Are you new to All About Reading and just a little intimidated by all the parts to organize? Today I am going to show you how I organized various levels, AND show you a load of different box options for all those cards (just here for the cards...skip ahead here)!
First some pictures of what I used these last couple of years:
<<< 3 Ring Binders holding:
Blue= AAR Level 1
Orange= AAR Level 2
^^^ Approx. 8.5X3.75 inches Plastic Food Container with Lid (length at top= 9 ")- HOLDING LEVEL 1 & 4 CARDS
[Small post interruption: Already in the midst of teaching All About Reading and/or All About Spelling & Need a Helpful Digital "Movable Magnetic" ABC & Phonograms
tool? > > > See This Resource! > > >
Now back to the post...
How I organized the Binders:
I am a big fan of using what you have on hand before going out to buy anything new (and we have A LOT of stuff to work with in this house!). With that said, I used a few different organization methods for few levels. Below I will detail each way I organized 2 different levels: AAR Level 1 and AAR Level 2.
ALL ABOUT READING LEVEL 1 in a 3-Ring Binder (Organized with Pocketed Page-Protectors):
Basic items used:
One 3-Ring Binder
Six 12x12 Clear Page Protectors with Various Pocket Sizes staple/taped to fit in standard size binder (more details on these below)
A few 8.5x11" clear page-protectors to store full-pages (fluency sheets, full-sheet activities, etc.)--I simply fit as many as can fit stacked together in number order into 2-3 page protectors, and then keep track of my place with a colored tab/sticky note. Picture Reference HERE
Permanent Marker to label, Stapler, Scissor to cut out Activities, Colored Tabs/Sticky Notes to keep track of progress, & Tape
Now to dive into to some details--- For this level I got pretty lucky on the pocketed page protectors. I got these awesome organizers from a pile of things my library was giving away, and I was so excited and knew they would be perfect for AAR. I debated whether to share this because I wasn't sure if these would be easily found in stores, BUT I found some good alternatives for you detailed just below! I used a permanent marker to label each pocket with what lesson activity pieces were within, and tried to keep it in number order as much as possible (some had be placed in more fitting pockets so some did end up a bit out of order, but nothing too hard to find). Having these pre-organized into pockets has made lessons Open-and-Go and a breeze to move from lesson to activity---which I so appreciate.
Pocket/Sleeve Page Protector Options:
OPTION 1: This one is the closest to what I have and comes with 50 12x12 page protectors in various styles with various size pockets (which is nice since the pieces in AAR all are various sizes). It is made to fit in a scrapbook binder and is 12x12. Although it is kind of pricey (to me), it does come with 50 sleeves, and for reference I only used 6 page-protectors (granted I had a lot of variety, and some had a lot of pockets, so with this pack you'd likely use more than 6). Don't worry...I have more (cheaper options) below.
I did not use a 12x12 binder so I got creative and did some strategic stapling and taping to make all the page-protectors work for me.
This picture shows an adjusted page protector with staples and tape (I used similar adjustments for page-protectors with pockets/sleeves). Unfortunately, the linked product doesn't look to come with full size pockets like the one pictured in which I have used for all my levels to keep my Teacher's Manuals in. BUT, if you happen to have any old scrapbooks with inserts (who doesn't have a few of those lying around, right?) the standard size page-protector for scrapbook paper is basically what this is.
Using this adjusted 12x12 full size pocket, I have been able to fit the Teacher's Manual AND one reader in one page-protector of this size for EACH OF THE 4 Levels of AAR with no problem. {Skipped up here and want to jump back: click vvv}
OPTION 2: Say you do not want to do the stapling and taping to get your page-protectors with pockets/sleeves to fit neatly into your standard size 3-ring binder....these 2 Amazon picks might just work for you (plus they both come with A LOT of pockets so they will likely span over most, if not all, of your four levels of AAR. Pocketed Sheet Protectors from Amazon (each currently $6.99):
Given that all AAR pieces are various sizes, some of the bigger or longer pieces may have to be thrown in a regular size 8.5X11 page-protector, but many will fit neatly into these little pockets!
Moving on to how I organized another level a little differently...
ALL ABOUT READING LEVEL 2 in a 3-Ring Binder (Organized with Envelopes):
Basic items used:
One 3-Ring Binder
Lots of No. 10 Envelopes (4-1/8 X 9-1/2 inches) with 2 hole punches
3-hole punch (envelopes will fit up to the second hole punch which is fine)
A few 8.5x11" clear page-protectors to store full-pages (fluency sheets, full-sheet activities, etc.)--I simply fit as many as can fit stacked together in number order into 2-3 page protectors, and then keep track of my place with a colored tab/sticky note.
Extra Large Rubber Band to keep things nice and snugly pulled together (optional)
Permanent Marker to label envelopes, Scissors to cut out Activities, & Colored Tabs/Sticky Notes to keep track of progress
Again, I highly recommend using an adjusted 12x12 sheet protector from an old scrapbook to hold your Teacher's Manual and one Reader. Referenced HERE
{Skipped Ahead and want to jump back?: click ^^^}
Need to Organize ALL those cards? I have some suggestions:
When I first started AAR and AAS a few years ago, like many of you, I bought used. I am pretty frugal, so I usually bought piece by piece in the beginning because it came out cheaper that way...and none of those purchases included the Review Box from All About Learning Press that the cards fit so perfectly into. I have since lucked out and got the Review Box from AALP in a bundle of AAR items I purchased recently. So I have decided to gather lots of boxes I have around my house to compare to the AALP Review Box, and fill you in on what I found. 😉
Tip: Use clean Sponges as space-fillers to keep cards from shifting too much (if they are too long you can easily them cut down with scissors)
Now to compare.....
For reference, Dimensions of All About Learning Press's Review Boxes: approximately 8" long x 4.5" wide x 3.5" tall
BOX 1- This box is the one I have used the last few years, and I really like it. It is Approx. 8.5L X 5.75W X 3.75H inches. (<<<Width measured at bottom, at top= Approx. 6")
What I like: It has a lid that locks on each side, and is sturdy. Can fit up to 2 levels of AAR OR 1 Level of AAR and 1 Level of AAS together nicely.
What could be improved upon: It does have some wiggle room on the side where the cards can slide back and forth (overall, I don't mind this because cards still stay in order, but it might bug others).
Also, sadly, this doesn't have any markings to suggest what brand this is for me to refer you to buy this for yourself. BUT I do have some that I found that have similar dimensions linked further down in this post 👇👇👇.
BOX 2- Yes, this really is a Saltine Cracker box with the longest sides on top cut back for a "lid" 😂--hey, I said I'd give you LOTS of options. It is Approx. 4.4 inches wide and a little longer than the AALP box.
What I like: It actually fits the width of the cards and dividers perfectly! Can fit up to 2 levels of AAR OR 1 Level of AAR and 1 Level of AAS nicely.
What could be improved upon: As you probably imagined, this is not the most sturdy box, but this can be improved by using clear packing tape to strengthen sides, edges, etc. Don't like the Saltine Cracker labeling words and pictures? You could work it into an art project and break out your poster paints, let dry, and then follow with the clear packing tape....just a thought, 😉😂. As silly as some might think this suggestion is, I would seriously use it if I had nothing else, hehe.
BOX 3- I found this suggestion on one of my AAR/AAS Facebook groups I am apart of. Using a Tea Box actually fit the cards quite well.
What I like: Fits the width of the cards nicely, and fits 2 levels of AAR OR 1 level of each AAR and AAS together. Also, unlike with the cracker box, this comes with a lid and no cutting is required (some tea boxes may be too shallow for it to close properly, but the one I had closed fine with the cards).
What could be improved upon: As with the cracker box, this is not too sturdy. But, again, can be strengthen with clear packing tape if desired. Again, an art project might be in order if you don't like the labeling, etc.
BOX 4- I have used this one in the past and like it quite well. Not as sturdy as some brands, but I still like it. Info & Link:
Dollar Tree- Small Plastic Container UPC 639277105394 Assortment Details: 7x6.25x4-in. Rectangular Translucent Plastic Storage Containers with lids assorted among smoke gray, clear, and blue.
What I like: For one level of either AAR or AAS, this box works quite nicely (with a few adjustments in card direction I was able to fit 2 levels of AAR in--picture 1). Also, it is a little deeper and can fit the cards in either direction, so I have started using this to store extra cards from levels I am not currently using (picture 2). Plus, it is cheap at only $1.25.
What could be improved upon: There is a a little wiggle room on the side, but if using for more than one level you can use that extra wiggle room for the cards that run over the length of the box, as pictured above. One other thing that is not the best, is the lid doesn't snap shut quite as tight as I would like.
BOX 5- Happen to have some kids Converse with the box? This is a very sturdy box; however, it does put the cards at a slight angle, but I say it works. Approx. 12L X 4.25W X 4H inches.
What I like: It is sturdier than any other non-food container box I found around the house. And I quite like the design, so I wouldn't be as tempted to paint or adjust (like I would be with the cracker or tea boxes). It is also longer than the AALP box (it is about 12 inches long). At that length you could likely fit almost a whole other level (or pretty close).
What could be improved upon: The width is just a little shorter than needed to have the cards fit in...so the cards only can fit if slanted (but for as well as they fit, I do not mind this).
Don't have a Converse shoe box? I've heard some kids' shoe boxes work well (think Target, possibly the ballet type shoe)…just pack a bundled up card set with you on your next Target run to measure 😉.
MORE OPTIONS: That's all I had around the house, but here are a few that I found browsing online for you to consider. Note, I have not used any of these so actual inside measurements might affect fit. Close to some of these stores?...Grab some cards and head out....or pack your measuring tape! {Skipped Ahead and want to jump back: click ^^^}
Hobby Lobby- Small Flip Top Box UPC-A:0 73149 80386 3 Sterilite Brand Dimensions: Length: 7 5/8" , Width: 6 1/2" , Height: 4 1/2"
Walmart Mainstay 2 Pack Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H) 9.75 x 5.75 x 4.50 Inches
Walmart Mainstay 3 Pack Alternatively this could work to hold 1 level (bonus it comes with 3!). Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H) 5.50 x 5.50 x 4.75 Inches
Walmart Sterilite 2.5 Qt. Modular Latch Box Plastic, Titanium This one may be too deep for your likely, but wanted to include it in case you don't mind that. Outside Dimensions: 7 5/8" x 5 5/8" x 6", Interior Dimensions at bottom: 5 3/8" x 4 3/8" x 5 3/8"
Repeat Mention (in case you missed it): Dollar Tree- Small Plastic Container UPC 639277105394 Assortment Details: 7x6.25x4-in. Rectangular Translucent Plastic Storage Containers with lids assorted among smoke gray, clear, and blue.
How do you organize your levels? Feel free to share in the comments!
Want to know more? Here are some Links to some Related Blog Post:
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