Book Boxes

I haven't been here in awhile. The end of the school year is SO crazy as we all know.  Testing, testing, and more testing.  On top of that, there is all the field trips, projects, game days, and PAPERWORK to be done.  Well, here I am 4 days into summer vacation and what I have decided to do? Prepare for next year! Yes, I know what you are thinking but hey I love my job!

I have struggled with book boxes since I began using The Daily 5.  I had a system worked out for the past few years but have come realize all its limitations.  Not all books would fit in the tubs I was using, especially hard covered books.  If there were too many books in a tub it would not fit back on the shelf.  Books would get bent and badly beaten up in these tubs. I decided I needed a new system for next year.


I considered the plastic magazine holders.  I thought about how I sometimes I see 2 or 3 on clearance at Target or Walmart.  But then I realized, who am I kidding, if they didn't all match it would drive me CRAZY.  If you knew me, you would completely understand!

I've heard over and over again about the super cheap magazine boxes that Ikea sells but the state I live in does not have Ikea.  In fact, they were raved about at the Two Sisters Workshop I went to in March.  However, a few months ago I was in Denver and stopped by Ikea (YAY!) to look at some of those famous 5 for $1.99 cardboard magazine boxes.  Well, as much as I love the price, I do not love that I have to go over 600 miles to get them.  I decided to give in and I bought 30 of them, toted them home with me and shoved them in a spare room at home and shut the door.

Now, fast forward to today.  Here I am on day 4 of vacation and I am thinking about school, school, and more school.  I am excited to prepare for next year but thought what could I do from home to pass some of my boredom.  I pulled out my book boxes and started thinking how I could make them last through the whole year, possibly longer.  I decided on duct tape.  Target sells all sorts of great colors and I thought this would be perfect!  I really wanted to get the cool designed tape but it was too expensive!  I gave it a try tonight and I am super excited about the outcome.  I posted some pictures below.  I bought purple, red, blue, and green.  Not only do I think these will last, but these great colors will add some brightness to my classroom.  I am excited to try them out next year! :-)