You Oughta Know About…"Turn In Flaps"

Have I got the perfect thing to share about for this month's:

with Jasmine at Buzzing With Mrs. McClain.

Have you ever seen one of these do-dads before?

I'm not going to take credit for discovering how to use this device in my classroom.  I have a wonderful colleague that had one of these on a table in her room.  One day I ran into her room to ask a quick question and I saw the kids walking over to it and turning in their assignments. A-ha!!  

You see those numbers at the bottom of it?  Well, since each student has a number assigned to them throughout the entire year, they simply walk over to the contraption, lift the flap with their number on it and slide their paper in.  Once all the students have turned in their assignments, you simply slide out the stack and viola…a stack of papers in alphabetical order ready to grade.  It makes it easier to put into the grade book, files, and folders.  I can also automatically tell who has not turned in an assignment.  I feel like it saves me just a little more time in such a daunting and disliked regular part of my job.  I can't imagine life without it now!!

Ok -- so it took me a while to find this baby.  It doesn't have such an easy name (to the kids I call it the "turn in flaps").  But after some digging, I found it online through amazon and office supply stores.  It is  called the C-Line Plastic Indexed Sorter and usually only runs between $15-$23.  Not bad to save a little of my sanity.  

Click HERE for the link to the one that Walmart sells for $15.84

So that is my You Oughta Know for now.  I have a video about how it works but I left it on my computer at school.  Once I get there, I will add it to this blog.  

Now stop by some of the other great blogs to learn about some more things "you ought know" about.

An InLinkz Link-up

September CURRENTLY!

I'm slacking, friends!!  School started and I have been MIA ever since.  I'm sorry.  It's funny because I keep reading some of my bloggy-buddie's post and it seems I'm not alone.

Anywho---why not start the month of September on my favorite link-up, Farley's CURRENTLY.  Apparently, it is a LOT of blogger's favorite.  I'm way at the bottom of a list of over 200 blogs linked in.  So here are my current states:

LISTENING - You guys know me, I absolutely love to have Criminal Minds playing in the background while I work.  I probably have seen every episode more than 5 times each so I don't really have to pay attention.  I can just listen and still enjoy.

LOVING - I'm getting the hang of keeping my Erin Condren planner to be my "one-stop-shop" so to say.  I usually have lists here and there, calendars in this place and that, and carry notebooks, binders, and more notebooks.  Now I am learning how to keep it all together in one place and I am loving it.  If you haven't tried Erin Condren, I suggest to take a leap.  It is well worth the extra $$.

THINKING - Or trying not to think about one of the most "yucky" decisions we have to make.  Our old little weenie dog is starting to show signs of his 14 years.  He's been losing sight and hearing.  Now he's walking in circles, losing use of his hind legs, and has no control of his bladder and bowels.  We just got back from the Animal ER and we need to decide to make him comfortable with meds or put him down {tears flowing}.  I know what is best for him since he's so uncomfortable but I'm so sad!!

Archie-doodle

WANTING - One more day in this long weekend to get my emotions in check.  I'm trying to get started on lesson plans, school work, and dealing with my poor little guy sitting behind the couch.

NEEDING - I might need some focus medicine to get things done.  I tend to sit down and get side tracked with everything BUT what I meant to work on.  Ugh!!  Maybe a vitamin will help.

3 TRIPS - Italy!  (or any European countries for that matter)  I just want to see several sites in person instead of in movies.  I could really spend a whole summer just exploring if given the chance.  The Caribbean would be my getaway to relax and enjoy beautiful beaches.  And Japan would be to explore amazing culture!  Some day…

Alright, now it's your turn.  Stop by Oh' Boy 4th Grade and link up with us.  Don't forget the rules: