Monday Made It: Quiet Zone Light, Book Nook, and Brag Tags

I'm linking up with 4th grade frolics for another Monday Made it! 

This week, I am building on my idea of a book nook from a couple of weeks ago, (hopefully) solving a guided reading problem, and getting ready to celebrate some success!

I love my Cricut, I really do... I just don't use it as much as I should! It has been sitting in my closet collecting dust for too long, so this week I decided to get it out for a made it!

I wanted a visual way to remind my students that they are not to disturb guided reading time. I briefly considered a hat of some sort, but then I stopped myself- am I really going to want to wear a hat every day during guided reading? As much as I like making hats, the answer to that was no.

There were several requirements for my project:

1. I wanted it to be something I wouldn't need to continually interact with. 

2. I wanted it to be easily seen, but not in the way of the guided reading table/supplies.

3.I wanted it to match my decor (naturally) :)

I came up with a quiet zone light!

I used a glass block with a stand and light. I cut out the Quiet Zone sticker on cricut vinyl and stuck it on the front of the block. I've never worked with adhesive vinyl before, so I was a bit nervous. 

I was able to get most of the air bubbles out, but there are a few still on there. I take comfort in the fact that it will be on top of a shelf, so no one will be inspecting it close up. :)

Disclaimer: I couldn't get a really good picture of it lit up, it looks MUCH better in person!

I like it, but I am considering adding some ribbon around the edges. Maybe for next week?

A couple of weeks ago, I talked about the book nook that I want to make in my classroom library with shelves and a bench. I wanted to make sure that everyone knew it was a book nook, enter: pennant banner!

After printing the pieces and cutting them out, I laminated them(and cut them out again). I was going to add the ribbon, but I didn't have enough, so that will have to come later. Just imagine that it is strung on bright pink polka dot ribbon!

Confession: I actually made parts of this project twice. My classroom projects/purchases have officially taken over my apartment and I was unable to find the printed parts, so I had to print them again. :(

This project is also part of the book nook that I am working on- the bench!

I got one of those black three cube organizer shelves and put it together. I wanted to use the openings for book baskets, so I added some leftover contact paper so they wouldn't get scratched.

Maggie loves the bench and is constantly on top of it! I found a pretty turquoise cushion for the top, but I don't want to get it all full of cat hair, so I am waiting on adding it until I get it in the classroom. I can't wait to see what it looks like when all put together!

I'm not sure that this next one really qualifies as a "made it," but it is so cute that I just have to share!

I found this pillow cover on etsy and knew that it was absolutely necessary for my classroom rocking chair!

I added a pillow form (hence the made-it!) and... that was it! 

So in love!

Last up, something I have wanted to make for ages, but have been putting off: math standards brag tags!

I use brag tags quite a bit in my first grade classroom and wanted to make some that were tied to specific math standards/targets. I made one last year (I can count to 120!) and it was a HUGE motivator! Even my little friend who suddenly became"allergic to paper" whenever we had math work (true story) wanted to write all of the numbers to 120 to get it!

I used the Common Core math standards as a jumping off point, and added in a few extras that we cover in our district (identifying and counting coins).

Voila! Now I just have to laminate/cut/punch/sort all of them... 

You can find the brag tags here.

Thank you so much for visiting! Make sure to check out all of the other awesome made-its at 4th grade frolics!