A Quick, Easy Way to Line 'Em Up!

I'm linking up with Bright Ideas today to bring you a really simple way to line up your students.

This year I will be using numbers for the first time.  I feel like numbers are everywhere in my room now!  Including...my floor!

I don't know about you, but my students argue ALL. THE. TIME about where they stand in line.  I've tried line leaders, I've tried cabooses, I've tried special helpers.  My students have fought with each other over where to stand in line.  They cut each other, tattle, cry...I even had students MISS RECESS because they wanted to be first in line, so they'd line up on the playground and just sit there to ensure that they got the spot they wanted!  I don't know what it is.  My famous line is, "We're all going to the same place and we'll all get there at about the same time.  IT DOESN'T MATTER."  Sound familiar?

So this year I though, "I'm done."  No more arguing.

I bought calendar numbers from Lakeshore Learning and used clear contact paper to stick them to the floor.  Easy peasy!

Now there's no more reason to fight and miss recess!  They each have their own spot.  It's visible in the classroom to help them learn where to go.  It should be so easy for them to find their number and stand there.  I teach 1st graders, so we won't have to waste any time trying to line up in numerical order and figure out who is in front of each kid and who is behind.  I'm so excited to see how smooth these transition periods go when they have a specific spot in line!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram if you don't already!  I'm constantly posting pictures each day!  :)  You can follow me at "sarahlynnkirby".

There are TONS of bright ideas out there today!  Make sure you take a look around and visit the other blogs to see their tips and tricks!  I *LOVE* reading these and find so many easy, fantastic ideas!  Happy Saturday and Happy Reading! ;)

An InLinkz Link-up

Bright Ideas Blog Hop - Informational Writing Bracelets

I just love this blog link-up!  It is my absolute favorite.  It makes me want to go in and start completely revamping my classroom from the inside out.

I'm SO excited to share this idea with you.  I love it, my kids love it, and the biggest thing is that it HELPS THEM WRITE!  We've been working on writing informational books lately.  Getting first graders to give lots of details is sometimes a struggle.  They aren't quite sure what all to write about.  Although we read lots of mentor texts, share the pen, and use graphic organizers to plan our writing, some of them still can't quite understand what they need to do.  I came up with a quick little reminder for them when they sit down to write.  This is really going to help them at the end of the year on their end-of-year writing assessment!

I give you...

Informational Writing Bracelets!

Supplies Needed:

-Black pipe cleaners
-Pony beads in the following colors: green, white, orange, brown, blue, yellow, and red
-Scissors

Each color bead represents a different sentence that goes into their paragraph/book.  In the end, the students end up with 7 sentences!  It's just a quick and simple reminder of the information they need to include.

We created an anchor chart to help the students learn to remember what each color bead stands for.  I have it hanging in our room so they can easily refer to it if they need a quick reminder.

It's such an easy thing to put together and use!  I got all of the supplies at Hobby Lobby.  I distribute them at the beginning of each writer's workshop and then collect them when we are done.  The kids want to take them home so badly, but I know I'll never see them again.  ;)  They'll be so excited when I send them home at the end of the year!

Let me know if you end up trying this and how it works out for your students!  :)

If you enjoyed this bright idea, consider following me on Facebook and Instagram!

For more bright ideas, click on any of the links below.  Thanks for visiting!  :)

An InLinkz Link-up

Bright Ideas - Write and Wipe Pockets

Are you having fun yet with the Bright Ideas Blog Hop?  I truly believe this is the BEST hop I have ever seen in the blogging world!

A few years ago I purchased these Write and Wipe Pockets to use in my classroom.  I used to have the students practice their cursive handwriting with them when I taught 3rd grade.  Then I switched grade levels and they got shoved in a closet and I forgot about them.  This brings me to today.

Some of my sweet little firsties have been STRUGGLING with writing.  Getting them to remember a capital letter and period is a miracle, let alone making sure they have acceptable content!  I wanted a way for them to be able to go step-by-step through their writing to make sure it had everything they needed.  I thought about making a little checklist for them, but I didn't want to run off paper every week for it.  Plus, we are trying to conserve paper/copying in our building, so I was trying to be mindful of that as well.  So I give you...

Not only did these save printing off a checklist for each kid each week, but it completely helped them revise their papers so that they had all the necessary components!  If you don't have these pockets, sheet protectors work just as well.  Just type up a little check sheet of what you want your students to focus on (and this could be differentiated to meet the needs of each student), slide them in a pocket, and give them to the students along with a dry-erase marker and eraser!  Instead of printing off 20 copies each week, you print off 20 copies for the entire YEAR!

Are you ready to keep reading up on fresh ideas for your classroom?  Next in the hop is Primary Inspired with suggestions on making 'tips' on the end of yarn and string for projects!  You'll love her idea!  Click on her button below to see her post. :)

You can always check out the links below that are all part of our hop.  Have fun hopping!!!!!  I know I am!!!!

An InLinkz Link-up

An InLinkz Link-up