Made It Monday...Vista Print to the Rescue

I have been reluctant to link up to Tara at 4th Grade Frolics' party because, well, I am decisively uncrafty. I really just don't enjoy making these fabulous projects that I see all over the web. Last year, I went to get the stuff to make those amazing crate seats, and ended up buying ottomans instead (which, incidentally, were a FABULOUS purchase on my part...my kids LOVED them!)  I have the tool box for the office supply organizer sitting in my car....like it has for a week.  I am thinking it will probably sit there for a few more weeks....

But THEN Tara sent me a very sweet note saying that yes, I am indeed crafty...just not in the cute way.  ;)  (she didn't say it that way, I did, but she was very nice)  And she mentioned that this isn't only about the cute stuff, but the practical.  Well, that got me to thinking.....I do have practical!  I was actually working on some practical right at that very moment.  VISTA PRINT!!!

I am gearing up for the (anticipated) big sale.  I say anticipated because they *usually* have the amazing $1 shipping sale around 4th of July, but no one has gotten an email stating that yet.  I just have my fingers crossed.  So, in the meantime, here is what is currently sitting in my cart.

This is a small banner.  I have decided that my students need more work on actually adding and subtracting decimals.  Now, the nice, round numbers were great for me.  Made life with the classroom economy easier.  BUT it wasn't benefiting my kids as much.  So, being the considerate teacher I am, I decided that life doesn't revolve around my own happiness, and I made more change in the salaries.  I am cringing at the thought of the coin noise, but I will suck it up for the good of all mankind.










These job applications (postcards) were a LIFESAVER last year.  I didn't have to write this up each month, and the kids kept it neatly in their boxes.  I am simply reordering these (so I guess I didn't make it this year, but I did last year...so I am counting it in this post)









This past year, I didn't do the school pledge, and I feel like my class was "missing" something.  It was just such a positive reminder of WHY we are in school, that I am bringing it back.  We will start our day with this (and the morning greeting) like I used to...I am so excited about it!












I wrote about these earlier this year.  I LOVE them, so much so that I ran out.  They were so helpful in keeping ME accountable for grading, as well as giving the kids the feedback they need.  These are a reorder (again, made it last year, but I am still counting it)  They are address labels.


These attendance postcard are very helpful in keeping the kids on track with getting to school each day.  I am thinking of putting these in their planners this year, so that the PARENTS see them.  I think that is going to help to get the kids in their seats a bit more this year.








I am also revamping the Reading Olympics program that I did this past year.  I am thinking that there wasn't enough accountability for it all, so I am trying to come up with a way to make it more doable for all involved (me included)  These brochures have been redone at bit, so they are in my cart as well!








I am most excited about this.  I am really going to try and use this technique MORE EXPLICITLY.  I use it, but I haven't laid it out as clearly as this is for the kids, and I love it.  These are oversized postcards, and will be kept in the kids' boxes for us to use during language arts.






Here is the back.  It is just an explanation of what all the letters mean.  LOVE IT!










So there you have it.  Some of my Vista Print creations!  I have tons more that I have used, and I reference them all over, but these are the ones I am excited to order this year!  As I figure out and make more, I will be sure to post. 

14 comments

  1. You are sooooo crafty! Love all your creativeness with your Vista print things!!! Thanks for linking up and I so expect you to be back next week....cute, practical....it matters not:))) Chat soon:))

    4th Grade Frolics

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  2. I love Vistaprint too - I just wish that I could be as creative as you.

    Emily
    I Love My Classroom

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  3. Where did you purchase your ottomans?

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    1. I got them last year at Walmart of all places! There were about $16 each (I think) and I bought 4 of them. Storage and seating all in one!

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  4. Do you have an entry with more info about your classroom economy and jobs? I am interested in trying something like that this year. I think starting out with nice round numbers and "giving a raise" throughout the year to make the numbers more challenging will work out just great. Thanks for the ideas!

    Polka Dots and Teaching Tots

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    1. Why yes I do! Here are all 3 posts I have on the economy http://teachinginroom6.blogspot.com/search/label/Classroom%20Economy

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  5. Love Vistaprint and love to see what other teachers create :)

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  6. I would love to hear more about your Reading Olympics. Is there a specific entry that I can go to? :)

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  7. I would love to do a brochure like yours for reading. We do a lot with Thinking Maps, too. Is there a reverse side?

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  8. You ARE crafty Steph!!! Look at all you've made for your students and your gorgeous bulletin boards!

    I loved seeing your Vista creations--I especially love that score sticker (I remember that post!!!). You are so smart. I know I've said this before, but you are!

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  9. Love it, and would love if you linked up with my VistaPrint Linky Party!! Thanks!

    fourthgradefanatics

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  10. A crafty but resourceful teacher! I love it!

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  11. I used your inspiration and went crazy at Vistaprint for this week's Monday Made It :) It was way more fun than being covered in glue ;) Happy Monday!

    ~Stephanie
    3rd Grade Thoughts

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