Take Home Folders and B2S SALE!

I'm sure you have all heard, but TpT is having their annual Back to School Sale beginning tomorrow! Everything in my store will be 20% off, AND you can get an extra 10% off if you use the code BTS12. Happy shopping everyone! I'm so excited to purchase some things that have been sitting on my wish list far too long!

I also wanted to show you guys what I have been working on the past two days...take home folders. Our principal has always given us planners for the kids, so I never had to worry too much about this. I was able to record their behavior for the day and communicate with parents all in one book.  Unfortunately I'm not getting planners this year, so I had to come up with something that will work for me!

Here is what I've decided to do:

I used Deanna Jump's idea for the P.I.R.A.T.E. folder and made a label to go on the front.

Here is what it will look like when they open the folder. On the right is  a yearly calendar (that will be printed on card stock) put in pocket sleeves. I will use the calendar to write down behavior for the day. On the left is the pocket for homework.

The small label shows a picture of the behavior chart (my pirate-themed one) from the classroom, and our classroom rules. I will color (or write the letter) for where the student's clip was that day on the chart. If they broke a rule, I will also write the number for the rule they broke. I want parents to initial the calendar every night.

Here is an example of what the calendar will look like:

This student had great days except on Thursday, the 30th.  I wrote a "1" because they did not follow directions. Parents should initial this every night.

I think I will really like having this visual for several months at a time! On the label I wrote letters next to the behavior chart because I understand that some days I'm in a big hurry and might not have time to mark everyone's calendar with a highlighter/marker.

Behind the calendar will be a pocket sheet with a sign for important papers. This is where I will put permission forms, things to sign, etc. 

Behind that I made pages for parent communication. I like having all of this in one place! 

I'm still trying to decide about this one. I really don't want to go out and buy a class set of pencil bags, so I'll probably use baggies. This is where students will put money and other important items that could easily fall out of the folder. I folded over the bottom of a large baggie and punched holes through it so it wouldn't tear as easily. 

Finally, in the back pocket I will have a place for papers that need to stay home! Flyers, letters, etc. 

So there it is! I plan to make between 25-30 folders so I don't have to worry if one gets lost, or if I get a new student. It's just nice to have those kinds of things ready to go!