Ok, so collecting and returning student work. There are many methods, ranging from trays to baskets, to throwing work at a child and saying, “OMG hand this out please, kthx.”
But the method I’ve used for the past few years is tried and true, and saves me so much time and sanity. Mailboxes!!!
You can get mailboxes from a variety of places. You can pay a ton for a colorful one from a teacher store, or you can pay a little less than a ton at Staples or something of that sort. I got mine at staples. For a few years, I’ve stared at this sad puppy.
As un-cute as it was, it did the trick. I assign my students numbers at the beginning of the year. Here in Florida, we cap out at 22 in upper elementary grades, so I labeled each box 1-22. Every morning, students had a routine which went as follows:
– Unpack
-Write in planner
– Give and get mail
My kids knew that meant to visit their mailboxes. That is where they could expect everything they would need for the day, and that’s where I expected to see their work turned in. (Sometimes, some days were less enchanting than others when it came to that…)
It’s an easy way to do all of that giving and collecting of work. It’s also an easy way to glance over the mailboxes and see which little lovely didn’t turn in spelling homework. At that point, you can yell across the room quietly call over child #2 and ask, “My dear, I see your mailbox is empty. Explain?” and then you can go on a life experience lecture about excuses if you don’t like what you hear. But that’s another story altogether.
Anyway, this year my classroom is themed with black backgrounds and a variety of bright colors. It’s nice and cohesive, and easy to add to. So I went to Walmart and collected all of the black spray paint they have. Then I went to Lakeshore, and found these calendar numbers. They were flimsy, so I laminated them and then used fabric glue (IDK why, it works?) to stick them to each box. I made the MAILBOXES sign and viola! So much more appealing to look at. *happy sigh*
Now…who is going to help me carry this back to my classroom next month? Any takers?
I Love Labels (Don't You?) 
I really like this idea 🙂 wonder why all teachers don’t do that, it would save a lot of time during lessons ! Great job 🙂
Definitely saves time! Thank you for commenting…I do believe you’re the first one. I feel like you should win a cookie!
Hahahaha thank you! Just keep creating and i will try to be the first one 🙂
Very cute!
Why thank you! 🙂
I’m a first year teacher and I will definitely be incorporating this in my classroom.
I’m looking for a mailbox too for my classroom. Did you find this in store or online?
I ordered mine online from Staples a few years back. (I order most things online though!) This is the one shown in the picture: http://www.staples.com/Fellowes-24-Compartment-Literature-Organizer-23-3-8-inch-x-29-inch/product_684613
A bit pricey, but has held up amazingly so far. Very worth it, especially if you can find a coupon. 😉
Can you tell me what kind of paint you used? I’m concerned about painting my mailboxes, but I HATE the current dull gray color.
I used Rust-Oleum Black Gloss, a spray paint. You can find it at Walmart here: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rust-Oleum-Universal-Spray-Paint-Gloss-Black/17011121
Super easy, but make sure you have a well ventilated place to do it in and arm yourself with a mask and goggles. That stuff is no joke! LOL
Thank you! I think I’m going to try it!
I would love to have your “mailbox” sign!! Can you share 🙂
Can’t wait to paint my mailboxes now. Should have thought of that years ago. Also off to buy those numbers. Is your mailbox sign in your TPT so I can purchase that too? Thanks!
I love your mailbox sign and numbers. Are they for sale in your TPT store or can they be downloaded somewhere? Thanks!!
Thank you! Not yet, but I am working on it! 🙂
I love your circular mailbox labels! Do you have these available for download anywhere?
I do not have those, since they were on a computer that went dead a while back, but I do have the newer ones for free at my TPT store along with a bunch of other stuff! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bright-and-Cheerful-Random-Assortment-of-Labels-1381090
How do the shelves hold up? I’ve read the reviews and many customers have complained of the “cardboard” shelves. What are your thoughts?
Mine have held up very well with daily use by students. Mine are going on 6 years in my classroom and I’m not sure how many years they were previously used in an office. (I bought them used)
Did you take the mailboxes apart to paint? How did you paint inside each one?
Typed wrong email. See this one please
I was lucky to find a used mail box for $5 at a garage sale. I was setting up my classroom for my first year of teaching so I’ve always used a “mailbox” and I love it.