Flipping File Folders

It's been a few but life has been busy. Finally was able to get a more complete and consistent schedule for my kiddos, including centers, read-aloud's and assessments. It's been very hectic, but things are going really well! My kiddos are great, and they really work hard for my approval. 

I've really been working hard to develop myself as an authority figure. I think something that has really helped is for the first two weeks of school I was mainly a very "sweet" teacher. I barely ever changed my voice from high-pitched and happy. However, now when I give my "stern" voice, it kind of surprises the kids. Helps the kids be able to stop, and judge their decisions upon my tone of voice. 

Now, as I've been playing on pinterest, I've seen lots of concepts on file folders for each subject. For those who don't know the concept, this will usually look like this:

Classified Mom

They may be used as a game, incentive system, tracing activities, etc. However, I wanted to make a file folder for my kids that was personalized for them, and were great representations of their hard work. 
So...I created my own version of...

Flippin' File Folders!!
For Language Arts, Math, and Behavior goals. 

What's on the front:  Student's trace-able name, blank handwriting lines, a blank behavior chart, and expectation images. 

Everyday, my students walk into class and grab their file folder and a (VERY IMPORTANT) overhead projecter fine-tip markers. 
           - this is important because these markers are NOT dry erase. They are   
             used for overhead glass..so its not easily wiped away without water. 
             They are also very fine and feels similar to a pencil. 

They sit down, facing our morning meeting, and trace their name, and write it independently. 

What's inside (left): Word of the day blank blank lines (one for teacher writing, one for student writing), pocket of sight words, blank line
What's inside (right): Alphabet chart, pocket for number flashcards, blue circle-empty red box- green circle, blank line, number line. 

During my morning meeting, we go over a word of the day, or an important vocab word. Inside, I would have already written the word with a FELT TIP MARKER (comes off with a finger wipe). They will trace my word, and copy the word under the lines. 

During language arts- when we go over sight words, the students will have their flashcards in a little pocket attached to the folder.  (If you want to get really snazzy, laminate different pockets depending on different lists, and velcro a spot for it in the folder. All the kids have to do is find their color and attach the pocket everyday, make it a little more personal). 

During math- we are soon going to be adding and subtracting numbers. The circles are for manipulative placement, and the box is for the + or - symbol. And of course, number writing is another goal that is worked on with the blank line. 

 What's on the back:  A stop sign, and a happy symbol. I'm not completely sold on this, i did it more as a cop out. I wanted a visual symbol of stopping a behavior without using my voice. I also love visual representations of facial expressions, however my kids do not really struggle with that. 

But...i wanted to use it as a sight word or number flash card pile collector for ones they got correct and incorrect. Still a work in progress, but we'll see

Special note on the folders:
The whole thing is laminated except for the pockets

I have a ring clip full of visual representations of break choices. When the teachers fills up their behavior chart (on the front) with dry-erased stars, they have a 3 min break represented by images on the ring clip. 

The file folder was a special project I've developed and I'm kind of excited about using it (consistently) beginning next week.