The Famous O.W.L. Book!

Well, I made it through the first week of school! My new Firsties are oh.so.cute. And their parents are the nicest people in the world!  I really haven't felt well lately, and my students' parents showered me with love, hugs, and kind words the second they came in the door. I'm so thankful for all of their support.

Now, about this O.W.L Book...

My inbox was flooded after the first day of school!  I kept receiving emails from parents saying how much they loved their kids' O.W.L. Books.  The O.W.L. Book is something I'm using for the first time this year to try to keep my Firsties organized.  I LOVE organization!!! I wish I could say it was all my idea, but it wasn't.  There are actually different versions of this binder... G.O. Book, R.O.C.K.S. Binders, M.O.O.S.E. Notebook, etc... I just chose to name mine "O.W.L." because my classroom theme is owls.  That's for another post...I'm crazy about the owls!!!

This "No Peanuts Please" flyer was a freebie from another blogger.
As soon as I find her blog, I will give her full credit!

I LOVE this reference sheet called "My First Grade Helper." 
It was also a freebie from another blog.

Here is the information I put on the O.W.L. Book instruction page:

What is an O.W.L. Book?

It is a 3-ring binder put together by the teacher, that houses everything students and parents need to stay informed about our class. No more wrinkled papers in the bottom of the backpack! No more lost money!

Why is it important to have an O.W.L. Book?

It is important to have an O.W.L. Book to help students establish good organizational skills at an early age.  The O.W.L. Book will come to school and back home every day.  So, it is your responsibility, as the parent, to look through it each day to see what’s going on in first grade.

How do I use the O.W.L. Book?

• The binder pockets will be used to transport homework to and from school.  The front pocket is where the red homework folder should be kept with homework returning to school.  The back pocket is the “keep at home” pocket where I will send graded work home.  Please take all graded work out each day.

• Use the clear zippered pouch to send picture money, field trip money, and notes to school.  This will also be where you find “notes home” from me.

• The first pages in the binder will be the class welcome letter, parent expectations, supply list, and other important information.  Check here weekly for updates.  There will also be a copy of “My First Grade Helper” for students to reference at school and at home. 

• The tabbed dividers will hold the following:

1.LANGUAGE ARTS pacing guide and weekly lesson plans.

2.MATH pacing guide and weekly lesson plans.

3.SCIENCE and SOCIAL STUDIES pacing guides and weekly lesson plans.

4.BEHAVIOR TRACKING, class rules, and an explanation of my behavior management system. Look here for your child’s daily behavior and leave your signature.

5.CAFÉ CONFERENCE forms.  Check on your child’s weekly reading assessment and leave your signature.

We will be unloading and loading the O.W.L. Books together as a class each day.

     We are just beginning the second week of school, and I can already see the difference these O.W.L. Books are making.  My Firsties were organized and ready to go this morning!  I hope this is helpful for my students' parents, as well.  And if you're a teacher reading, feel free to take any of these ideas!

Jessica