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Simply Special Ed

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Back to School Blog Organization Simple Classroom

Teacher DIY 2015

Hello friends!

I have been SO busy this past week prepping materials and getting things ready for back to school! I thought I would share some things I have been working on!

IMG_4645Okay, I know you have probably seen a million teacher toolbox makeovers this summer but I just HAD to have one. I was sick of my sticker pile clogging up my desk and having glue sticks in every drawer. This was the solution to cleaning up my teacher desk and converting it to a prep station instead of somewhere for things to get lost. I had to go with my FAVORITE mint color ( STAY TUNED FOR MORE MINT).

IMG_4673First, I ventured to find some supplies- and discovered there is a lowes 5 minutes away from my apartment… I’m observant I know haha! These materials were both located in the paint section and cost under 20 for both!

IMG_4674

Next it was time to spray paint, It took about 3 coats to cover the dark blue color. Make sure you get the spray paint for plastic that INCLUDES primer (saves you a step!)

IMG_4675While the paint was drying, I went inside to print, laminate, cut, and paste my labels on all of the drawers. These labels came from Lady Bug Teachers Files! I used regular to to tape on the labels to the OUTSIDE of the box- so it was crisp and clear to read.

IMG_4676And here is the finished project! It only took about 3 hours to complete and I CANNOT wait to fill it up!

I also used the rest of the paint…. and about 3 more cans 😉 to paint my primary color bins. Here is what it looked like before

and here is how it looked after:

IMG_4672I am so totally excited about how these turned out! Cannot wait to see my classroom come to life this year! Stay tuned!

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Comments

  1. casey says

    August 10, 2015 at 12:57 am

    Do all of your supplies fit in the toolkit? I love the idea but heard someone else say that the drawers are not actually deep enough for markers? Just checking before I go get one!

    • simplyspecialed says

      August 10, 2015 at 1:08 am

      They fit markers and highlighters! I tried it out in the store and brought some 🙂

  2. Kathy says

    August 10, 2015 at 1:26 am

    does the paint chip off easily on the toolbox?

    • simplyspecialed says

      August 10, 2015 at 1:26 am

      Nope ! I’ve traveled with it too and it looks great !

  3. Christina Garcia says

    August 11, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    Which store did you buy the box from?

    • simplyspecialed says

      August 11, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      Lowes! It was under 20 dollars. I found it in the paint section! Good luck!

  4. Kelly says

    June 19, 2016 at 6:49 am

    Love the idea of painting instead of buying new. How did the paint hold up over the coarse of the year?

Hi amazing teachers!
I'm Alyssa Shanahan -- a former Elementary Special Ed & Life Skills teacher. My classroom focus was always to keep things simple, increase communication, and build independence. Simply Special Ed's goal is to help teachers and students reach their full potential in and out of the classroom!

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