Crafting in the classroom...life hack!

So, I love crafting in my classroom just as much as the next teacher but I always end up with a million models that I make year after year and then eventually I laminate and file away to use as an example for the next year.

Then I had a light bulb moment (and excuse me if you have been doing this for years! lol!) Rather than re-make a new example every year, if I had all the pieces ready so I could still go step by step and not have to re-cut the pieces every year it would make life SO much easier!

Maybe you're one of those super-duper-prepared teachers that I really would like to be and all your pieces are cut out and waiting for you in a nice bag. I'm not. I pre-plan, don't get me wrong. But let's be honest here. I usually end up modeling and making my sample at the same time.

So, as I was ~~walking the room and monitoring my students~~ walking around with scissors in my hand cutting the pieces this week while we made these TLC penguins I was really trying to think of a better way to go about this!

The most readily available thing that I could think of was Velcro! Don't you love the stuff?! So, after cutting all my pieces out I just placed Velcro on the back of each little piece. This way I can model, go step by step, and help students more easily. Plus, when we go to make the penguin next year- it will all be ready for me!

Another tip- Target's Up&Up brand gallon sized bags are PERFECT for holding materials like this. You can fit copy paper in there and zip them up all the way! Amazing!

{I just had to show off Ella's writing with this project. So proud of her writing!}