Teacher Toolbox

(Sorry about the lighting in the top picture!)

Hip Hip Hurray!  I've finally made something to prove I am an organized teacher!

I'm sure you've seen this floating around Pinterest and have already made it!

I had my eye on this since before the school year was up, but finally got around to this project today.   I read Debbie Diller's Book Places and Spaces last summer and loved the idea of getting rid of my teacher desk.  

GASP!

Some teachers may be freaking out about getting rid of their desk, but for me, I rarely use it.  I use my kidney table instead.  Diller's idea is to create a shared space that both the teacher and student can co-exist.   I wasn't able to get rid of my desk, though, because it came BRAND NEW to our school my first year of teaching (who's complaining?  not me. I promise! This desk was any first year teachers dream.  HUGE with massive drawers for storage!).

Anyways, this year, since I am moving to a new school without any furniture (you see, I've been selected to help start a new school for my district), I have requested to not have a teacher desk.  This toolbox will exist as my desk- yet everything is labeled so my students can grab supplies as well!

Can I just say I am LOVING all of the bloggers out in blogville who make FREEBIES for moochers like me?  You mean they just give this stuff away?

If you are like me and have not jumped on the bandwagon, it's not too late.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Go to your local hardware store and purchase a plastic toolbox.
 Mine cost less than 20 buckaroos!

2. (Optional!)  Take the plastic drawers out and spray paint the toolbox.
I spray painted mine black, but  I think white looks exceptional!

3. Meanwhile, as the paint is drying, hop on the world wide web and search for toolbox labels.
I found mine on Teacher's Pay Teachers for FREE!  I repeat: FREE!  (all credit to cuteness goes to: Kristen Doyle)

4. (Optional)  I downloaded the file into Powerpoint and changed some of the labels to fit my own needs.

5. Print

6. Cut

7. Tape

8. Fill it with your *now* organized supplies!

(Can you tell I am a first grade teacher by the way I give out directions?)

I cannot wait to get into my classroom and organize!
They are projectingthat we will be able to move into the building 2 days before Staff Development begins!  My fingers arms, toes, legs, and eyes are crossed.

Say a little prayer for me!

-Mrs. Thiering

*Original credit given to Mrs. Rojas (Thank you!)