First Week of School BOX

It's the end of the school year as I write this post and I know how #teachertired you are, BUT I also know you will thank yourself a million times over if you make today's project! (Don't worry, its super easy!!) Check out one of my FAVORITE ways to organize for a new school year BEFORE I leave for summer break -> Let me introduce you to the FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL BOX! 

It's as simple as grabbing a large tote or sterilite bin and tossing in your BTS goodies so everything is in ONE SPOT! These printables will help you feel like you're so organized! I've included a label for your box and a printable August/September calendar to record important BTS dates. Stick a copy of the weekly goals planner and checklists inside too. When you return to school, you'll be steps ahead! 

Making a First Week Box is especially helpful for teachers who need to pack up their classrooms over summer break! Don't spend precious time at the start of the year worrying about where all your stuff is. Grab these FREE PRINTABLES so you can get yourself organized for the  first week of school!

I'm also sharing all the items I like to store inside my First Week of School Box. I hope this post sparks some ideas for you, no matter your grade level. I'm a huge fan of using bins and caddies when it comes to #organizingallthethings and today's post is no exception! I feel so much better knowing these items are ready to go when the school year starts! 

​So without further ado, lets see inside my box!

I found this Sterilite 32 Quart Gasket Box at Target! It's amazing because it also holds file folders, so everything stays super organized! You can also find them on Amazon HERE!

Student Welcome Folders

These Welcome Folders include all of my BTS forms for Open House (a.k.a. Meet the Teacher or BTS Night). I made all of these forms EDITABLE so I just hop on the first week of school and update a few things if needed! It's a BREEZE! And a huge timesaver!

I assembled all of these items (PLUS other helpful items) into a BACK TO SCHOOL TEACHER KIT and you can grab a copy of it HERE. 

Sub Plans

My school requires that we have Sub Plans prepared as part of our BTS checklist. We even have to get signed off by the principal on this one! So I made it EASY! I just print these NO PREP, COPY FREE Sub Plans and stick them in a folder! Since I don't have to make any copies (because they are COPY FREE activities), this takes no time to do. Print and grab a folder. And DONE!

Back to School Class Books

I absolutely LOVE reading all the books for BTS! These Back to School Class Books are my FAVORITE way to build our classroom community!!! Every student makes their own page and we add them to our classroom library! I have these books & copies prepped for BTS and I store the entire book bin inside my First Week Box! I also place the Read Alouds directly in my First Week Box so I'm not searching for them during BTS! These books include:

• Chrysanthemum (Names are special & unique)
• No, David or David Goes to School (School Rules)
• A Bad Case of Stripes (How to avoid catching Stripes - Be Yourself)
• First Day Jitters (Feelings on the first day of school)
• Wemberly Worried (dealing with our worries, class tips from peers)
• Do Unto Otters (using manners)

Book Social Units (books for helping my students learn valuable social skills)

I wrote an entire blog post on this one (You can read it here -> "Must Have Back to School Books") ! To sum it up, there are a few books I love to use for BTS and Jordan (from @heyheyfirstgrade) and I made some activities that specifically focus on Social Skills to go with them! I place these books and the master copy of each set inside the First Week Box. You can grab all the links for these units in this blog post and I've linked the books on Amazon below: 

• Do Unto Otters
• Wemberly Worried
• The Sandwich Swap
• The Recess Queen
• The Bad Seed​

Class Donation Cards

These Thanks a Latte Class Donation Cards are not necessary, but I love to hang them up for Open House and I generally ask for the same items, so I just have them printed and ready.

Go Fish (Classroom Community Building)

These fish are a part of my Morning Meeting for BTS and help my students and I get to know each other better. Each morning we "Go Fish" and read one card. Students learn & practice our "turn and talk" expectations during this activity. WIN WIN! These fish are printed and placed inside my box! I store the glass fish bowl in my closet for safe keeping. You can find this Go Fish! activity HERE.

Something FUN!

Again, not necessary but come August (or September) when you open up your box, you'll probably forget that you left yourself a little surprise and it will totally brighten your day! Throw in a pack of new pens or a little treat (nothing that will melt). You'll be so glad you did! 

Thinking of making your own First Week of School Box, tell me what you're putting in yours below! Are you social? Tag me on Instagram @mrshenryinfirst or find me on Facebook!

Pin Now, Save for Later

Check out some of my other helpful organization ideas below!