Yes I think I was born with a super power for turning things into centers! When I walk down the aisles of Dollar Tree the products just yell my name! I did some damage and I think I should own stock in this store!
First we have these button file bags that I will use for my guided reading take home books. There are 3 in a pack for 1.00!
I bought 2 of these. I turn them upside down and put barstool cushions on top and use them for seating in my class library. (Target)
These are pennants that I am using for a beginning of the year bulletin board. (More details to come) Five in a pack!
These are things I found at Target. Dry erase clocks, mini erasers, telling time cards, and sorting objects cards and notepads.
Playing cards.
Click here for FREEBIE! Put these in sheet protectors for a great center!
Magic reading glasses for guided reading! I may also use these for buddy reading. If you put the word MAGIC in front of anything the kids will love it! I just saw this on a blog but can't remember where. (Let me know if it's you and I'll link you!)
Center Patrol! See how I use these here.
Bingo Markers to use with various games. Homonym cards and Compound words cards. Color your own stickers for sticker stories.
Money stickers to use during our money lessons.
Reading Comprehension Ball Write general questions on it with a sharpie and have the kids roll and answer questions. EX: Who are the main characters? What was the setting of the story? etc..
Toy box items!
Coloring books! This is a staple center in my writing area. THE KIDS LOVE IT! Have the students tear out one page and write a story about the picture on handwriting paper. (Get the coloring books with pictures only and no words) Then have them color the picture. Every year I put these together as a class book and they are AWESOME! The parents love them during conferences!
Puzzles! Have the students put them together and then use small post its to label the adjectives or nouns or they can write a story about the picture! This one is a favorite too!
Use these for sorting. Have the students count out beads to represent a number or have them practice counting by 2, 5, or 10s!
I will use these for breakfast count. (We eat breakfast in our classrooms and have 2 choices to pick from but you could use them for lunch!) I got the small craft sticks to go with them an write their names on the end with a sharpie!
I also got sharpeners and ink pads and a red bell! my kids love ringing the bell on my desk so I am going to use this at the computer station. When kids get a 100 percent on their AR test they get to ring the bell. Hopefully this will cut down on interruptions! They love the bell! I want to replace this with an EASY button from staples but I don't have one yet.. :(
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Check out what Dishing it out purchased!
Wow! What great things you found! :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda
www.frolickingthroughfirst.blogspot.com
Where did you get the magnetic pockets? I was at Dollar Tree and Target and found very little. Hopefully that means they just haven't stocked the new stuff yet. :0)
ReplyDeleteI got the magnetic pockets from Dollar Tree. I also got magnetic hooks. (not pictured) It was the only one left! I was so excited to find it. I went to 2 different Dollar Tree stores but I hit it big with one. I would keep checking, they will restock!
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of using the 3 button file bags for students to take home books in. Are they pretty sturdy? I am going to have to check out my dollar store this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing. I will be at my Dollar Store tomorrow. I love the color books for writing and also the 3 button file bags. THANK YOU!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! A lot of great stuff AND great ideas!! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletemisst4th.blogspot.com
You found TONS of awesome things!! Now I have to head to Dollar Tree!
ReplyDeleteKaren :o)
Mrs. Stamp's Kindergarten
Awesome finds! I love the apple bell and the magnetic pockets! You really scored!
ReplyDeletehttp://dugginsdoodlebugs.blogspot.com/
Kelie
WOW! Is there anything left at the stores? HA! I use coloring books all the time but I never thought about using them in my writing center! Thanks for sharing that idea!
ReplyDeletewww.firstgradehoneybunch.blogspot.com
AWESOME I am inspired and would love to have some of your super powers! ☺
ReplyDeleteLOL! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFantastic ideas! I am on my way to Dollar Tree too!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing. Today I went to the Dollar Store and a picked up a couple of the Button File Bags. I was wondering if you are going to replace the button or leave them as they are. I'm wondering if the button will hold up or will it need something a little stronger to keep it together. What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI have used something similiar to these before and they actually lasted the entire year. I may have had one or two that were totally destroyed but the rest did well! So I am going to leave the button, plus if they do destroy them they are only 3 for a 1.00, so I bought extras. You could even buy 2 sets and change them out mid year. You would still come out cheaper than some of the more expensive ones.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED this post!! I too am a huge Dollar Tree shopper. (My family thinks I'm crazy.) I was so excited to read all your grand ideas though!!! I am new to blogging and just started following your post tonight! Thanks for sharing!! Now.....when can I go to the Dollar Tree......
ReplyDeleteWow! You are an excellent shopper! Love what you found!
ReplyDeleteWILD About First Grade!
2 blogs I have visited today have shown the milk-crate stools. The other blog showed the crates with a top and a cushion so it can be used for storage. Love it!
ReplyDeleteOooh! They had those plastic envelopes at the Dollar Tree?!?! I buy those every year, but I've had difficulty finding them at a reasonable price lately! One year I got some just like this from Big Lots - pack of 3 for $1. One year I got them really cheap from Oriental Trading but the past few years I could only find the more expensive ones on Oriental Trading. Now you're gonna make my go into dangerous territory over at the Dollar Tree! Maybe I should have you hold my wallet while I go in.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I just noticed that Dollar Tree has a website that you can order from!! What a great alternative!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to write a quick thank you note. I've been teaching for many years and my experience tells me, we must keep things fresh. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into your products. They infuse me with more energy and help to keep me passionate about my work in kindergarten.
ReplyDelete