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Friday, August 15, 2014

Palma's Favorite Things: My Crayon Organization Obsession

My name is Palma and I'm obsessed with organizing crayons!

It's true, what can I say.  I would spend hours after school checking crayon boxes to make sure everyone had all of the colors.  I've been known to stop everything and have every child hold up each crayon as I called out the color names to make sure every student had all of their crayons.  I obsessed about this until I came up with two solutions.
This template fits inside the jumbo crayon boxes.  The ones with the separate lids and the ones with the flap.

My 1st Solution:

For crayon boxes, I came up with two templates that fit perfectly inside the jumbo 8-count box and the small 8-count box.  (Scroll down for the FREE templates.)

Just cut them out and glue them into the crayon boxes.


Students match the colors of their crayons to the colors on the template and they instantly know which crayons they are missing so they can replace them from my "Extra Crayons" box.  
A well-used small box of 8 crayons.
The template fits inside.  Just glue it in.

My 2nd Solution:

You have probably seen this one on my blog before.  I use the popsicle molds to hold crayons on the tables.  It promotes sorting and there are always lots of crayons available at each table. 

This pop tray can hold 6-7 small crayons for 3-4 jumbo crayons in each section.
 Don't throw away the little popsicle holders that come with the molds.  They make great great counters, they can be used in your estimation jar, or you can tape numbers to half of them and sets of dots to the other half for matching.  
Always include a "reference jar" at your estimation center.
This one has 4 pop holders and says, "This is what 4 looks like."

So if you're as obsessed as I am about keeping your classroom crayons organized, you can pick up my templates FREE by clicking HERE.  Enjoy!  :)


Check out my:
FaCeBoOk:  Click Here to see my Facebook. (Tons of FREE ideas.)
PiNtErEsT:  Click Here to see my Pinterest Boards.  (Oh, the ideas on these boards!)
TeAcHeRs PaY tEaChErS:  Click Here to see my TPT Store (Did you say, "15 freebies?!")

Check out more organization ideas by clicking HERE.

See you all tomorrow!
Palma :)

5 comments:

  1. I think I'm going to try the Popsicle container idea. Does it stand up ok? I do understand your obsession! I think we all have some type or another. Thanks so much for the ideas! Linda G

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  2. Yes, Linda, the popsicle molds stand up perfectly. I have never had one tip over. Don't forget to use the pop holders for something fun! :)

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  3. What a great tip. I cannot stand the constant "I need a red." "She stole my blue." drama!

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  4. You are such a great teacher! I usually ask my students to look through our class crayon bin or to share with a friend. I love love love your ideas! Thanks for sharing them & for linking up with us! :)
    Melissa from Mrs. Dailey's Classroom

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  5. Dear Palma! This is amazing! Where was this wonderful idea when I started teaching in 1989?!?! I've spent years hearing "She has my red." "I need an orange." 'Why don't I have a black?" :)
    Have a great weekend,
    Fern
    Fern Smith's Classroom Ideas!
    Fern Smith's Pinterest Boards!

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