Semester Calendar

As you are probably noticing, I have a thing for calendars. Small ones, big ones, flippy ones, I love them all. There are many times when I find myself needing to see a month or two in the past and a month in advance for the same task. Just a quick glance-something that drives me crazy to have to pull out the big planner for. I decided that I would like to have a semester at a glance calendar in my room. And--why not make it awesome? That's what I did.

I just took an extra frame, fabric, and styrofoam from a package that I already had at home to make this. I cut the styrofoam to fit the frame, wrapped it in fabric, and installed it in the frame, using the original backing to hold it all in. I was going to put the months directly on the fabric, but it got lost in the pattern. So I put the calendars on a piece of black scrapbooking paper and it works. The calendar is pinned on with straight pins. It will be easy to change out the calendars or even change the format if I like. Just print and pin.

Perpetual Calendar

My students are getting in the habit of writing the date on all of their papers.  I have seen the flip calendars with the month, day, and year spiral bound on an easel.  I didn't want that.  I wanted something I could hang on my chalkboard where the big calendar is.  So I made a calendar the way I wanted it.  I made the months one color, the days another, and the years yet another.  Then I laminated, cut them out, and punched holes in them for rings.  It is such a help in the classroom!  Last year I didn't know what to put it on, so I found something on hand--half and curtain rod and fishing line.  I didn't like it, but it worked.  I figured out something even better.  I put it on a hanger!  Then of course, I had to cute it up.  I took off the hook part of the hanger off because I didn't need it, but it would be just as cute with it on.

The Pocketmod

OK. Most of you know how I am with my planner/calendar. Well, if you don't, let me give you a quick explanation. I AM ADDICTED TO IT!! Especially this time of year at school, I use my calendar/planner a lot. And, I have a few different ones too. I have a pocket PC, a 1/2 sheet of paper size, and then I have a quarter-sheet size spiral one. At one point I've used a full-size calendar too. That one was too big. Anyway, I teeter back and forth of what will work for me, so I have different ones. Right now I'm using the quarter-sheet-size one, but I'm still not sure for how long--we'll see. The electronic one has been calling my name! Now that I've given you a glimpse into my planner craziness, I must tell you about the Pocketmod. I was reading FamilyFun magazine (if you have kids, it's a great resource) and they were talking about getting organized. They had a little thing about this website and I went to play with it. It is way cool! It's free! Out of one sheet of paper you can make a little book. You pick what you put on there, from a calendar, to tic-tac-toe, a to-do list, to even music staff! It is just right up my alley. I made one full of games and drawing paper for the girls. They will love it! Allen is just shaking his head at my silliness. Check it out! pocketmod.com