Lifesaver Start-Up Box
 Photo by JimmieHomeschoolMom Idea by Shelly, 2nd Grade Teacher, Parachute, CO As I’m closing up my classroom for the year, I create a “first of the year” box that contains everything I want and need for those first few days. This box is a lifesaver for me. In it I stash labels, files, folders, name cards, tongue depressors, items for specific activities/games/assessments, magnets—the list goes on and on and changes every year as I change. This box also contains a wish list of new purchases I want to make for the beginning of the year.
The article above was featured in the May 2013 Classroom Connection Newsletter. Find more great articles from that issue below. Want to get the newsletter delivered right to your inbox? Sign-up for Really Good Stuff emails now. Students Transition While They Work Get a Head Start on Organization Wrapping Up a Year’s Worth of Learning Big Idea for a Small Book Collection |
At Really Good Stuff, we're committed to bringing you the best teaching resources online and off. We under-
Commented On May 6th, 2012 8:41 am
I love this idea and will help me remember exactly what I want at the beginning of the school year.
Commented On May 6th, 2012 11:18 am
I love the idea of using a box to store all the important items I will need for the next school year. I think I will set up the box today and start adding items to the box. I will also include labeled folders, bulletin board ideas and other ideas for the new year!
Commented On May 7th, 2012 7:56 pm
This is a great idea. At my school, we are required to clean out our desks, even if we aren’t moving classrooms. Last year I ended up packing away everything I would need to get started with setting up and preparing for the following year, including scissors to open boxes!!! I will give this idea a try at the end of this year so I’m not searching for those much needed miscellaneous items next year.
Commented On May 9th, 2012 11:36 pm
Great idea! This is especially helpful for teachers who might switch grade levels from one year to the next.
Commented On May 27th, 2012 10:53 am
What an AWESOME idea! I did this, only it’s all in a drawer of my desk. I also put hard copes of notes that will need to be tweeked in the front of my filing cabinet. I also have a folder on my desktop that has been labeled “Beginning of the School Year.” Now I can spend the summer relaxing and reading!
Commented On July 7th, 2012 4:15 pm
Hi teachers!
I am a new teacher, starting in second grade, after working in advertising for 10 years. All of this is fresh and brand new to me, but I love this idea. Can anyone provide some more suggestions of items to have handy on the first day?
Commented On May 15th, 2013 7:37 pm
I do this every year. It really does help out! Thanks for sharing.