M.O.N.KEY.S Folders

Well, it is official.  I am gearing up for the start of school.  My husband calls it my "nesting period" and knows to stay out of my way.  Every year begins with my M.O.N.KEY.S Folders where I reevaluate my classroom management from last year and decide how this year will be different. 

I started using these folders after visiting www.jmeacham.com six years ago when I got my first teaching job.  These folders are such a great way to communicate with parents and teach my students responsibility.  I make a big deal about not losing their folder and bringing it to school everyday.  I think, in six years, I've only lost one.  Sometimes, they get misplaced but when I tell parents I don't replace them, they usually turn up.

This year's folder's are the red 3-prong, plastic folders.  Imagine my excitement when I found them on sale at Wal-Mart for $0.50.  In addition, the Dollar Tree usually has great learning stickers to dress up the inside covers.  This year, I have 100s charts I had left over from last year and some colorful 1-20 number stickers. 


I also print my own labels for the cover and inside using the Avery shipping labels. Google
Docs wasn't cooperating with me when I tried to upload them, so for now, here's a list of what I use.

• Cover for their name
• Kindergarten Shapes
• Left at Home
• Right back to school
• Library day reminder
• Kindergarten sight words
• Money and Notes
• Homework

My folders will also include:

• Clear plastic pouch for money and notes
• Clear plastic sleeve for snack calendar and monthly calendar
• Slash pocket to hold homework
• Teacher/Parent Communication Log
• M.O.N.KEY.S Introduction Page
• Classroom Management Plan
• Behavior Matrix

That's it for now.  I'm still trying to wrap my brain around Math Workstations.  I really like the new Debbie Diller book, but I'm also a BIG "Daily 5" freak.  My brain is still trying to process how to marry these two ideas and make it my own.  Hopefully, I will have that figured out soon and be able to share that next.