Labels, a teacher's dream! I know you love labeling things as much as I do. Labels keep me organized. They let my students know where to find things (and put them back!). And they personalize student supplies. But buying all those cute labels can get expensive! A few years ago I started making my own labels - and I love it! It's easy to do and I can make the labels look however I want!


I posted a picture of some of my labels on Instagram and got a ton of requests to put them in my TpT store. Unfortunately, I can't figure out how to do it and still keep the labels editable, protect the clipart and make them print clearly. So, I decided to do a little tutorial here on my blog to help you create your own. (NOTE: If after going through this tutorial you decide you don't want to spend the time creating your own, email me and we can chat about a custom label order. I've already had a few people say they just want them done and ready to print out!)


This tutorial has 2 parts: If you're somewhat familiar with Powerpoint, you can follow my step-by-step directions and you'll probably be fine. If you need a visual, I created a video that should help! (I need to say that I work on a PC. I have no idea how to do this on a Mac, so if it's really different, I can't help!)


In order to create the labels, you need to first create the image you want on the label, then insert it into a template the same size as the labels you want to use. I like to use 2x4 Avery labels. I got the template from the Avery website. I don't feel comfortable sharing the actual template here (copyright issues), so here's the link to the site and the template I use (it's the 5th one on the page).
Avery 2x4 labels templates


1. Open Powerpoint and set the size to whatever size the labels are. (Go to Design > Slide Size > Custom)
2. Add clipart and text to make the first label look the way you want.
3. Click on your label slide on the left pane and click CTRL-D. This will duplicate the slide. Now just go in and change the name! Do this to make a label for all your students. (If you want to change the clipart quickly, click on the image and right click, then select Change Picture.)
4. Once you have all the label images you want, save your file as images (jpegs or pngs seem to work best).
5. Download, save and open the label template you want to use. (My template is a Word document for the 2x4 labels.)
6. Click in the middle of the first box and insert picture. Navigate to wherever you saved your label images and double click on the one you want to add. Do the same for all the boxes on the page.
7. When you are ready to print, put the label sheet into the printer (you may have to put it in upside down so it prints on the right side!) and print.


If you need a hard copy of these directions, you can download them HERE.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2ize_mAbVGMU3VndDZoQzA4alk/view?usp=sharing


I have to tell you that I have not been able to figure out how to make a SECOND page of the template! If someone knows how to do this, please let me know! Until then, after I print a page, I go back and delete the images and then insert new ones. I can do it pretty quickly since it goes right back to the folder where the images are. But I would love to know how to make more than one page!


Now, if all those directions seem too confusing or you just want to see it in action, you can watch my video tutorial. Even if you're an experienced Powerpoint user, you may pick up a tip or two! (Or know of a better way for me to do something!)



I tried to explain how I do this the best way I could, but if you still have any questions or want to ask about a custom order, you can email me (secondgradestories@charter.net) and I'll do my best to help you out!




It's back to school time! I know many of you have already started the new year with your kiddos, and some of you (like me!) are getting close. The beginning of the year is a stressful time for teachers. We are thinking about classroom set up, classroom management, grading and so much more! I have lots of blog posts that are useful at the beginning of the year, so rather than having them all scattered everywhere, I thought it would be helpful to put them in one place.


You can click on each image to go to the post. These tips and ideas and resources (and freebies!) have helped me get a handle on the beginning of the year craziness that we all experience. Whether you're a new teacher looking for help or an experienced teachers looking for new ideas, check them out!

Classroom management is THE first thing on everyone's minds at the beginning of the year! This blog series starts with how to build a philosophy on which to base everything you do. Other posts include mistakes not to make, ideas for incentives and things to do right away for a smooth running classroom.



http://2gradestories.blogspot.com/2016/07/rock-rules-creating-and-practicing.html
Speaking of classroom management, creating rules and teaching routines and procedures is one of the MOST important things you can do at the beginning of the year. (And it doesn't hurt to review things part way through, as well!) I share books I love, games and activities we do and ways to practice the rules in a fun way.

http://2gradestories.blogspot.com/2015/01/get-your-gradebook-on-organizing-for.html
Don't let that stack of papers to be graded overtake your desk - and your life! I've discovered a few tips and tricks that make grading sooo much easier, and still let you get the most information out of what you see.

http://2gradestories.blogspot.com/2016/01/alternative-seating-my-journey-so-far.html
Have you thought about trying flexible seating? Have you already made the jump? Check out a few options I chose to try and see how they worked. There is no right way to do flexible seating. See what works for me and how I make it all fit the needs of my classroom.

http://2gradestories.blogspot.com/2016/07/morning-meeting-ideas-and-activities-to.html
Morning meeting is without a doubt my favorite time of day! I get to know my students, they learn about each other, we start the day on a positive note and even fit in some social and academic skills. This blog series is FULL of ideas for greetings, group activities, sharing and more!


I hope you find something useful in these posts that you can take back to your classroom and make your own. Even though the beginning of the year is crazy and stressful, it is a time of new beginnings! Have a great year!








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