I am the binder queen. I love to put things in binders because it's easy to find and it is all in one place. Here is a picture of my language arts curriculum organized by unit. Inside (I will add pictures of the inside later) there are dividers for each story. In the front is a zip pocket that holds the posters and high frequency word cards. It has made my life so much easier! When I am onto a new story, I simply go to that tab, and everything is there. Assessments, close reading worksheets, posters, etc. To take it a step further, I put the copies that are made in a baggie. When I am ready for that story, I grab the baggie. I prep everything ahead of time- usually in the summer. This has allowed me to leave work at a reasonable hour much of the time, instead of staying until 6 PM like I used to. Score!
I never much liked the look of paper on the walls. I think that the use of fabric warms up the entire classroom. I even use it to make a skirt for my desk and other tables. I advise the use of a fireproofing spray as well. This particular picture shows my teacher area in the very beginning of the year, thus not much on the wall. Here's a handy tip for cutting fabric: cut about an inch only, then tear the rest. Yes, you read correctly- tear. It will rip straight across. The first time I tried it I was scared, but amazed when I was done. A perfect line! You will probably have a few loose strings, but just snip those off and you can add Fray-Check to the ends so it won't fray again. This can be found at any fabric store. Now what about the cost? Is it expensive? I'm not going to lie. Yes, it can be, but it doesn't HAVE to be. Many fabric stores have some great coupons, and JoAnn's has a teacher discount as well. Consider it an investment. It will last for a very long time, and maybe forever. I know I will never go back to paper again.
