Hey teaching friends! So, I was looking for a PD resource book the other day for an idea and I realized that I had loaned the book to a friend and it still has not yet been returned! While the person who borrowed it, did not mean to have forgotten about it, it is still probably sitting in her room miles away from where I need it. At this minute.
Has this happened to you before? Sometimes I can’t even remember who I loaned the book or resource out to in order to retrieve it, which is even worse. Especially if you are out of school for the summer and a mass staff email is not an option.
As a problem solver, I decided to find an easy and fun solution.
How about some old school book jacket envelopes and checkout cards? 🙂
I know many classroom teachers are all about the electronic checkout systems in the classroom these days. And that is fine for large collections of books for students that will be going in and out repeatedly throughout the school year.
This idea is just a little something nostalgic for those items that may not to be “checked out” often, yet it still contains an accountability piece so that you will never lose track of where your item might be off to in the coming weeks and months.
Start by grabbing the FREE download I created for you at the bottom of the page.
Next, print off the envelope templates on some thick scrapbook paper and cut out. Cut out on the outside outline and fold on the inside lines. Secure with tape, glue, or staples.
Print off the cards on any color of cardstock you like. I had some weathered-looking cardstock on hand and thought it matched the old school look of the rest of my materials. Cut them out.
Attach your cards and envelope on the inside cover of your resources.
Last – I made a matching little origami paper box out of more scrapbook paper to hold the cards and a pencil. As someone asks to use a resource, simply have him or her fill out the card in the book and place the card in the box.
Every so often, check your box to see when the item was “checked out” and follow up to retrieve your item if sufficient time has passed or you need it for your own use.
Simple. Easy to put together. Super economical.
Have fun keeping tabs on your resources and keeping them in your possession for years to come,
~Charity
This post originally appeared at Organized Classroom.
Leave a Reply