four. Wow!

3. The Zippered Heart by Marilyn Meberg

Several years ago, I read this book, and it impacted me in a powerful way! It deals with many issues that so many women prefer to keep locked inside. I have always so appreciate the real-ness of this book and have held on to it to read again in the future.

4. Boundaries by Cloud & Townsend

This book completely changed my life! The principles in this book revolutionized my way of thinking. As a result of this book, I left [most] of my people-pleasing habits behind and began to live with healthy boundaries in my life. I am a better for it! I can't say enough about the impact this book has had on me.

5. Weird by Craig Groeschel

If you have looked around and realized that normal isn't working, you will love this book and the challenge to live Weird. Powerful stuff, friends - Get ready for some major changes in your perspective and way of life.

5 Weird Things We Want for Our Children

How to Make Perfect Scrambled Eggs

Want to know How to Make Perfect Scrambled Eggs? 

Step #1 - In a bowl, scramble your desired number of eggs.

Step #2 - Pour in a splash of milk. (Whatever you do, please do not miss this key step!)

Step #3 - Add a little pepper...Add a dash of garlic...Add a tinsy bit of seasoning salt.

Step #4 - Throw in some chopped up spinach.

Step #5 - Throw this concoction in a pan and cook on low heat #lowandslow until eggs are fluffily cooked. (I have never in my life used the phrase fluffily cooked...I'm not even sure it makes sense...but you know what I mean, right?)

Step #6 - Top with sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkling of green onions.

Step #7 - Serve with a side of bacon...and maybe some pancakes...and maybe some biscuits and gravy...

Step #8 - Go visit the heart doctor - While you're at it, have the doc check your cholesterol.

Save Big Shopping for Back to School

Back-to-School can create a lot of expense - especially if you have multiple children that you are preparing for a new school year! 

This post includes some of my favorite tips for how to save big when shopping for back to school:

Save Big Shopping for Back to School

Take Inventory

Before you begin shopping, take inventory! 

Do your kids have any school supplies that were left over from last year?
Do you already own any of the needed items on their school supply list?
(Check your coupon stockpile - if you have one: You should already have the tissues...the Ziploc bags...the hand sanitizer...all of those kinds of non-perishable items that many schools require...items that you have found great coupon deals on along the way! If you are not prepared in this way, be sure to make a mental note and plan ahead for next year. This approach will save you loads!)

Browse their closets!

What clothing items do they need?
What clothing items do they not need?

As you're browsing, purge! Clear out items your kids no longer wear/need. Find a way to make money off of these items, and then use the money to purchase needed items. This is - in part - how I'm basically able to dress my kids for free!

Buy Ahead of Time! 

Don't wait until back-to-school shopping is in full swing! Buy items at the end of season - the year prior. Hit up your favorite consignment sales! Shop yard sales throughout the summer before school starts. Avoid the chaos of back-to-school shopping. Avoid the pretend sales that oftentimes aren't really sales at all. Save money by shopping ahead:

Read: How Buying Ahead Saves Us Money

Buy Quality

Yes, this sometimes means you will pay a little more up front - even when shopping in a smart, savvy way, but it will be worth it! By buying quality backpacks, lunchboxes, etc, you will be able to make various items last for two...sometimes even three years.

Purchase clothing that will last! 

Buy name brand, quality items that will last all throughout the school year (and maybe even beyond that). You want items that will hold up to wear and tear...hold up in the laundry - better clothes will simply last longer. Psst...you don't have to spend a lot to buy quality items - I promise!

I have actually found that my kiddos do not grow out of certain brands quite as quickly. Do your kids have items from last year that still fit them? Probably so. Any chance their winter coat still fits? By recycling a few items here and there, you can save lots. 

Spray those new tennis shoes!

While most of my kids' clothing is purchased second-hand, most of their shoes are purchased new. Especially when it comes to tennis shoes, I always like to coat them with a protective spray - before my kids wear them for the first time. Doing so definitely extends the life of their tennis shoes!

School Supplies

Throughout the summer, watch for school supply specials at your local office supply stores as well as your local dollar stores. Also know that most office supply stores will match Amazon prices - so be sure to check Amazon before you buy! I have also found amazing deals at drugstores!
Let the coupon blogs do the work for you - watching for them to let you know when you can score Crayola crayons for FREE, notebooks for $.17, glue sticks for $.25. Yes, these deals happen...and when they do, I stock up - even thinking ahead to the annual Operation Christmas Child outreach!
Note: For some items, you may even want to buy enough for the next year. Yes, that's what I said. Items that do not have a shelf life...items that you know for sure you will need again. If the deal is completely out of this world (Deal seekers, you know what I'm talking about here.), don't just think ahead...think way ahead! You'll be glad you did. 
P.S. Be sure to store them in an organized way that will allow you to actually find them when you need them.
Some moms will purchase supplies on clearance after school starts and then put them away for the next school year - smart, smart, smart.

Lunches
This will look different for each family, but packing lunches for your kiddos can help to save you lots of money. Over the weekend, go ahead and organize the items they will need for their lunch - Use Ziploc bags to portion their snacks. Wash/Cut/Prepare their fruits and veggies. There are little things you can do ahead of time to make your week run just a tad smoother - keeping you from having to pay for convenience on those extra stressful mornings. This kind of organization can also give you a head start on meal prep for busy weeknights:

Follow All Kinds of Things's board All Kinds of Things' Recipes on Pinterest.

Required Reading

Leading up the start of a new school year, many students are required to read various titles. Check your local library...search for free/low-cost downloads of these books. This may prove to save your family a bundle!

Carpool
Have you considered carpooling with another family? Gas savings, anyone? Sounds good to me!

Speaking of gas savings, check out how we're consistently paying $40 for $50 of gas:
Saving Money on Gas with Harris Teeter

Quick Question:
Does your state have a tax-free weekend? This can be helpful...in some ways...though the savviest of shoppers definitely proceed with caution.

What tips have worked for your family? I love adding to my lists of money-saving ideas!

Follow All Kinds of Things's board AKOT - Thrifty Tips on Pinterest.

Wrap-a-Box Art Activity

Looking for a simple activity that will engage your little artist? This Wrap-a-Box Art Activity has been a lot of fun for the little hands that live in my house!

Step #1 - Grab a box - any size will do. 

Step #2 - Wrap it in white or brown craft paper. 

Step #3 - Give your kids the freedom to decorate the wrapped box however they choose!

Let them use crayons, markers, paper, glue, felt, foam, pom poms - The sky's the limit.

Do your kiddos have a set of Mr. Sketch markers? They are perfect for this activity!

Follow All Kinds of Things's board All Kinds of Things' Posts on Pinterest.

How to Save Money Shopping Kid's Consignment

Do you love consignment season? While I don't consign my kids' clothes, I will admit that shopping the sales can be a lot of fun! However, in order to make the most of shopping this way, there are some specific things I do to make sure I am actually saving money! 

How to Save Money Shopping Kid's Consignment will give you a glimpse in to my best practice, and I would love to hear what has worked for you!  

How to Save Money Shopping Kid's Consignment

My Favorite Kid's Sale in the Carolinas: Kat's Kid Sale

Before You Shop:

As consignment season draws near, make a game plan! I like to check Consignment Mommies for a complete listing of all the upcoming sales in my area. After having my first little one, I hit several sales - and it was just too much! Too many sales...Too much stuff...just too much...but this did give me an idea of which sales would be my favorite in the future. Now I simply mark my calendar for a couple of my favorite sales and don't sweat it if I don't make it to any of the others. 

Before you head to the sales, browse your kiddos' closets! 

What do they need? What do they not need? 

As you're browsing, purge! Clear out items your kids no longer wear/need. Find a way to make money off of these items (You may even chose to consign them.), and then use the money to purchase needed items. This is - in part - how I'm basically able to dress my kids for free, and you can do it, too.

Now it's time to shop! 

My Top Tips for Shopping Kid's Consignment

While waiting to shop on half-price day might provide you some bargains, you definitely don't get the best selection. If at all possible, arrive at the start of the sale. You may even choose to consign your items simply so you can shop before the public - I totally get that!

Upon entering the sale, head straight for the section that includes that items that you need the most. For me, I have the most difficulty finding larger boys' sizes that are in nice condition - So I head straight for that section, and I usually find myself alone there! I grab the very best pieces I can find and then move to the sections that include plenty to go around for everything - like the little girl's section. There is always plenty to choose from there! 

Only shop for high end brands! When shopping consignment, skip over lower-end brands that can be found anywhere...at any time...for a low price. When I attack [especially] that larger boys' section, I'm looking for Ralph Lauren Polo...Gap...Boden...etc. - brands that I know are harder to find...in great condition...at a low price.

As you shop, grab items that immediately speak to you! With consignment prices being a bit higher than yard sale prices, I only snatch up things that I truly love on the spot. 

When you have finished shopping, find a spot where you can sit down and go through your items. Carefully look at each piece - watch for stains that were missed at check-in...watch for wear that you didn't spot at first...make sure the price tag has not left a hole in the item...etc. This will give you the opportunity to talk yourself out of any damaged or unnecessary items that you might have grabbed on impulse. Most sales offer an area for shoppers to do this very thing, and this step has saved me from wasting money at the sales!

A Couple of Last Minute Thoughts

You know yourself...your shopping habits...the way you respond in this type of shopping environments...so ask yourself:

Do I need to pay with cash?

Do I need to be careful about what friend(s) I shop with at the event? Do I need to shop alone? Do I need to take a specific buddy who will make sure I don't go too crazy?

While shopping the sales can be a lot of fun, I'm sure we've all been guilty of getting caught up in the excitement. These tips have helped me attack these sales in a savvy way that keeps me from overspending and buying items that we really don't need. 

What are your best tips for shopping kid's consignment? 

For a little bit more about what I'm looking for when I'm bargain-shopping for my kids, check out:

How Buying Ahead Saves Us Money

Linking Up With The Modest Mom, My Joy-Filled Life, A Wise Woman, Women with Intention, Oh Tiny Gifts, and A Mama's Story~

2 Easy Steps to Maintaining a Tidy Kitchen

The kitchen is the hub of the home, which for us means that it can quickly become the messiest spot in the house! In the process of trying to figure out what works for our family, I have discovered 2 Easy Steps that make all the difference when it comes to maintaining order in our kitchen.

2 Easy Steps to Maintaining a Tidy Kitchen

Step #1

At night, load the dishwasher.

In the morning, unload the dishwasher. 

Step #2

Clear your counters every.single.night.

Clearing your counters may seem overwhelming at first, but if you start doing it every night, less will accumulate over time, and the task will not seem quite as overwhelming each time. Enlist help from the entire family! Encourage them to take responsibility for their stuff. Ask them to help you brainstorm ideas for how to get organized and keep up with this!

Need a few ideas to get you started? 

Check out: 3 Easy Steps to Keeping Your Kitchen Counter Tops Clear

Linking Up With The Modest Mom, My Joy-Filled Life, A Wise Woman, Women with Intention, and A Mama's Story~

Mr. Potato Head Birthday Party

From invitations to tablescape, this post includes close-up snapshots of a joint-birthday party we recently threw for our boys. Our theme? Mr. Potato Head!

Invitations:

I love creating hand-made invitations~ 

I found the Mr. Potato Head template here, and used 40% Off Michael's coupons to purchase the cards/envelopes, cardstock, and bowtie stickers. The googly eyes are from The Dollar Store

Our birthday parties are small family affairs, so this makes it completely doable for me to create the invitations~

I love layering and using various textures, materials, etc. and I usually have enough leftover supplies on hand to create coordinating thank-you notes to send after the party.

Caleb's First Birthday Party Invitations

Caleb's Second Birthday Party Invations

Making invitations that have a little depth to them usually requires a little extra postage, but because I don't send very many, it's no problem.

Inside the Invitation:

The colorful polka-dot background is gift wrap purchased from the Target Dollar Spot. The cardstock inserts were printed using Microsoft Publisher, and the monogrammed stickers were found at a yard sale for $.25.

I covered the front with a coordinating piece of cardstock and tied the bundle with some colorful twine. The twine is from the Target Dollar Spot. 

This all helped to protect the invitation during shipment.

This Mr. Potato Head Birthday was so much fun to put together! 

I love all of the fun colors and options for celebrating birthdays with this theme!

My Favorite Tablescape Tip: 

Leading up to our celebrations, I will save boxes (usually various boxes from bulk-packaged items we have purchased at Sam's Club), and wrap them in festive gift wrap. I typically find my best gift wrap at Home Goods. These boxes provide a super cute display space that also gives a little height to the table!

My Mr. Potato Heads have come from yard sales, consignment sales, or free off of Craig's List!

I love Party City's plastic plate selection - fun colors and great quality every single time!

Party City also has a great selection of colorful candy! 

Be sure to get your hands on one of their $5 off $25 coupons~

Serving bottled/canned drinks made it possible to go without cups! 

Tricks like this can definitely help your party run smoothly.

*Whether using cups, bottles, or can, I like to offer guests a Sharpie marker so they can write their name on their drink.*

On the Menu:

We did a baked potato bar! I slow-baked potatoes in the oven for a couple hours leading up to the celebration. Just before it was time to eat, I set out a variety of toppings - butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, chili, etc. All super easy to prepare ahead of time, and our guests seemed to enjoy building their creations. 

These fun little buckets are also from Party City - The cardboard label tags are from Target's Dollar Spot.

Caleb (along with his Granna) made the birthday cupcakes, and then all of the little ones in the family used our old-fashioned icecream maker to make homemade icecream. Allowing them to be involved in the process made it that much more fun for them! The fruit cups were also a fun, colorful option - I picked up lots of fruit and was able to quickly put these little gems together ahead of time and simply pull them out of the fridge when it was time to eat.

Party Games/Activities:

Hot Potato, anyone?

Potato Head Decorating/Potato Head Parades

Playdoh Potato Heads

Potato Head Puzzles

Following each birthday party, I breathe for five minutes, and then I begin mentally planning that child's next celebration. Throughout the year, I keep an eye out for items that will coordinate with the theme/style that I have in mind. As I'm browsing my favorite stores, bargain hunting, etc. I come across items that I love, and by the time the big day rolls around, I have gathered everything I need to throw the party that I've created in my mind. No rushing around at the last minute. No settling for cheap junk. No overspending. I try to approach holidays, special celebrations, vacations, etc. this way - giving myself more than enough time to carefully plan and execute.

Follow All Kinds of Things's board Birthday Parties - All Kinds of Things on Pinterest.

Linking Up With: Curly Crafty Mom, The Modest Mom, My Joy-Filled Life, A Wise Woman, Women with Intention, and A Mama's Story~

How to Keep Your Kitchen Countertops Clear

It is absolutely hilarious that I am writing this post...Why? Because keeping our kitchen countertops clear is a constant battle in our home. In Jill Savage's book, "No More Perfect Moms", she explains that keeping up with this task can feel like shoveling snow while it's still snowing! She is so right! 

In the process of trying to figure out what works for our family, I have discovered 3 Easy Steps that make all the difference for us:

How to Keep Your Kitchen Countertops Clear

Make sure everything has a place! 

Immediately toss junk mail - don't let it sit.

Create a designated place for backpacks, purses, jackets/coats, etc.

Provide your family with a large bowl or basket that is intended to house car keys, tech devices, etc.

Put away items you don't use on a regular basis.

For example, when it comes to appliances that you don't use every day, store them in your cabinets.

If you find yourself low on storage space, consider storing some of your seasonal items in another location in your home.

Clear your counters every.single.night.

Before you go to bed, make sure your counters are clear - I typically tackle this task after dinner while the rest of my crew tidies up our family room area. This is also when I load the dishwasher: Load/Start the dishwasher at night - Empty in the morning -

Another habit that has made all the difference in our house!

Clearing your counters may seem overwhelming at first, but if you start doing it every night, less will accumulate over time, and the task will not seem quite as overwhelming each time. Enlist help from the entire family! Encourage them to take responsibility for their stuff. Ask them to help you brainstorm ideas for how to get organized and keep up with this!

See the photo to the left? That's what our kitchen island typically looks like around dinner time...

See the photo to the right? That is my goal! 

Do I always reach my goal? Not always - especially on the weekends - but when the counters are clear, I feel like I can breathe a little easier, so we try to make it happen as much as possible.

When I go to bed with clear counters, I wake up to clear counters!

I love when that happens...even if by lunch time it looks like a bomb went off once again.

Linking Up With The Modest Mom, My Joy-Filled Life, A Wise Woman, Women with Intention, and A Mama's Story~

On Writing Controversial Posts

Several months ago, I shared about some blogging advice that my husband gave me - You see, he reads my blog every once in awhile, and he said to me, "You are being entirely too cautious. For fear of offending, you are completely avoiding writing about some of the topics that mean the most to you." And you know what? He was exactly right! 

Read: My Most Controversial Posts

That is exactly what I was doing. I was avoiding certain topics...I wasn't writing a whole lot about being a stay-at-home mom, because I did not want to cast any more fuel on the ever-raging mommy wars. I wasn't writing much about why we have chosen faith-based education our children, because once again...there are so many misunderstandings out there about this topic - especially when it comes to homeschooling. So, I began to address some of the topics that were close to my heart. I wrote about my choice to be fully committed to our family's home life as well as why we passionately reject government schooling for our children. 

You know what the result was? Sure, there have been ugly comments...rude responses...misunderstandings, but there has also been freedom. I have found freedom in my writing. I have found connection with many like-minded individuals who have been an incredible encouragement to me. For every reader I may have lost, I have gained many more - readers who either embrace my same passion(s) or who simply enjoy a healthy discussion - even if we disagree.

Fellow bloggers, maybe there is a topic on your heart that you would like to write about...but you're afraid. May I encourage you to step out in freedom and make connections with others who share your perspective? After all, isn't that what this online world is all about? 

On Writing Controversial Posts

When stepping out in this way, there are a few things to keep in mind: 

1. Be true to who you are. When readers come to my space, I want them to know that they are going to get a real and honest look at who I am. Do I think carefully before posting? Absolutely. Do I do my best to carefully organize my thoughts before posting? You bet. However, I promise them an authentic piece of my heart, and I want to consistently deliver.

2. Don't be afraid to be different. There are enough bloggers out there saying the same thing...over and over again. Why not share your honest thoughts? Even though they might be different...even though they might not be popular...even though they might challenge your readers. I realize that not everyone is this way, but I don't always want someone to tell me what I want to hear - sometimes I want to have my toes stepped on a bit. You have a unique perspective, and no one can share it quite like you! There is freedom in telling your story in a way that will not only encourage - but at times, challenge - those who follow along with your space.

3. Adjust your comment settings. In this blogging space, anonymous comments are not viewed or published. Harsh or overly critical comments are not published. Kind, respectful comments are always published - Even if the reader wholeheartedly disagrees with me...if they have constructively addressed our differences, I am more than willing to publish their comment.

4. In your posts, include disclaimers. These will not always be 100% effective, but they do give you an opportunity to clarify your thoughts a bit. For example, in my post Can I Afford to Stay Home with My Babies?, I explained that the post was not intended for mothers who have faced great tragedy or devastating loss. I explained that the post was not intended for moms who have chosen full-time careers. I explained that the post was specifically designed to provide guidance for those seeking direction regarding the topic. Who submitted the angry comments? Who sent the harsh e-mails? You guessed it. 

No post has brought more of a response from my readers than: To the Parents Who Let Their Children Play on Their iPad During Church I never dreamed that this post would receive so much attention or end up being so controversial. Once again, I included various disclaimers such as, "...it is only fair to recognize that some children have special needs that play a role in their ability to handle certain environments. I understand that you know your child...their abilities...their struggles..." While many reached out in agreement regarding my thoughts, who has been most upset by this post? Once again, you guessed it. 

*After a post goes live, you may find yourself feeling as if you need to go back in and adjust your wording, clarify one [or more] of your thoughts, include an additional disclaimer, etc. If so, simply go back in and make your changes. While you may remain confident in your stance on a topic, sometimes you may find it necessary to tweak your post a bit - and that's okay!*

 5. Be prepared. Many of my posts are written weeks/sometimes months in advance and scheduled to go live at a future date. You may do this same thing or write as you go, but either way: be ready. When writing about certain topics, know that you are going to receive a variety of responses - You will connect with those who agree, but you will also connect with those who disagree. You must be able to maintain a thick-skin and not allow the differences to bother you. 

6. Be kind. The goal is never to attack...or confront...or be disrespectful in any way. Readers may misunderstand or misinterpret your post, but make every effort possible to honor their time and their opinions in the same way you have asked them to do for you. If you choose to respond to someone who disagrees with you, do so with grace and humility.

If you are a blogger who chooses to avoid any and all controversy, I completely understand. If you are a blogger who has chosen to keep your blog somewhat undercover - not sharing it with your relatives or personal friends, I can wholeheartedly understand your reasoning. Some writers are not comfortable stepping out in this way, and that is absolutely their call to make! After all, it is their blog...their space to share in whatever way they choose, but if you are someone who finds yourself in the place where I was - holding back out of fear - may I encourage you to let go and make connections? You will begin to appreciate your blogging space in a whole new way.

#1 Tip for Teacher Organization

Today, I am sharing my #1 Tip for Classroom Teacher Organization!

If you do nothing else to get your year off to an organized start, at least make sure you do this!

At the beginning of the school year, print a list that includes each child's first name. 

*In alphabetical order - either by first name or last name - depending on how you do your documentation for grading, etc.*

If you have students with the same first name, include their last initial - but keep your list as simple as possible. 

Use a fun font, but one that works for you, and set your font size to be around 18 - just make sure that everyone's name fits in one column. 

Create a Word Document that includes 2-3 of these columns - Print & Cut! 

Print lots of these! 

(Just don't print so many that you don't leave room for a new student or two or three to join you throughout the year when you will need to update and reprint your list. 

Keep your stack of columns handy! 

I typically kept several in my classroom desk drawer...and several in my teacher bag...to where they were ALWAYS handy! 

As field trip permission slips were returned, I crossed names off of a list. 

As math homework was returned, I crossed names off of a list. 

As students were featured as student-of-the-week, I crossed names off of a list. 

As special projects were presented to the class, I crossed names off of a list. 

This allowed me to quickly look at my list and see who:

had yet to turn in their field trip permission slip...

needed to complete their math homework...

were waiting to be featured as student-of-the-week...

had not yet presented their special project to the class...

etc. 

*Use a sharpie...or a highlighter...something that will make it as easy as possible for you to use these lists for quick glancing!*

Yes, each stack of papers (seatwork, homework, quizzes, tests, etc.) had one of these lists attached to it. Not only was I easily able to keep track of missing work, but I was able to record scores/grades/etc. next to each name and then very quickly enter those scores in to my grade book - hard copy & online. 

Crayon-Themed Gift for Students: 

Are you a parent/grandparent looking for a great gift idea or a teacher searching for a little something for your students?  

If so, check out "The Crayon Box that Talked"! 

Paired with a box of crayons, it makes the perfect little combo for any preschool or lower-elementary student.

I have had a great success using these creative "out-of-the-box" activities with varying age groups of elementary students! These projects can be adjusted to fit your specific needs - no matter the age, grade, or teaching environment:

Also, be sure to visit my Teachers Pay Teachers shop!