Paper Hack: Time Saving Uses For Receipt Paper In The Classroom

How many hours of the week do teachers spend cutting paper? Though I don't know an exact number I know how annoying it can be to spend time cutting paper to the right size when there are a hundred other things you could be doing. Though I haven't figured out a way to make cutting out tiny laminated game pieces any easier, I do have a paper sizing 'hack'- receipt paper. These are the rolls of paper 2-3 inches wide that you can get at many office supply stores in boxes of 12 or more. Easy to cut to any length and a variety of uses. 

Here are just some of the many uses of this nicely sized paper:

1. Word Wall

No more running out of space at the end of a long word. Simply cut after you're done writing. 

2. Student Comics

No more messy tape and glue and paper bits as students run out of room. Easily size length for the perfect comic strip paper. A great way for reluctant writers to tell stories.

3. Cork Board Border


A fun alternative to purchasing pre-designed borders. Have students draw on a length of receipt paper. A great way for them to see their handiwork around the classroom. You could also have each student draw a picture associated with one key term you are covering in a particular unit to decorate a display about that topic. 

4. Desk Strips

Sometimes a particular student will have difficulty with a particular concept and would benefit from a reminder on their desk. Rather than sourcing one online or printing off copies, make personalized desk strips with receipt paper. For example: one student might need help with their 6's multiplication, while another needs a reminder of the 9's. 

Fun Fact: receipt paper fits perfectly with clear packing tape. No need to laminate, simply take a piece of packing tape and fold over the paper lengthwise. There will be the perfect amount of border remaining. 

What are your time-saving teacher hacks? I'd love to hear in the comments below, or by email at lifelonglearning1234@gmail.com 

Book Talk Thursday: Stella Star Of The Sea

 

Book: Stella Star Of The Sea by Marie-Louise Gay 

Ages: 4-8 (though I'll admit to reading as an adult)

Genre: Fiction

Quote: "Where do starfish come from?" asked Sam. "From the sky," answered Stella. "Starfish are shooting stars that fell in love with the sea." "weren't the stars afraid of drowning?" asked Sam. "No", said Stella. "They all learned how to swim." 

Stella Star Of The Sea is one of my all-time favourite books. It explores the relationship of a brother (Sam) and sister (Stella) as they explore the seaside. Sam asks all sorts of questions as he delays getting into the water, while Stella has a creative answer for them all as she encourages her brother. It highlights the curiosity of children and the need to imagine and explore. 

You could use this book as a read-outloud prior to an ocean or sea-creature unit. Many ocean creatures are mentioned, and students can try to find them in the illustrations. It can also be used to have a discussion about how trying new things can sometimes feel scary, but eventually when we're brave enough to try them they can be wonderful. 

All in all this book will give you the warm fuzzies as you meet Stella and fall in love with her sunny character. 

Book Talk Thursday

Books are an instrumental part of teaching. Wether you are a classroom teacher, homeschool, or are a parent, books are part of every educator's life. Of course we aren't all librarians and it can be difficult to find that perfect book that will be just right for your students. What can we do?

Introducing book talk Thursday. My goal is that each Thursday I will share one of my favourite books and why I love it. I welcome other bloggers to link up and do the same.

If you link up…

1. Add a link to your blog post in the Inlinkz at the bottom of this post.

2. Place the Book Talk Thursday button somewhere in your post linking back to this post.

3. Explore! Come back to this post to see what other bloggers have shared.

An InLinkz Link-up

The Middle Ages Unit Study- Book List

Are you an elementary teacher or a homeschooler looking to do a unit study on the Middle Ages? It can be difficult to sort through the stacks of books at your local library or bookstore to find the best ones. After immersing myself in the Middle Ages to create my Middle Ages: A Time Travel Unit Study I decided to rustle up some good books. Here are my recommendations for great reads to supplement your studies of the Middle Ages.

Fiction

The Knight at Dawn

The Magic Tree House series is always a favourite. Jack and Annie explore a midlevel castle and feast. This is a great supplement to generate student interest prior to starting the unit.

A Medieval Feast
Great for a younger audience, this book has beautiful illustrations as it explores life in a castle as a feast is prepared for the nobility.

Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess
Students get a glimpse at castle life through the eyes of an 11 year old boy as they read his journal entries. A good look at everyday life through a narrative form.

Non-Fiction 

The Middle Ages: Everyday Life In Medieval Europe

Generally good information about all the different aspects of daily life in the Middle Ages. It is rather text heavy and focuses on everyday life, rather than major historical events. Look at hygiene, entertainment, food and more. 

 

Eyewitness Books: Medieval Life
Though a more pricy option Eyewitness books are always a good investment. With a nice balance of text to images. This book provides general information about life in the Middle Ages with high quality artifact and recreation photos to bring the time period to life.

What are your favourite books to use when studying the Middle Ages? I'd love to hear in the comments below or at lifelonglearning1234@gmail.com 

Happy Thanksgiving! SALE

Happy Turkey Day! Well... happy Canadian Thanksgiving to be more exact. To celebrate and say thank you to everyone who supports me on TpT I'm linking up with some other great Canadian bloggers for a Thanksgiving sale. Click on the links below this Sunday October 12th to stock up on some great deals. Everything in my store will be 15% off. Its the perfect time to get some fall morning work, apple addition task cards, or a fun game of pumpkin themed fact and opinion scoot. 

I hope everyone enjoys time spent with family and friends, takes a walk in the beautiful fall weather, and gets to enjoy some comfort food! In the meantime... I'll be by the pumpkin pie :)

Runde's Room	The Primary Patch	Hanging Around in Primary	Dennis the Menace Teaching
That Fun Reading Teacher	Tina's Teaching Treasures	Emmy Mac Shop	Coach's Corner
Mrs. Brousseau's Binder	2 Peas & a Dog	The Purple Teacher	Diamond Mom
Lifelong Learning	Teaching Math by Hart	I Heart Grade 3	The Classroom Sparrow
Mrs. Beattie's Classroom	Fun in Fourth	Madly Learning	Anita Bremer
Thinking of Teaching	Teaching FSL	BrowniePoints	Mrs. Mathis' Homeroom
Mrs. Albanese's Class	A Special Kind of Class	Elementary AMC	Journeys in Learning
Teaching is a Gift	The Raudy Teacher	Leslie Hope	Cinnamon's Synonyms

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