Thursday, August 6, 2015

98 UHeart Organizing: Creating a School Memory Bank

Once every year or two, my husband and I pull out our family memory bins and take trips down memory lane.  It is fun to shuffle through items that are from our childhood days, and to share stories about elementary school friendships, the homes we lived in and those adventurous family road trips.  We are thankful that our parents held on to a few of our school moments; report cards, photos and writing assignments are always the first things we grab for.  Not everything requires a spot on the wall or even needs to be saved for future reminiscing sessions, but it is nice when you can offer your kiddos a condensed version of their life during their school years to look back on. 

With that, one of the reasons I heart having a contributing team of writers is because they often times inspire me to rethink my own systems.  They bring so much more to the organizing table than I could do all on my own, and for that I am very grateful.  We have been using our school paperwork organization method for quite a few years now (and it still ranks as one of my most popular posts), but Karen of A House Full of Sunshine has added a few new twists that I am majorly crushing over.  I am so glad that she is here today to share her process for preserving her children's school memories and milestones so that one day they can share their stories with their own families.



Nothing leads to chaos in the home so much as lack of a system.  So when your kids start at school and you haven't yet worked out what to do with all the masses of stuff they come home with... Let's just say that things can end up in a giant muddle verrrrry quickly.  (Can you tell I'm talking from experience here?) 

You kind of get thrown in the deep end when your kids hit school age. I was a teacher for goodness' sake, and yet I still had NO IDEA about the quantity of paperwork I'd have to deal with as a mom. It truly is mind-boggling. And I'm not just talking about permission notes and information letters, which can be dealt with and tossed. The real problem in this house are the things with sentimental value that we want to keep (or the ones we haven't decided yet whether we should keep); the artwork, merit certificates, sporting ribbons, school photos, report cards, and writing samples. All the memorabilia of school life.

Over the past couple of years I've stuffed things in drawers, thrown things in the filing cabinet, stuck paperwork in folders, and no doubt misplaced a lot of things along the way. 

My problem? Lack of a centralized system. I was making it up as I went along, and getting myself into a bigger and bigger mess as time went by. 

No more!


I had a think about what my ideal system would look like, and decided that I wanted a box for each child, with a folder for each grade level. I decided on folders because they keep the contents protected and can be taken out and flipped through at a glance.

I started by purchasing a whole stack of display folders, one per grade level per child, plus an extra for before-school-age art and memorabilia.

The first thing I always do when using a display folder is to slip the spine out and flip it over backwards so the display pockets can be refilled from the back. There's nothing more annoying than running out of room in your folder and having to take every single slippery page out in order to add a few extra pockets at the end. This way, you merely have to remove the back cover to refill it - the pages all stay in place.


Next, I labelled the spines by grade level, using my label maker with transparent tape.


I found opaque hanging files, which I love for their clean and streamlined look.


I used clear plastic file boxes and added the kids' names using pre-cut vinyl letter stickers.


Each child is allocated a different color, so it's easy to see at a glance which folder belongs to who.

I started by printing personalized cover sheets for each folder. If you want to make your own custom cover sheets, you can do it easily in Word - it only took me about fifteen minutes to make and print all 27 covers I needed. I inserted a box a little bigger than 5" x 7" to fit a standard-sized school photo. The font for the child's name is Always in my Heart and for the Grade level I used Bebas Neue. Then I just kept changing the grade level and printing as I went, until I had a full set for each child.


I then designed a series of cover pages to divide each folder into categories, with sections allocated for school reports, awards, artworks and writing samples.  I kept mine simple and graphic so they won't quickly date.


I printed the cover pages onto cardstock so that the slightly heavier weight guides navigation through the folder by touch - you feel the thicker cover pages as you flip through. You could also add tabs to the top of your pages if desired, but personally I didn't want anything sticking out. I've found the system is very easy to navigate as-is.


I also designed a simple memory-catcher questionnaire to fill out with your child each year. It has basic stats like age, height and weight, as well as space to record your child's best friends, their favorite activities at school, things they love to do, and what they want to be when they grow up. There's room for a smaller photo in the top corner, or you could have your child draw a self-portrait there.


Down at the bottom is space for a hand print so you can keep a record of your child's growth over the years.


I've ordered my folders as follows:

1.  Personalized cover sheet with photo
2.  Class photo
3.  Questionnaire sheet


4. Report cards


5. Awards



6. Art works



7. Writing



Lastly, I purchased a clear acrylic magazine holder (Jen is so amazing she would probably be able to whip one of these up herself) so I can keep the folders for my kids' current year levels at my fingertips in the cupboard. Now, as they come home from school or day-care with their latest masterpiece, I can easily slip it into the appropriate section of the folder. 



At the end of the year I'll go through the folder and tidy it up, culling some pieces if need be, and then file it into that child's school memory box.



I can't tell you how good it feels to have a system! My eldest child is in Grade One this year, so I'm glad I started sooner rather than later. Now my kids' precious memories have the home they deserve. They already love flipping through their "books" and seeing what they've produced and achieved over the course of a year.

Thanks so much for having me here today, Jen!

 _____________________


Karen lives in Australia and has listed all of the sources for her project on her blog as well:

Clear file boxes - Howard's Storage World
Pre-cut vinyl letters - Officeworks
Clear hanging files - K-mart
Display folders - Officeworks.

I am working to locate and add a few similar sources for the U.S. as well (it seems here in the US we call these "presentation books"). 


_____________________


Hi friends, I’m Karen from A House Full of Sunshine. Do you see that grin I can’t wipe off my face? That’s how thrilled I am to be here! I live in Australia where I’m blessed to be a stay-home mummy to my three little people. I’m also a part-time interior decorator and a former teacher of Creative Arts. Basically, I’m happiest when I’m squeezing every drop of creativity out of life – whether that means decorating a room, inventing a fun new activity to do with the kids, thinking up pretty organizing solutions or putting together a DIY project. I believe life is meant to be beautiful, and home is an expression of the heart. My blog, A house full of sunshine, is the place where I share my adventures in creative home-making with kids. The coffee’s on and the welcome mat is out – I’d love to see you there!

98 comments:

  1. I love this idea!!!! I'm a grandmother, I know my children would appreciate we organizing this for their children's memories. School starts in 2 weeks I better get started tonight. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas.

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  2. I love this system! I haven't seen the display folders like these before. I get stuck trying to have the perfect system and end up not getting started. I'm behind and need to quickly get caught up as my little one enters the 3rd grade. I finally bought the file box and I'm ready to roll, but I'm puzzled about over sized items. It seems like the majority of the artwork that comes home is not letter size. I hate taking a "masterpiece" and folding it in half or more. If I could have found a file box in a 18x18 size, I think I would have gone that route. What do you do?

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    1. Hi Rachel,

      I personally do two different things. For many of the projects, I take a photo of my child holding it or of it on display and store it in my Artkive app on my phone and also a copy on my external hard-drive (and then eventually recycle the project after it has been properly celebrated). I can then make photobooks of the projects as I build up enough photos over time. I also keep a single art box for each boy for the really special pieces, which I found years ago at IKEA and have also seen at Container Store (similar: http://www.containerstore.com/s/bigso-art-storage-box/d?productId=10018672&q=art%20box&ps=60&p=0).

      xoxo!

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  3. I love this idea. Really fantastic. Right now I have everything for my Daughter in one file box, but she was only in pre-k so if I'm going to change it up, now is the time. She'll be starting Kindergarten in a few weeks, and then my son will start pre-k a week or two later. Can you link to where you purchased the folders and boxes? I couldn't find them on my own.

    Thanks so much! xoxo,
    Liz

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    Replies
    1. Hi Liz! Karen has sourced the products on her blog for any Australia readers. In the U.S., The Container Store has a large variety of clear filing boxes: http://www.containerstore.com/s?q=clear+file+box&submit=, as does Amazon. I am still trying to hunt down inexpensive project folders similar to the ones shown, I will be sure to update the post as soon as I can find a few options.

      xo!

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    2. Hi Liz, the most comparable option I've been able to find so far is this one on Amazon:

      http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Products-ShowFile-Display-Sleeves/dp/B00006IEV4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_229_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XCNXBPV52SZWE2JC93E

      The only difference is that the pages are fixed rather than refillable, and the price is a little more expensive than what we would typically pay over here for a similar product. My apologies for the difficulty in sourcing these - this type of display book is such a common stationery supply in Australia that it didn't occur to me that you guys might not have them!

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    3. Still struggling to find a folder with spine and removable pockets. Such as shame as I love the look of the folders you have used. I’ve looked everywhere I can think of !! (I’m
      In the uK)

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  4. My daughter just started kindergarten, i'm so glad to see this post. I think I will probably stock all the papers for a year and then make her a photo book instead of keeping the originals (i'm a nerd like that). Thanks for the ideas!

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  5. Thank you for this post! Do you think there is anyway she would have printable's for the questionnaire and cover sheets? I am terrible at making things like that and would love to have the same set up!

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    1. Absolutely Erin, the post has been updated with a link. :)

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  6. I LOOOOOVE THIS!!! I can't wait to create my own for my girls! Oh and where did you find the items for this project?

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    1. Hi Maria, the post has been updated with the Australian sources I used. In the U.S. you can find a similar display folder on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Products-ShowFile-Display-Sleeves/dp/B00006IEV4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_229_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XCNXBPV52SZWE2JC93E
      and Jen has sourced clear filing boxes from The Container Store: http://www.containerstore.com/s?q=clear+file+box&submit=
      Clear hanging folders can also be found on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pendaflex-EasyView-Hanging-Folders-Assorted/dp/B001K77DM0/ref=sr_1_7?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1438997064&sr=1-7&keywords=clear+hanging+file

      Hope that helps! xo

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  7. I love those display folders! I've never seen those before! Have I been living in a cave?

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    1. Oh girl, I must apologise! Display folders like these are a very common stationery supply in Australia, and I must admit I had no idea they were not widely used in the U.S.! The most comparable product I've been able to find is this display folder on Amazon, although it has fixed pages that are not refillable: http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Products-ShowFile-Display-Sleeves/dp/B00006IEV4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_229_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XCNXBPV52SZWE2JC93E

      I'll let you know if I come up with anything else! Still Googling madly! ;)

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    2. I found something similar at Staples but it was about $8 which would add up if you are getting 12 for each kid

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  8. While that's lovely, with 14 years of school for each child, 3 children and all the accessories (bins, file folders, letters and card stock) that's close to a $500 investment, which doesn't seem practical.

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    1. Hi Mrs. Brown!

      I can certainly understand where you are coming from. I think it really depends on where you shop for the supplies and how you make the most of the system. I have done something quite similar for much less than $500 as shared here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2010/11/school-paperwork-storage.html

      When I am investing in storage solutions, I often consider how long the item will be used to determine the cost effectiveness. For this project, let's say the items are purchased when the child is 5 years old, and they are still able to look back at their books 30 years later. Although the cost is upfront, the goal is to preserve the memories for many years to come.

      My overall goal with my blog is to always excite people to try new ways to DIY and organize, and to share solutions and concepts that can be ran with and done on a variety of budgets.

      xoxo!

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    2. Mrs Brown, I do understand your viewpoint! This system cost me $200 to set up for 3 children for their elementary years of schooling. So it certainly is an investment upfront if you wish to complete it in its entirety. Additionally, I didn't realise when I wrote this post that to source some of these items in the U.S. would be more expensive. Display folders are available in Australia from $1.30 each (although I splurged at $4.60 a folder to get the pretty colours!) while the cheapest comparable product I've been able to find in the U.S. is $6. So please do accept my apologies for that, as it does add to the overall cost of the project!

      Having said that, a more cost-effective alternative would be to purchase one display folder per child per year, and grow the system little by little. You could also save money by skipping the file boxes altogether and just storing the folders on your shelf. So in that sense, it would be possible to re-create this project quite simply and cheaply to fit within your budget. xo

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    3. what brand of australian display folders are they?! j. burrows? looking into having someone send them to me :)

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  9. I love this idea for organizing the kids' school memories! I think the binders you used are perfect, but I can't seem to find them online. Can you provide more details about the binders? Thanks!

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  10. Where did you find the display folders. They are so cute. Thank you so much for the post.

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  11. This is a very cute and organised idea. Are the binders acid free? Do you worry about your memories being faded or discoloured over time?

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  12. Would you mind sourcing the file boxes, hanging files and folders you used? Thanks! :)

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    1. Sure thing! The post has been updated with the Australian sources I used. In the U.S. you can find a similar display folder on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Products-ShowFile-Display-Sleeves/dp/B00006IEV4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_229_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XCNXBPV52SZWE2JC93E
      and Jen has sourced clear filing boxes from The Container Store: http://www.containerstore.com/s?q=clear+file+box&submit=
      Clear hanging folders can also be found on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pendaflex-EasyView-Hanging-Folders-Assorted/dp/B001K77DM0/ref=sr_1_7?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1438997064&sr=1-7&keywords=clear+hanging+file

      Hope that helps! xo

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  13. This is such a great system! I'd love to know where Karen got the display folders and boxes.

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  14. the display folders are new to me....where did you get them?

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  15. This is totally brilliant, and would work for all sorts of paper keepsakes that don't have a place! It may even make filing financial documents FUN. Thanks for posting!

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  16. Can't wait to copy this idea! We're just starting school at our house, so now is the perfect time to get that paperwork organized. Would love to see what some US source options are; I'm having trouble finding the display folders and clear hanging folders.

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    1. So sorry for the trouble, Annie! Display folders like these are a really common stationery supply in Australia, and I had no idea they would be so difficult to find in the U.S. Please accept my apologies! The post has been updated with the Australian sources I used. In the U.S. you can find a similar display folder on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Products-ShowFile-Display-Sleeves/dp/B00006IEV4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_229_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XCNXBPV52SZWE2JC93E, although it has fixed pages rather than refillable, and Jen has sourced clear filing boxes from The Container Store: http://www.containerstore.com/s?q=clear+file+box&submit=
      Clear hanging folders can also be found on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pendaflex-EasyView-Hanging-Folders-Assorted/dp/B001K77DM0/ref=sr_1_7?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1438997064&sr=1-7&keywords=clear+hanging+file

      Hope that helps! xo

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  17. This is such an adorable idea!!

    Her Heartland Soul
    http://herheartlandsoul.com

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  18. I am having a hard time figuring out what the green/blue folders are? I only know of spiral bound notebooks with the thin wire and you can't add to them. Can you link to something like this on Amazon possibly? I'd like to consider getting a few if you can add to them but my searching couldn't find anything similar.

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    1. Also having the same problem. I’ve lost hours now trying to find a display book with a spine and removable pockets.

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  19. Thanks for sharing Karen's post! My boys are starting Kindergarten this year and I really like this idea!

    Jen, do you know where we can find these display folders here in the US? They seem so much smaller and compact (to fit them in the file box) compared to a three ring binder. I searched Amazon, but didn't find them.

    Karen, I LOVE this idea! About how many pages do you have in each folder? I love how you were able to fit so many years in one file box. I think I will need a file box per year because I seem to want to keep everything! How do you manage to pick out just a few of the items to keep?

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    1. Amanda, I've used about 30 pages per folder. I am quite choosy about what I keep, because my aim is to keep the system fairly streamlined. When going through the artworks, etc, I tend to pick out the things that make me smile or say "awww!", the ones that hold a special memory for me, or the ones where it really showcases the child's effort or development. If you really find it difficult to part with any, Jen had a great suggestion of taking a photo of the artwork on your phone and using the Artkive app. Someone else also suggested making a photo book of kids' artworks, which I think is a great idea! Hope those ideas help! xo

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  20. Happen look on her blog and found out where she got most of her stufff because I was wondering too!
    Clear file boxes - Howard's Storage World
    Pre-cut vinyl letters - Officeworks
    Clear hanging files - K-mart
    Display folders - Officeworks

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately, unless you live in Australia, most of the items are a bust. they won't ship to the US.

      Delete
    2. Devon, please accept my apologies for the difficulty in sourcing comparable products in the U.S.! Display folders like these are a really common stationery supply in Australia, and I had no idea they would be so difficult to find over there. In the U.S. you can find a similar display folder on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Products-ShowFile-Display-Sleeves/dp/B00006IEV4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_229_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XCNXBPV52SZWE2JC93E, although it has fixed pages rather than refillable, and Jen has sourced clear filing boxes from The Container Store: http://www.containerstore.com/s?q=clear+file+box&submit=
      Clear hanging folders can also be found on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pendaflex-EasyView-Hanging-Folders-Assorted/dp/B001K77DM0/ref=sr_1_7?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1438997064&sr=1-7&keywords=clear+hanging+file

      Hope that helps, and once again please accept my apologies for the inconvenience! xo

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  21. I'm so glad I'm discovering this stuff now because I'm so going to do this when I start having kids. Definitely saving this gem for later! Thanks for sharing :)
    Grace, Faith, & Glitter

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  22. This is great, wish I could have done this with my other kids, I will for sure do this for my baby girl. Thanks!

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  23. I'm very impressed. I wish I'd been better at holding onto things when my boys (6th and 8th grade now) were younger!
    And I LOVE the binders! Where did you get them?
    I only have one question, though... why are the binders in folders as well, rather than all on a shelf like a group of scrapbooks? Is that so that you can toss things into the folders over the course of the year, then eventually move the completed binders to a shelf someday? Or is the box part permanent? Nothing wrong with it at all; I'm just making sure I understand the end goal. Thanks!!

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    1. Hi Holly! I've designed the system for the file boxes to be permanent. There's no reason however why you couldn't store the binders on a shelf. The display folders I used are quite floppy because they're so flexible and slimline, so you would need to use magazine holders or a good book-end to keep them from sliding over. That's why I chose to use a file box, as it seems like a neat and tidy option and I like having the ability to stack the boxes, easily move them from room to room (or house to house - we move a lot!) and also I like the idea of being able to gift the box to my child once they finish school. Hope that makes sense, and thanks for asking! xo

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    2. Oh, and sorry, to answer your other question about the display folders, we've had some trouble sourcing a comparable product in the U.S., but the closest I've seen is this: http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Products-ShowFile-Display-Sleeves/dp/B00006IEV4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_229_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1XCNXBPV52SZWE2JC93E
      The only difference is that the pages are fixed, rather than refillable. xo

      Delete
  24. Ah, sorry! I see the sourcing for the binders now! They remind me of the Dutch A4 binders with all the rings. Sooo cool! Not boring ol' 3-holes like here in the U.S.!

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  25. Such a great project!! This is so cute and I would love to this with my future children

    Thanks for sharing!! Great work :)

    Lauren Baxter | Lovely Decor
    xx

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  26. I have most of these things around the house so you have just got me motivated to start organising this on the weekend. :)

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  27. Wow great idea. I have to look for similar accessories in Poland :-)

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  28. Such a fabulous idea - I will have to try my best to source these items in South Africa x

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  29. OH ow, this is an amazing! I definitely want to do this for when the time comes and I have kids!


    lifeisashoe

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  30. This type of display folder is soooo common in Australia, I can't believe they're not the same in the U.S.! I'm a teacher and use them all the time as they're so handy and easy to re purpose when you need to. Hope you can all find something appropriate :)

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    1. Carly, YES!! I couldn't believe it either! I was a teacher too, pre-kids - couldn't have lived without these! I feel a bit silly, but the thought didn't even occur to me that they wouldn't be readily available in the U.S. Usually it's the other way around and I have U.S. shopping envy :)

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    2. Please send the link where you get them in Australia. My sister will buy them there

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  31. This is SUCH a helpful post. I seriously need to do this.

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  32. Those display folders ARE amazing.... we don't have anything like that here in Canada! Doyyou know the brand name? Maybe I will see if they want a Canadian distributor!
    http://healthhappinesshiccups.blogspot.ca

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  33. I LOVE this idea. I've already set up school boxes (iheart style) for all 3 of my kids. While I love the presentation folders, I am going to stick with my current system, but slightly modify it. I am going to add a few file folders within each grade level hanging file to create categories for art, writing, report cards, etc. I also love the idea of keeping the current grade level folder out in the open, so I'm picking up a small desktop file box to keep the current year files easily accessible (hopefully avoiding the big "to file pile" we accumulated last year). Great tips to update a system I already have and love!

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  34. This looks so great but my problem is doing something like this times 7 and having a place to store it and maintain it. We take pictures of our children and have photo albums to look back on. My husband and and I don't have capsules of our childhood and we are ok with that so I'm sure our children will be too. Great idea though!!

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    1. Oh yeah, this would be a pretty bulky system for 7 kids!! I loved someone else's suggestion of making a photo book of artworks for each child. That would be much more compact. :) xo

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  35. Maybe something like this for display folders?
    http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Products-ShowFile-Display-Sleeves/dp/B00006IEV4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438975222&sr=8-1&keywords=display+folder

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  36. Such a great idea, love it! :)

    www.dodolce.com

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  37. Has anyone found a link to the folders in the US?
    I contacted Officeworks and they won't ship here and all the ones here are not interchangeable. I have the watertight file folders from Container Store with the complete intention of doing this last year, and of course never got around to it. =)

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  38. Also, how about some clear hanging files? I didn't find any at Kmart, but they had some at Walmart with colored panels on the top.

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  39. It looks like nine A4 display folders fit in the tub, would it be a 20 or 40 pocket A4 folder that was used here do you think? I know you can add/take away but it looks like these fit perfectly. Also, would each child need a second tub for grades 7-12 then? If this goes from preschool through grade six? Just curious on these details because I'm going to try to buy this stuff before school starts this year. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. I was thinking the same thing Kristen. I don't recall bringing home too much stuff in high school though, so not sure if it will be worth it. My eldest starts high school next year, so might gauge it for the first year and go from there.

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    2. Hi Kirsten! I used 20-pocket folders, but with the intention of adding another 10 pockets or so, as needed. I wasn't planning on creating a tub for highschool, as there seems to be less of a paper trail in the later years. Probably a couple of 3-ring binders would suffice. But I guess I'll have to play that by ear when we get there. :)

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  40. Instead of filling out the questionnaire have your child do it.. It's a great way to see how their handwriting changes through the years.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, agreed! I did this for my son's Grade One folder, once he learned how to write. :)

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  41. Someone may have already mentioned this alternative, but I use vinyl pocket folders with brads. Add page protectors and viola! I have the same clear file boxes from container store and color coded hanging files. Simply add a cute label to the front of the folder and slip it into the appropriate child's box/file! Pretty cheap and easy!

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    1. That's a great solution, Annalee! Thanks so much for sharing it! xo

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    2. Annalee, how many pages can you fit per folder? Looking to get started on this and love this solution.

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    3. Oh, I LOVE this idea! Thank you. I was in search of an alternate solution. (I have 4 kiddos, and have a thing for page protectors;)

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  42. Thank you for sharing your idea and materials. I love this idea. I'm going to get something set up for my daughter by September. Please keep sharing!

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  43. I know Karen, I'm Australian and am now living in the States. I haven't been able to find these folders over here either, which seems crazy!
    I normally stock up on them when I go back home.

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    1. Wow, I'll bet! You should start a business importing them - you'd probably make a fortune. ;)

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    2. Do you mind sending the link where you buy them in Australia? My sister is there and will buy them for me damanahi@hotmail.com

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  44. I am loving the folders...has anyone found in the U.S.??

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  45. I love this idea - in New Zealand sourcing these products is not the issue, it's the expense! Pricing it up it is well into the hundreds. Did you manage to source your supplies inexpensively? I don't want to spend the earth but can see the value in developing a proper system.

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  46. This is a kick! Last year I made the bins and put the file folders in the bins. I was at least able to get all the paperwork into the correct year. This is another cute idea! My boys are already in 2nd and 5th grade, so I am a little behind on things. Oh well. I printed your pages and will have the boys make themselves a binder. Then each day after school they can decide if they want to put the art, award, etc. in the binder. You got my juices flowing. Thanks!

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  47. I can't express how happy I was to get to the end of this post and read you were Australian and then the list of where to get all of the supplies! Oh happy days!! I'm doing this on the weekend. I have a massive pile of paper from Kindergarten last year, sitting in a pile in the corner of my office. Thank you so much for sharing this great idea! I've added another blog to my favourites too by the way! Love it! xx

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  48. I have Jen's system set up but now want a slight upgrade! and so thankful that for once in Australia we have something that the US envy's.. usually its the other way around and we wish we could have half the storage items you guys have!

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  49. Where are we on finding US equivalents. Dying to put this together but I am not having much luck finding these presentation folders.

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  50. I've found some translucent poly binders at a local Office Depot. It's the Wilson Jones Translucent Poly Binder in the 1" capacity and clear. I think it might be a nice alternative to the presentation folders. It's available in clear and purple although I was only able to find the clear option which works fine for me. There is also an insert slot for the spine and the cover. I figured I would make a spine insert with the kid's grades and then put the cover page in the cover insert. This way I can add additional sheet protectors if needed. I also bought some sheet protectors that have tabs on them.

    Binders:
    http://www.wilsonjones.com/wj/us/us/v/2256/486/wilson-jones%C2%AE-translucent-flex-poly-binders.aspx#.Vd3gdvlVhBc
    (this site shows the different colors and options)

    http://www.zerbee.com/Products/Translucent-Flex-Poly-Round-Ring-Binder--1-Cap--Clear__WLJ40755.aspx?LineItemId=9851173c-1330-45f1-882f-b2476e4ce1ba
    (I actually bought mine from zerbee for $3.63/ea. It was cheaper. The ones at Office Depot is about $5.50 for the 1" capacity).

    They have the 5-tab sheet protector tabs at Office Depot too but since I was placing an order on Zerbee... I got these ($0.89 for one set of 5-tab)

    http://www.zerbee.com/Products/Sparco-Top-Loading-Sheet-Protectors-with-Index-Tab__SPR74160.aspx?LineItemId=e4617bfd-c45e-4297-9c4b-18a25d86762d

    I also ordered some of the clear hanging file folders from Zerbee. It's not fully clear but I think it will work. The top portion of the hanging file folders is assorted in color with the main bottom portion being clear.
    http://www.zerbee.com/Products/EasyView-Poly-Hanging-File-Folders--15-Tab--Letter--Assorted-Colors--25Box__PFX55708.aspx?LineItemId=60eb2565-3003-4293-af99-bbd2fd9ab91d

    Hope this helps anyone looking for an alternative in the U.S.!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really great solutions, thank you so much for sharing!!

      Delete
  51. Dear Karen,
    Thank you so much for the inspiration, I have now completed the first year file for my daughter and I am thrilled! I have found most things like yours (I am in the UK) and I am absolutely delighted with the results.
    I used all of your cover pages (I am all enthusiasm and no skill!) but I would like to add a cover page called "Shows". Please could you tell me which font and size you used for the cover pages? Thanks so much in advance. Ellie x

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    Replies
    1. I am in the uk. Did you find display folders with revivable pickets? I can’t find any !!

      Delete
  52. You HAVE to start some sort of shop or paypal paid service where you ship us moms in the U.S. the display binders. I'd give you an extra $20 just for your troubles. haha.

    May I ask what size the binders are? I've found reasonable comparable items but can't tell whether 1/2", 3/8" or 1 inch are what you used.

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  53. My sister and I would pay that as well!! :)

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  54. I found these clear hanging file folders at Wayfair.com -http://www.wayfair.com/Educational-C323261.html. They are the clear filing folders by IRIS SKU IRI1161, BUT they are pricey ): Such a fun project! Who knew it would be so difficult for US moms. I would be happy to pay for shipment to the US as well!!

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  55. Hi please could you let me know the name or make of your lovely colourful folders so I can ask a friend to send them over to England from Australia - thank you, kate.

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  56. This is an absolute Amazing idea! I couldn't find what I wanted in the store and I love making something what works for me!!

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  57. What is your source for those clean magazine holders? Everywhere I look they seem more expensive than they should be.

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  58. I found these display binders that look similar to what she used.

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  59. Oops...here is the link. https://www.amazon.com/Shuter-40-Pocket-Protector-Presentation-Available/dp/B01D8AK2OW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474656646&sr=8-2&keywords=clear+display+binders

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  60. Ladies, I found an Australian website selling the display folders. They will not ship to America, but if you do know someone in Australia that could ship them to you, here's the link!

    http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/SearchDisplay?searchTerm=refillable+display+book&storeId=10151&langId=-1&pageSize=24&beginIndex=0&sType=SimpleSearch&resultCatEntryType=2&showResultsPage=true&searchSource=Q&pageView=



    If you do NOT know anyone in Australia to hook you up, there is an alternative but it's not cheap. Shipping from Australia is pretty costly. All of the following links are refillable display books, I have double and triple checked for myself.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/ColourHide-My-Big-Display-Book-A4-Fixed-40-Pocket-Pink/361594331826?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131017132637%26meid%3De28cfe9701e643aeaa7da4025cc80d45%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D361594331826

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/A4-20-Pocket-Display-Book-Refillable-Repositionable-Presentation-File-Portfolio-/262486123473?var=&hash=item3d1d6463d1:m:mC3ucQWhwZarkFUMk8ybfiQ

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-x-A4-Rip-N-Clip-Display-Book-Glass-Clear-Refill-Storage-Folder-20-Wallets-/282327231249?hash=item41bc03ab11:g:NsoAAOSwZQRYfADT



    The American alternative would be to make your own by buying comb bindings, buy a flexible binder, or buy a high capacity dura/prong clip report cover. :[

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  61. I FOUND ONE.

    http://www.staples.com.au/main-catalogue-productdetail/staples-display-book-a4-refillable-20-clear-pockets-black/07248002?feature=browse&feature_ident=ident%3Aoffice-supplies%2Fboards-easels-presentation%2Fdisplay-books-folders%7Cposition%3A1

    ReplyDelete
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