One Tool Our Kindergarten Team Can't do Without!

While starting to think about all the things we have to get ready before the first day of school, our "red folders" was brought up...we had to place the order!
I realized how much we depend on this tool, and how well it has worked for Kindergarten since our school first opened its doors about 8 years ago. This works so well, that other grade levels started to use implement it as well.

Front cover view

This is our famous "RED FOLDER":

 The front has a clear plastic sleeve where we place our classroom's cover, with the name of the child, class, and at the top we also include pertinent information such bus number, or if the child is a car rider, or childcare program (such as Boys and Girls Club). Having this is information right there is not only helpful for teachers, but our whole school staff know where to look if there is a question and the teacher is not around (specially at dismissal time!)

Folder open view

 On the inside, you will notice there are two pockets, one on each side. The right side pocket is for papers that need to be returned to school, such as forms, surveys, progress reports, assessments, etc. Parent also include notes to the teacher on this side.
The left pocket holds papers that can be kept at home, such as students' classwork, projects, newsletters, fliers, etc. These "Return to School" and "Keep at Home" come already printed on the folders.

Back cover view

On the back, the folder has another clear plastic sleeve. This is the place where we put our Homework Calendar, or it could also be used to place your snack or classroom calendar.


One customization me made
We added a money pocket:

On the inside of the front cover, we stick an adhesive CD plastic sleeve, that serves as a money holder.
Parents are informed to insert money or checks in this pocket, which is secured with a Velcro button. You will notice that the CD sleeve has a label with instructions for parents. It reads:
"Dear parents, please use this pocket to send money to school. Be sure that you let me know what the money is for by writing it on the memo section of the check - field trip, project, lunch, etc. Checks are preferable to cash!
Remember that lunch money is held in your child's lunch account. It is advisable to pay a large amount at the time, and the money will be deducted as needed. You or an older sibling may pay your kindergartner's lunch money, as long as you know the lunch number. Your child's lunch number is _________. If paying by check please put the lunch number on the check".

You might be asking yourself where to get these awesome folders.  They are called Nicky's Folders, and they have a great selection of colors and models. The one I just showed you is the Communicator Folder. I would suggest you to give it a try. They are durable (they last the whole year and beyond), they are not bulky or heavy like certain binders might be, they are easy to handle and carry, they fit perfectly in small backpacks, without adding weight. Like I said, this is definitely the one thing our Kindergarten team can't do without!

Other products shown in use with these folders that you might be interested:

The Editable Front Covers: I have designed some, which are available at my store:

This image shows the Plain Cover printed on computer paper from the Dollar Store. 

As always, thank you for reading!