Omiword, y’all.  I have to be honest.  I had *no* idea how much work goes into putting together an organizational binder for my kiddos!  Though I’ve created a take-home folder before, this is the first time I’ve ever used such an organizational binder, and it seriously took some energy to produce!  However, now that all is said and done, and they’re all neatly stacked on each of my firsties’ desks, I am all kinds of excited about using them! Since I was a newbie to this craze, I relied on my sweet friend, Michelle, at Fabulous in First to guide me through the process.  She uses a “GO” Book, which you can watch her talk about in THIS little how-to.  I also based the description of my “R.O.C.K.S.” binder on her description.  Seriously, if want a professional’s take on all of this, go visit Michelle! Anyway, when you open the binder, the first thing you see is the left-hand pocket labeled “to be left at home” and a zipper pouch.  Right now, the pocket contains my introductory letter that I send home with my students on the first day of school, and will eventually contain other documents that the students can keep at home.  The letter contains all kinds of important information that parents will want to know concerning first grade. Though it’s not universal or editable, if you’re interested in reading the letter, click HERE.  The zipper pouch will be used to store money for lunch, book fairs, fund raising, field trips, etc. The next part of the binder contains the school-issued spiral bound planner.  I *love* these things!  Not only is it a great place for students to jot down their assignments, but I also use it as a communication tool between school and home.  It’s where I inform the parents about their students’ behavior, add important date stickers, and write notes home.  It truly serves as a big ol’ running record of important things throughout the entire school year.  After the planner is a clear pocket that holds a description of the R.O.C.K.S. binder.  If you’d like to read this document, click HERE.  Feel free to use it or alter it to fit your classroom management system! The next clear pocket contains a copy of our weekly specials schedule.  Our schedule stays the same all year long (PTL!), and I constantly have students (and parents) asking for reminders.  I did not, however, include a copy of our daily schedule as it changes all the time!!!    Opposite of the special’s schedule is the lunch menu.  The next clear pocket holds a description of our Rockin’ Behavior Clip Chart classroom management system.  I’ve had lots of questions about this, so if you’re interested in reading more, click HERE.  Opposite of the clip chart description is a quick reference guide that mimics the clip chart found in our classroom.  I figured this would provide a visual that parents and students would understand when discussing daily behavior.  You can get a copy of this quick reference guide by clicking HERE.   {Btw, I indicate the color of the chart that the student ends the day on by marking a similarly colored star in the student’s planner each day. Parents are expected to initial it daily.  I did this same thing when I “flipped colors” and it’s a great way to keep data on students’ behavior and communicate it to parents on a daily basis.}  Next is a “homework” labeled divider (made from colored cardstock that I hole-punched).  Students will keep their weekly homework packet behind it. The final component of the binder is the right-hand binder pocket labeled “bring right back.”  This is where I put important forms and documents that parents usually need to sign/fill-out and return.  I used the left and right labels in take-home folders in the past and they work great! So, that’s my R.O.C.K.S. binder!  A true labor of love! Let me know if you have any questions 🙂 {PS.  Tomorrow is the first day for teachers in my district!  Eeeeh!!!!  And, though I’m pokey, Teacher Week is still on!  Thanks for being patient while I transition into the new school year!} {PSS.  Don’t forget, you can download R.O.C.K.S. binder covers HERE and Rockin’ Behavior Clip Chart signs HERE.} {PSSS.  Thanks so much for your responses to the blog conference!  Cara and I are in the midst of reading through each comment, clarifying ideas, and combining suggestions.  We’ll post about it soon!}