I wanted to post a little update to my book recommendation tree that we started using in the classroom last year!
You may remember this picture:
While we loved it and got a lot of use out of it, the cards started coming apart pretty easily. Part of it was the scalloped edges, and part of it a mistake on my part of cutting the lamination off right up to the paper (instead of leaving a little lamination on the edges to stick together) so when my kiddos used wipies (thought that was a word, but I guess not? Oh well, it is in my classroom!) to take off the wet erase markers it got onto the paper and led to watery, discolored edges. Not so pretty.
So this year I got smarter (don’t we all? 🙂 ) and I changed up the tags a little! I made square tags (SO much easier to cut than scalloped ones) and left a little extra lamination hang out over the edges to keep the papers together better… and Voila!
Our Book Recommendation Tree can now withstand lots of fabulous book recommendations without the cards falling apart!
To make the cards, I printed off the designs, cut them out, and then glued them back to back. Then I laminated them together, and cut around the lamination making sure to leave some overhang. Next I punched a hole in the top and tied on some cute ribbon! (I used the same ribbon from the previous cards.)
I am LOVING the fun, bright frames I got from Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah Designs! She is the BEST!! She has the most colorful, fun clipart and is a sweetheart!
And of course, I am still loving the chalkboard paint on the pot!
Same pot, glass pebbles, and branches, with a new and improved look!
If you would like to get these book recommendation cards to use in your own class for a book recommendation tree, or just a bulletin board or to hang up in your classroom library, you can get them in my TpT store!
I made 6 different combinations, including a cute cursive and print font, as well as a couple cute number fonts! The kids in my class all have numbers, so they just use the card with their number on it to write their recommendations! I know some classes don’t use numbers though, so I included non-numbered cards as well!
Click on the picture above or click here to get them in my TpT store!
Do your students love recommending books to their classmates as much as mine do? 🙂
Great idea! I pinned this and will share with all my teacher-friends 🙂
Magnificent Mama and Teacher on a Budget
I looooove this idea! Thanks for sharing!
Bethany
FabandFunin4th!
This idea is incredible! I have pinned it so that I can recreate it for next year!! Thank you 🙂
Rae
Mindful Rambles
That is FANTASTIC!! I love how it is 3D. 🙂
Corrina
Mrs. Allen's 5th Grade Files
I love love love your book recommendation tree!!!! Now I'm racking my brain thinking of how I can put one together ASAP! 🙂 Have a great weekend my friend!!!
So cute and SUCH a great idea! I love it!
Young Teacher Love 5th Grade Blog
Hi Molly I absolutely love these! I can do this in my classroom & have the kids put up favorite science-related books. Thanks for posting such a fun idea!
✿Sue✿
✿Science for Kids Blog✿
Such a cute idea! The students must love it!
Sara 🙂
Smiling In Second Grade
Do you have any recommendations on where to get the tree or branches from? I am having trouble with that part of it :/ If you could please let me know, that would be great.