Friday, June 21, 2019

Computer Desktop Organizers for Messy Desktops

Do you need computer desktop organizers to clean up your messy, disorganized desktop?  Are you tired of sorting through little icons on your desktop, wondering where that new file you are working on went?  Do you have to search online to find a monthly calendar for reference when working at your computer?  If so, I've got the perfect forever freebie for you! 

computer desktop organizer in use        
sample view of June computer desktop organizer

What is it?

This forever freebie is a zip file of PNGs of each month from July 2019 through June 2020.  When you set them as the background on your computer desktop, you will have the monthly calendar at your fingertips for easy reference.  Each month has four boxes to sort your files into.  You simply sort and organize whatever is on your desktop into the appropriate box.  In "tools," I have various tools that I use often when working on the computer.  PowerPoint templates I use in my work go into "Misc. Stuff" as well as a file of square cover makers, and files for various promotions I'm involved in at the time.  The "working on" section has files and PPTs of various resources I'm working on at the time.  I put things that I've downloaded but haven't looked through and sorted out yet  in "to file."  I really love how everything I need is at my fingertips and I know exactly where it is on my desktop.

How do you set the PNG as your desktop background?

Setting the PNG as your desktop background is super easy to do.  First unzip the file. Then put your cursor over the month you want to use. Next, right click on the image. Finally, click on the "set as desktop background."  It's that easy.  From there, you can sort out your files to your satisfaction. 

How do I get these free computer desktop organizers?

To get these free computer desktop organizers, simply click on the picture below!  

computer desktop oganizers   
 Click on picture to download

While we're talking calendars, maybe you are in need of some free hard copy calendars to use in your classroom.  You can find some really cute, free doggie-themed calendars by clicking here.  These are open-ended, so all you have to do to use them each year is write the numbers in the correct box!

Until next time,

Monday, June 17, 2019

Do You Need Vocabulary Word Banks for Amazing Writers?

monthly vocabulary word bank 
Monthly Thematic Word Banks

 Increasing vocabulary in class writing is something that I struggled with until I created these vocabulary word banks.  At first, I just listed the words on chart paper and tried to draw pictures to illustrate the words.  However, with my limited artistic skills, that didn't work out too well.  

So I turned to technology to help create thematic vocabulary word banks. Using the computer, I designed these monthly thematic word banks.  I picked vocabulary pertinent to each month, found coordinating clipart, and added the labels.  Now there was not question for my nonreaders what that picture represented!  Each file comes with 4 parts of the word bank on 8.5 by 11 paper for you to print out and piece together to make a large 17x22 poster.  It also includes  a complete poster on 8.5x11 paper for student to keep at their desks, in their writers notebooks, or whatever system you have put in place for word walls/word banks.

So How Do Vocabulary Word Banks Make Better Writers?

These posters are super handy to help children have the confidence to use seasonal vocabulary without having to worry about how to spell the words.  They provide a ready reference for children when working independently or collaboratively.  The large poster is perfect to put into a writing center.  I use magnetic strips and post it on the side of my metal shelf where I put my writing center.  When children are writing independently, they use the chart for reference both in the center and when writing in their journals.  These really help children make interesting word choices in their writing!

Try It Out!

monthly vocabulary word bank 
Click the picture to download your free August / September Vocabulary Word Bank!

Click the picture above to download your free August/September Word Bank.  Use the posters in addition to your normal writing routine.  Click here for a great beginning of the year writing freebie that you can add to your bag of writing tricks and use in conjunction with this poster. Happy writing!! 


This post originally appeared on Classroom Freebies
 
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