I remember when I was in fifth grade and my favorite elementary school teacher handed me a beautifully bound scrapbook of memories from the year. As I looked through mine, I realized it was all of the pages I'd written throughout the year! We didn't know that our teacher was saving the pages we wrote! Included were memory book pages I had written about our field trips, holidays, memorable events, and what we were learning about in class. 

A few years ago, I decided to introduce something similar to my class. My students created memory books that they worked on throughout the entire year. I didn't tell them what the pages were for, but told them to do their very best job. They documented experiences such as their first day of school, highlights of each month, our Fall Festival, their birthdays, and our field trips. I also included directed drawings and other art projects towards the back of the scrapbooks. I began to see students who were struggling with writing become successful and actually enjoying it! 
I asked the students to only use crayons or colored pencils on their pages, and we kept that consistent throughout the year. They really wanted to use markers, but I found they were too overpowering, bled through the page, and didn't look as nice as the colored pencils or crayons. As my students finished each page, I collected and organized them inside of the file crate shown below. At the end of the year, it was easy for my parent volunteers to make sure each book was in the proper order so I could quickly bind them with my school's binding machine and pass them out the second to the last day of school. 


The students who didn't purchase a school yearbook were able to have their friends sign their memory books on the autograph pages. My students and their parents loved the finished product. They had a treasured keepsake of their memories and growth during our year together. It was easy to manage this year long project because we worked on it a little throughout the year. Memory books are one of my favorite projects to do with my students, and I hope you give them a try too! 

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Picture and link to year long memory books.



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I haven't quite wrapped my head around the fact that school starts tomorrow for me. I'm feeling nervous, excited, and overwhelmed! I learned so much last year, and I'm ready to take what I learned to make this the best school year ever! 
This month I am focusing on back-to-school related pins. Some of you might be in my shoes, and if you aren't you will be at some point soon! I always come away from this linky with so many great, new pins that I've never seen before! 
(Click Photo Above to See Original Pin)
Have you ever read any of Maria Dismondy's books? They are wonderful, and perfect for the beginning of the year. I love the compare/contrast activity the blogger shared using this book. This would be a great lesson on celebrating diversity at the beginning of the year! And if you are interested, here is a YouTube video of Maria reading Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun. And you can scroll down under Resources for a reading guide here
(Click Photo Above to See Original Pin)
I can remember making a life-size paper doll when I was in third grade. I've always wanted to have my students make them for Back to School Night. I wish our B2S night was more of an open house, but the parents expect a teacher presentation, and need a place to sit and listen to me give the presentation. The kiddos' paper dolls might get squished! Maybe they can make mini versions to sit on top of their desks. 
(Click Photo Above to See Original Pin)
I think my teammates would love this little gift on the first day of school! I plan to buy polish for them in our school colors. A little pedicure set with the tags attached would be really cute too!  Such a fun, free idea and printable!

Be sure to visit the other bloggers participating in our linky for every more great ideas! I hope you find some fabulous ideas to pin! 

This linky is hosted on the third of each month. We would love for you to join us! 
1.  Save the Pick 3 images to your desktop.
2.  Create a blog post using these images to share you 3    
     Pinterest Picks for the month.
3.  Share a link to your full Pinterest page if you would like.
4.  Link up by clicking the "add your link" button below.
5.  Be sure to check out the other Pinterest finds that have 
     been shared and leave a comments on the ones you love!

 
This is my last Monday Made It before school starts tomorrow! I know I won't be able to create like I have been this summer once school starts. I'm so thankful that Tara has hosted MMI because I'm held accountable to create at least one new thing so I can share! Last week I was at my classroom every single day decorating my new rainbow room. I decided to update my freebie clip chart too!
Last year I shared my Low Maintenance Clip Chart and talked about it HERE (scroll to the bottom of that post). I changed the colors to match my new decor, so I wanted to share. This clip chart was so easy to use this last year! Long story short, I always loved the idea of having students clip up, but I can never remember to have them clip up. With almost 30 students, that was the last thing on my mind most times. This clip chart consists of 4 pages, and is similar to a regular clip chart, but it has only four pages to it. Group A is on the top, then Groups B, C, and D hang below. Students clip down if they are breaking a classroom agreement, which is only considered a warning. If the same student continues to make poor choices, I ask him/her to move their clip down a second time. They owe class money at the end of the day. A third time clipping down results in giving up more money, a conference at recess, and parent contact. (I usually like the student to write the parent a letter explaining their behavior.) I know clip charts aren't for everyone, but I need a quick and effective way to manage my class, and this works for me! At the end of the day, I will update Class Dojo according to the clip chart. Below is a picture of how I set up my clip chart from last year. 
If you would like to try it too, I am offering this as a freebie. I have included my ideas for assembly and use. I have also included the small blue numbers for the clothespins. You can buy the small clothespins at Michael's or Joann. You can click HERE to download the clip chart, numbers, and directions.
I hope you were able to take a few ideas with you! Have a fabulous week! 
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