How-To: Contain All Those School Papers

Cannwin is taking over again for me today and I for her. Today we are presenting you with "How-To's". She's got a very clever way to keep all the school paper clutter to a minimum and I'm instructing you on the fine art of sushi...well, sort of. Head on over to The Great and Random Ramblings of Cannwin to see what I mean. Don't you love how different two posts with the same theme can be?

At the end of the last school year my 1st grader came home with a 'book' his teacher had made to contain all of my sons important or special papers from the year.

The make-up of the book was so simple that I couldn't help but fall in love.

Each month had it's own pocket with a corresponding picture of my child (or his class) from that time period. Inside the pocket were tests, school work or art projects that he had done during that month.

It was pure genius!

In fact I loved it so much that I've decided to implement it's use for all of my children for each year... in the hopes that it will contain the insane amount of papers we receive during the year.

It also makes a good post for today's blog swap. So I'm going to teach you how to make your own--super easy--'Back to School Book.'

What you need:
> At least 5 folders (one pocket for each month your child is in school)
> Scissors
> Label stickers
> Permanent marker

Step One:
You will need to take one of your folders and cut it in half to make the front and back cover. Like the picture instructs. :)

On the bottom right hand corner is where I put the name of my child and the grade the folder pertained to.

Step Two:
Fold the rest of your folders so that the pockets are on the outside, with the crease on the outer edge of what will become your book. Label each pocket with a month... preferably in order ::wink::

Step Three:
Paper clip the almost book into the order you want and then take it down to a print shop to get it bound. I did two books and it cost me around $8 for both. It also should only take a few minutes to get them done.

Important note: Your going to bind the loose side of the folders. The folded edge will be the outside--YOU DO NOT BIND THE FOLDED EDGE.... unless you're me, then you'll discover that staples work fine as well.

Step Four:
Admire your handiwork.

Step Five:
Put the book somewhere easily accessible so that you can use it throughout the school year to catch important papers and report cards. When the year is over stick it in your child's special file (or whatever your equivalent is).

Enjoy!