Monday, July 11, 2016

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!


17 comments:

  1. Wow you've been busy! I love your quiet zone light! I wear a tiara during guided groups and tell them that they cannot interrupt me unless it's an emergency! It works really well :)

    Yukari
    A Pinch of Kinder

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  2. Hi Victoria! I loved reading your blog. I really liked the quite zone sign to use as a reminder for students to not interrupt you. I also loved the brag tag idea. Anything to motivate the little's to work hard is golden in my book. :D Thank you so much for sharing!

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  3. Love the quiet zone light! Much better than a hat :)

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  4. LOVE the pillow!! Great job on your brag tags. Too bad I don't teach 1st grade.

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  5. I just discovered Brag Tags, love yours!

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  6. Fantastic idea with the contact paper on the bench. I need to do that to my binder shelf! I painted it and it got scratched up. Thanks so much for sharing your terrific ideas!

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  7. You have been really busy. I love the book nook sign. You can never have too many books.

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  8. I love your quite zone glow light! It turned out amazing! I've been thinking about incorporating brag tags this year... decisions decisions!

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  9. Love the book nook banner and the bench. I can just envision how nice it is going to look!!

    Dee
    Teaching at the Beach

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  10. Wow! You've been busy. I may have to invest in a cricut, as well. I love your bench (and your kitty cat).

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  11. I love the quiet zone light! Very creative!

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  12. I LOVE your light!! At Hobby Lobby they sell a very small string of white holiday lights year around that you could put inside as well. Your book nook bench is amazing!

    Bridget
    Sailing into Third Grade

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  13. I LOVE that quiet zone light!!!!! Hmmmm....I might need to add this to my list of things to do! Love all your projects! Thank you for linking up:)

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  14. Awesome light! Thanks for sharing your ideas!

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  15. Hi!! Love your book nook banner and bench. Where did you find the bench?

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    1. Thank you! I got the bench at Wal-Mart. It is the Better Homes and Gardens 3-cube organizer.

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