Back to School #2

As I organise my welcome to school gifts for students and introduction letters to parents there's one other person on my list who needs some attention- my wonderful teachers aide! I am fortunate enough to work in a school where I have a teachers aide in my room for most of the day. She is amazing and I can honestly say that my days would be duller without her. She sharpens the pencils, supports our students, provides an extra pair of hands to tie the never ending flood of shoe laces with… the list goes on! Whether they be new to my room or not, I like to set the tone and welcome volunteers and teachers aides with a small gesture to show my appreciation for all their hard work and commitment. Last year I made up a pencil case with  some classroom essentials inside. This is especially handy for teachers aides who move between classes as they can keep their supplies with them and save time searching in unfamiliar rooms. Since I will be working with the same teachers aide again this year I wanted to make something a little different.

This jar looks small in the photograph but it's actually an old coconut oil jar. It's about as tall as a pen. Inside I have: sticky notes, a mini stapler and refills, pens, sharpies, a pencil sharpener, hand sanitizer, a highlighter and lollies (of course!). In total this cost me less that $10 (thanks to Kmart & the reject shop). 

It's always nice for everyone to start the year on a positive note.

Beck xx

P.S If you'd like a copy of this label its available to download for free via my TPT store. Click here. 

Back to School Gifts

As I begin to prepare for that mammoth week known as 'first week back' I got to thinking about my own first days in a new class with a new teacher… I remember feeling overwhelmed and a little daunted by the prospect of a new year. Some kids come bouncing in on the first day ready and rearing whilst others take their time to warm up and participate. And that's okay! 
One of the ways that I want to help my new Kindergarten students settle into my classroom is to finish their first day with a little gift to let them know how excited we are to have them in our class and to let them know that we're going to have a whole lot of fun along the way!

Pinterest is full of great ideas for some such gifts. I love these lollipop tags by Miss Vericker (although I'm not quite brave enough to hand out lollies on the first day). She has a range of different themed start and end of year gift tags. Click here to have a look. 

I also loved her 'bubbling with excitement' gift tag.

So I think this is the direction that I'll be heading in! I've spotted bubble bottle in cheap bulk buy packs at Kmart (aka the motherland for teachers), so this is a nice affordable little way to say 'welcome to our class'.

Oh, and my lovely Year Ones will get one each too!

I'm off to print, cut and ribbon some goodies!

Beck xx