I have been thinking about where to have my kiddos put their book bags though. Every year I think I've found the perfect place and then I'm ready to change it. This year I had 2 pencil coat racks that I purchased for $10 each at the Dollar General. They didn't hold up very well even though I loved them. I now have one and it's kind of pitiful (pegs have broken off!). Please pay no attention to the messy magazines in the background. Those are used for cool down and at first, it was a mess!
I'm wondering if I should try to buy one or two from Sears or Walmart, maybe they'll be more sturdy? Or go with these plastic hooks along the bottom of my front wall? I'm thinking I could fit at least 2 bags, if not 3, on each hook...
I'm always trying to take up as little space as possible and make it quick for them to get their books during reading workshop time. The pencils were actually pretty good as far as that goes, but I really don't want to have to buy something new every year. If you have ideas, please share! :)
I had my dad build me two sets of cubbies I saw in Lakeshore. In Lakeshore, for a set of ten, they were $600. So my two sets would have been $1200! No thanks! So my dad built them for me for $175. They are wood, sturdy, and very roomy for the kids! You can go to my blog and see them. I realize they are the quickest solution, but if you can find someone to build them, they will last forever!!
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I see that you have cloth bags with loop handles but here is another idea that might work. Our students have their own guided reading bag (a plastic bag with a little hook handle from Really Good Stuff) they take home everyday and need to bring back everyday. I have some simple metal towel racks that are screwed in under my upper cupboards---not on the wall but actually screwed into the bottom of the cupboards. When they come in the classroom in the morning they hook their guided reading bags on the towel racks. I have a girl's rack and a boy's rack. The towels racks are plain (they are painted white and blend in pretty well) but it works very well, and I think it saves space. I know this is probably not what you were looking for...but maybe someone could use the idea?? :)
ReplyDeleteI have the exact same books you do. I'm going to make a post later this week about how I store them. :) If you look in the picture of my class tour you will notice the colorful bin organizer that I bought from Lakeshore with these bags in them. I have two sets of the colorful bins. One is for the Guided Reading bags (i use the bags you have pictured) and one is for our Readers Workshop bags (the larger version of the bags you have pictured). They sit neatly on top of a shelf. LOVE them!
ReplyDeleteI have the same bags too. The kids store them on the back of their chairs. You can see a picture on my blog. I don't have room for another set of cubbies or shelves so this was the idea last year. I did the same thing this year and it worked out very well.
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Cathy
I use the 3m hooks...but in order to put more than one bag on a hook, I loop a thin piece of ribbon to each...it hangs easier and you can fit more of them on the hook...(I guess b/c my bags have normal size wide handles...from Target Dollar section =)
ReplyDeleteHope that helps! (love the coat rack idea!)
Jennifer
http://firstgradeblueskies.blogspot.com
I have co-taught 36 1st graders for several years- we've run into this same problem. We've stored backpacks in 2 big containers but then where do we store them? We can't have backpacks at desks because then it is a tripping hazard as well as play option. This coming school year I get to have my own classroom. I bought several IKEA bookshelves for this reason- each child will have a cubby. No more lost time looking for backpacks or lost items. The tops (sides) of bookcases will be for baskets etc. If you want to see more about this check out my IKEA experience post.
ReplyDeletePrimary Connections
I have a large paper chart stand that has bars that extend out the side from the top. I hang all of them on one of the bars. On the other bar I hang a couple of my take home bags. I was hoping to add a photo here but it won't let me.
ReplyDeleteLori
Little Priorities
I would put them in bins or even a laundry basket so students have easy access. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI get those bags with the hooks and let them hang them on their desks. They are accessible, out of the way, off the floor and sturdy. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteI an in love with those command strips! I have 20+ in my class and growing. I use them for everything.
ReplyDeleteMs. M
Ms.M's Blog
A Teacher's Plan
I bought shower curtain hooks that work perfect! I hang them on one of my maker board railings. The are easily accessable and out of the way!
ReplyDeleteWhen I had book bags (now I have boxes), my teaching partner and I used baby links to attach the book bags to the backs of our chairs. The links are easy for the kiddos to use, and they are sturdy.
ReplyDeleteMiss W
Miss W Teaches
Instead of my students hanging their backpacks on the backpack hooks that are permanently screwed into the back shelf of my room, I have them put their backpacks in 2 big buckets (a green one for boy backpacks and a pink one for girls). I use the backpack hook to hang my reading book bags. This helps them be able to see which bag they need quickly and easily. Then when it is time to put them up, the students know exactly where they go and can easily hang them up. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteJena
1st Grade with Miss Snowden
Thanks everyone for your great ideas! I'll definitely check out your blogs! :)
ReplyDeleteI use one of my garment racks with hangers. I will have to take a photo and make a post about it soon.
ReplyDeleteJennifer