A cold day and New Year's Resolutions

It's official... the first Cold Day of the year is tomorrow.  I guess a -45 degree wind chill is just too cold.  And considering that winter break only ended 2 days ago, I am right back into the routine of staying up late and so, so ready to sleep in tomorrow morning. 

New Year's Resolutions: I typically don't make them, but this year I am bound and determined to accomplish two.  Both of which relate to school:

Number 1

 I shall use a daily planner to keep my life organized and keep track of my new-found love of to do lists.

And, naturally, since this is a school related goal, I began it yesterday.  So far so good.  I have even crossed off 4 items on my list.  Yay!  (Of course, using the new felt tip pens that were specifically purchased for my planner help.)  Check back with me in a week .

Number 2

I shall be more organized in my classroom.

Again, just like my planner success, this goal has also been quite successful.  Before our break, I received a grant to help purchase organizational supplies. With that money, the Dollar Tree became my new best friend (again).  Take a look at these super cute book baskets I purchased for my kiddos.  I am so excited to have them start collecting books that they can read independently.

At first, I wasn't so thrilled with the funky looking handles that are on each one, but I have actually grown quite fond of them.  Plus, I believe the handles will make the baskets easier for the kiddos to carry.  As we read new books from my subscription to Reading A-Z during guided reading, we will add them to their baskets.  During our 10 minutes of quiet/rest/"silent" reading time, each student will need to read at least 1 book from his/her basket.

The baskets would not have been complete without the book basket labels!  I got the star clip art and the font from Graphics From the Pond.  They are perfect!  If you would like my free book basket labels click here!

And, in honor of our first Cold Day, tomorrow I will be having a one day sale!  Everything in my store will be 20% off tomorrow only!  Check it out!