Library Pockets for Speech Homework

So, I was killing time the other day at the local teacher supply store and what did I leave with? Everything chevron of course! I bought some adorable chevron library card holders, or library pockets, from School Aids.  I sat them on my desk, since they were so pretty, and had a great idea during my session...actually using them in the books I send home to parents! 

I cut a blank note card in half and used one card as a checkout card with the date the child was given the book. Make sure you do not use full names due to privacy concerns, of course. The date will help the parent stay accountable and will encourage them to bring it back! For the other card I wrote out homework ideas specialized for the child! This child was working on carrying over some articulation sounds that were found in the chant in this particular book so it was perfect. I also provided some other tips for using the book in different ways so the book could be used multiple times for practice.

I would usually stick a post-it on a book that I was sending home with homework tips and I love the idea that this way my homework is much less likely to get lost. It saves paper too. I also like the fact that I can start this system and have multiple therapy ideas for my books to pull from if I keep up with this system in the future! Future TPT ideas are brewing in my mind....

I bought this book at a book resale event and highly recommend it. It is a cute alternative to The Three Little Pigs. 

Now I'm off to think of new ways to use the rest of my library card holders! What do you use them for in your speech room?

DIY: Dog Bed Tutorial/Re-purposed Dog-Destroyed Throw Blanket

Here is an easy tutorial for creating a no-sew pet bed from a throw blanket. Anyone can do those- even your kiddos. It is also a great way to re-purpose your pet's favorite blanket....or your favorite blanket that your dog may have damaged. This tutorial is also unique because you can make the dog bed have its own attached blanket easily.

DIY Personalized Dry Erase Memo Board

I told you I know a lot of people with birthdays this season. I made this gift for under $3.00!

I like to give my gifts like this with a wet erase marker instead of a dry erase marker so that when you add to your list you don't smudge off what you wrote before.

So here is how I made it:  I picked up a frame from the dollar store. I used the stock picture in the frame as a guide to cut a piece of scrapbook paper to size for the frame. To make my personalized "K loves E" I chose a leftover paint swatch from my previous project and twisted aluminum wire with my $8 Walmart jewelry tools. I secured my shapes onto the swatch with pieces of a glue dot and rounded the corners with a punch. I glued my self made embellishment to the paper and set it inside the frame. To make my cute little clothespin for reminders and my decorated pen I simply wrapped them both in washi tape bought from Michael's.  (Michael's finalllly has an aisle for washi tape! I wish Hobby Lobby did too!) I secured it to the top of the frame and voila! A completely personalized gift was made for under $3.

Tutorital: DIY Fancy Dry Erase Calendar

In my family we have tons of birthdays to celebrate in the fall and winter seasons. Those along with Christmas means that there are lots of presents that need to be purchased or made. This year I am trying to make as many as possible. I plan to share some with you as they are completed.

Food Tracker Book Printables & Tutorial

I am finally getting back to focusing on my health. For me, that means sticking to a low carbohydrate diet and tracking with I eat and drink so that I can work toward getting to a healthy weight. I came up with this food tracker book to help me keep track of what I eat and drink and to increase my motivation and accountability to myself.   Now you can make your own with these printables and this tutorial!

Trash Can Made Easy

I have one of those very nice stainless steel trashcans that have a plastic insert inside where you place the trash bag (I promise the insert isn't dirty, it's just old and been through a lot).  If you have a similar type of trash can you know it seems to get full after what only seems like a minute and then people (no names shall be mentioned) begin stuffing more trash in which then causes the most annoying problem: the trash bag forms a suction and makes it almost impossible to pull the bag out.