Extra Durable Book Bin or Student Book Box Tags

After having to remake damaged book bin labels and new student booknbox tags year after year, a simple, inexpensive kitchen item allowed me to make labels that are virtually indestructible and reusable.  

I love using these lids as a base because they are super inexpensive, but unbendable. I was able to purchase 24 lids for about $4.

Each lid will need a small hole big enough for a binder ring to go through. The best option is to use a drill, but hammering a nail through the top of the lid will work as well.  If using a drill, it is best to go through the hole in both directions to get rid of any sharp edges.  

I have created a variety of templates for sale at my TpT store.  Every color option is editable in order to fit your needs.

Click to go directly to the product you're interested in and download as a PowerPoint to allow you to edit.  Each product comes with complete directions:

• Relaxing Blue and Green
• Nifty Neon
• Contemporary Black and White
• Perfectly Primary

Simply print, laminate, and cut in order to apply the label to the canning lids.

Use a glue gun to adhere the label around the edges and press onto the shiny side of the lid. (Make sure the hole is facing the top!)  Once it has cooled, punch through the label with a pushpin or nail in order to help the binder ring go through.

And there is an extra bonus!  Each template comes with blank labels that you can print and laminate for student book boxes.  Simply write the student's name in permanent marker, and when the year is done use a rubber eraser or trace with a whiteboard marker. They will be as good as new for your future students!

My Summer Project: Revamping my Reading Instruction Organization

I am so excited to meet my students this fall and help them become Reading Mon-stars! Because I want to make my reading groups super flexible, I have made my system completely magnetic. Now I can move student groups and names with ease.

Although I used the trays and student magnets for Daily 5 choices last year, I have decided to revamp and use the trays for reading groups, and a spreadsheet system for Daily 5 choices. My students love to know what is expected of them during reading time, and when they meet with me. Not only will it be easy for them to see, but easy for me to rearrange students and groups as needed.

I created this cute Reading Mon-star theme that is available on my TpT store. I made a variety of labels for different days of the week or Daily 5 choices, so it can work for whatever structure you choose. This is such an easy and inexpensive way to organize.  

• Find all the printing materials below at my Tpt store.

TpT: Reading Mon-Stars

• The pizza trays were 88¢ at Walmart-Perfect!

• Magnets were made with glass accent stones, scrapbook paper and round magnet backs all from the dollar store.

• Print the reading group Mon-stars on magnetic printing sheets, or glue a magnetic strip on the back of the laminated card-stock, so you can easily switch the days your groups meet.

• The $3 target book bins will organize each groups materials for the week, making it easy to move from one group to the next. 

I also always wanted a way to display featured books without spending a ton of money on a book display shelf, or taking up valuable space in the classroom. Instead, I spent $5 on a rain gutter! I attached it to the wall with some anchors and screws, added a cute saying with letter stickers, and voila-a shelf for my featured books!