Tuesday, February 28, 2012

I hate scissors, and scissors hate me.

Raise your hand if you kinda don't like cutting out all that laminate?? ME ME RIGHT HERE!!
I am so over it, and I know I am not alone out there. I love buying all new units and having new activities but sometimes the thought of laminating (not so bad) and then cutting it all out (ughhhhh) makes me discouraged. I am not kidding, last time I did this all by myself, my cutting hand went NUMB. Yes, I was thinking I pinched a nerve in my stupid hand. All due to cutting out laminate. 
Boo. hiss. 
So, I had dinner with my teacher mentor a couple of weeks ago (love) and she mentioned that when she taught at another school she would put things she needed to have cut out in a brown envelope with scissors and send it home with a child.....SO PARENTS COULD CUT IT OUT. G to the enius. 
I feel dumb for not thinking of this before, but I have some SUPER awesome parents that always ask how to help out and I never know what to say!? (Kelly Clarkson's Miss Independent just ran through my head, yes I have a control issue sometimes) So, this was perfect. 
I first sent home a note explaining and asking if it was okay. All of them said YES! Yesterday I prepared the packets with a giant new pocket chart activity I needed cut out (Ms. Simoneaux's Silly Sentences!) and sent it on it's merry way home with five of my kiddos. 
Here is what it looks like:
 

What I put inside!
I got all of them back today (yes, all the next day) completely cut out. :) If I could make a million smiley faces I would. Smileys would win! Now, I can focus on showing them the activity instead of being a scissor maniac, while trying to do attendance and run a small group. 
If you are looking for some help in this department I highly recommend this, or if you just want some parental involvement ideas!

I am currently in NOLA (again) to take my last certification test. Hopefully, I will be certified in another state soon....:) Wish me luck!

10 notes to the teacher:

Anonymous

Love this idea!! I always wonder what to give those parents that want to help at home. Thanks for sharing :)

Miss S.

I hate lamination cutting.. I always seem to cut too close to the edging and then it separates.
Anyways, I love your blog!
Im a new follower... I just found you tonight!

Miss S
Just Teaching...Kindergarten

Unknown

You are so funny...and that's a great idea!
Jennifer

First Grade Blue SKies

Unknown

That is a wonderful idea! I would to see what you sent home and attached to the envelope.

Brittany K
Sweet Seconds

Ashley

I love this idea. My question is, I see teachers who laminate then cut. I alway cut, laminate, and cut again. Is this totally unnecessary?! Does it separate, especially when uing a thermal laminator at home? Just wondering what works best. When I do these envelopes in the classroom, notice I said when, not if, I would probably send home a little treat with the envelope the first time. Perhaps a little mini lotion from Bath & Body or some chocolates, just to say thank you for their kindness! Thanks for the awesome idea!

Ashley
Live2Learn

Ms. Thomas

Ashley! I always used to cut twice too but now I don't! I laminate the whole thing with my little scotch laminator and it works great! And thanks for the tip I was thinking of sending them a little something!

Primary Junction

What a great idea! I like laminating and cutting until about the third item. Then, I'm SO over it! Thanks for sharing!

Kayla
Primary Junction

Delighted

Hmmmmm. I'm going to have to give that some thought. :-)

First Grade Delight
imgoingfirst@gmail.com

The Colorful Apple

I always cut, laminate then cut too! This is a great idea, especially for parents who aren't able to volunteer in the classroom during the day. Thanks for the tip!

Sara :)
Smiling In Second Grade

Ashley

It really works? That will be such a time saver, especially today with all the Leap Day Sales! I shared this idea on my blog, Live 2 Learn, for Tippy Tuesday on a Wednesday. If you have a moment, check it out:)!

Ashley
Live2Learn

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