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Kristin
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| Posted: July 11 2007 at 4:27pm | IP Logged
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I'm so excited and just wanted to share with you what I've decided to use for storage for 3-part cards! I was going to post it to this thread in which Theresa shared her fantastic binder storage solution but decided to start a new thread. I found these small, "counter-top" drawers at Target today. They are the perfect size for 3-part cards. It appears that online these must be purchased in sets of six, but they are available in stores individually for about $6 each.
I did buy six of them and plan on using them on the Montessori shelves in each area (science, geography, music, etc.). They can easily be labeled with picture and color coded by subject. The best thing about them, I think, is that they are stackable adding to their versatility!
I love Theresa's idea, especially for older children. For those of us with younger children, this is another idea if you want to make the cards a bit easier to get to and a nice (small-sized) visual reminder that they are there! Montessori Print Shop recommends a large tackle box with 20+ drawers. This is a great idea but it is just too big for our space and I don't like the look as much so I thought these were a great solution.
I am also thinking about making one wooden three-part tray available for carrying the cards to the table. One tray ought to be enough for DS, will add another if needed down the road when DD starts using the cards so they can each work with different cards at the same time. The 3-part tray I have is this one from Montessori-n-Such.
What do you think?
P.S. Forgive me if something like this has already been shared.  It seems I can't find the time to always delve deeply into the wonderful information explosion taking place here on the Montessori forum! 
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Bunch 'o Honey to my Honey Bunch and Mama to five - Noah 10y  , Rose 8y  , Dominic 2.5 y  , Oliver 16m 
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Meredith
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| Posted: July 11 2007 at 5:22pm | IP Logged
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Kristin you are a dear to start a new thread with your wonderful find! These look great and I really like that the front of the drawers are clear! I think these would work really well for my gang
We are so glad you are here and enjoying all our discoveries together! We are learning so much from each other, it's awesome!!
I have been eyeing that three-part tray from M-n-S for quite a long time as well, and I keep thinking I can just make one, but haven't yet
Thanks so much for sharing and coming by when you can!!
Blessings!
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CatholicMommy
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| Posted: July 11 2007 at 5:32pm | IP Logged
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I have these and they definitely work great for lots of purposes. I've not used them for 3 part cards yet, but it is definitely a possibility. Most of our art cabinet uses these drawers - everything is sorted: pencils, pens, markers, highlighters, paintbrushes, beads, wires, threads, crochet hooks, you name it, it has a drawer of its own!
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Donna Marie
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| Posted: July 11 2007 at 5:49pm | IP Logged
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I just use index card boxes for now. I place only one or two sets out at one time to minimize toddler dumping. I keep each set in a small zip loc bag to keep the pieces together and to ...minimize todder damage...this could get redundant can't tell you how many ways of storage I had to go through before I found one that worked enough to ...minimize todder damage...
I did use the hardware drawers successfully for a long time too. I was considering getting them out if I can keep my 2yo from dumping them. They come in all kinds of sizes...I got mine from home depot. They had different sized drawers and I loved them for the sorting of parts alone...it made it easier to reclaim "strays".
God love you!
Donna Marie from NJ
hs momma to 7dc
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SuzanneG
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| Posted: July 11 2007 at 11:03pm | IP Logged
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When I visited a Montessori classroom, I noticed that she had her cards set up in these
file sorter except smaller....for notecards, envelopes, etc. (I couldn't find a link for it, but I'm sure the offfice supply stores have them).
Each set was in a small heavy duty gold envelope with the top cut off. And, then placed in the filer, labeled.
Definitely not toddler-proof  but another option.
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Mackfam
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 6:43am | IP Logged
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I'm loving these ideas ladies! I'm all about happy storage solutions.  Thanks for starting this Kristin!
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Meredith
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 8:52am | IP Logged
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DonnaMarie, do you color code your file boxes, and how do you store them?? I too am in need of *toddler proof* storage, that's still easily accessible for the 5yo on up!
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Kristin
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 9:18am | IP Logged
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Meredith,
You mentioned that you liked the clear cases. When I was at Target I saw some small, square, vertical stacking cases that snap closed on the sides. I tried to find them online and no luck. I'll try again later. Another option for you to consider!
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Meredith
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 9:36am | IP Logged
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Thank you Kristin, I DO lilke the clear option, just better for the visual IMHO. I'm a bit of a ways from a Target right now and have never ordered from them online as I can usually just pop into the store, so I'm feeling like I need to get going on organizing, but don't have the stuff to do it  I'd love a link if you find it, but don't knock yourself out!
Blessings!
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Kristin
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 12:11pm | IP Logged
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Meredith,
I still haven't found the snap-close cases I saw at Target in the online store. They might be there but they evade me! I may try once again later if I get the chance. In the meantime, thought I would throw out a few more things that I stumbled across that might get the creative storage juices flowing ...
Here's one, a clear greeting card expandable storage file --- but is it sold separately? I like the fact that it latches closed. Toddler-proof? I don't know. Some could probably unfasten it --- looks like a practical life activity to me!
This is a small, clear scrapbook supply file that could work well, although it doesn't appear to have a latch on it. Maybe rubber band or piece of elastic would work to keep it closed --- like those expandable bill files at office supply stores that have a black cord.
Oh, and another scrapbook storage option available at Target that might work?! A visit to Michael's or office supply store just might be in order!
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Meredith
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 3:33pm | IP Logged
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Kristin wrote:
| I still haven't found the snap-close cases I saw at Target in the online store. They might be there but they evade me! I may try once again later if I get the chance. A visit to Michael's or office supply store just might be in order! |
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I guess I'm going tomorrow, or maybe Saturday after dh gets home  You're so awesome to do all this searching for us here, I love so many of these options, I may just clean out the scrapbook and storage section of Target Thank you again Kristin, it is so helpful!
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 4:15pm | IP Logged
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When I was looking for storage options, the problem I saw with many of the expandable file-type things was that the dividers do not go all the way to the bottom. It leaves a gap which small things like the name labels could slip through and get all mixed up.
That's why I chose the ones I did, as the envelopes closed completely.I actually got them for materials which I would not be putting out yet, as a storage system for me. I still have not decided the best way to display the ones I want to put out for dc. But I do like Lori's little color coded bins.I also like the little clear drawers sets Kristen linked. I am going to look at both of those when I get back.
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Meredith
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 5:56pm | IP Logged
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lapazfarm wrote:
When I was looking for storage options, the problem I saw with many of the expandable file-type things was that the dividers do not go all the way to the bottom. It leaves a gap which small things like the name labels could slip through and get all mixed up....
But I do like Lori's little color coded bins.I also like the little clear drawers sets Kristen linked. I am going to look at both of those when I get back.
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Yep, I have concerns with this too, and I am really excited about color coding and the little bins as well. We'll see what this weekends's adventures bring
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Kristin
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 6:19pm | IP Logged
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Theresa, I didn't realize your cool folders were a storage solution for you! I thought those would work very well for older children! And I know what you mean about the gaps in the clear storage files, I've seen that with one I use for scrapbook supply storage and was wondering if all of them were that way. If so, that definitely won't work!
If you go to Target do look for those other clear plastic bins (about the same size) that stack vertically and snap closed. They were in the same section as the other ones I linked. I saw them located in two different aisles in the home organziation/storage section; some of them had red tops and others were white/clear. I think that they would work well for ensuring that the littlest of hands don't find themselves creating BIG messes! In fact, if you decide to go with those I just might have to go with those instead of the little drawers ... as one of these days we hope to have more little feet toddling around here!
Also where can I get a peek at Lori's nifty color coded bins you referred to?
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Meredith
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 6:50pm | IP Logged
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Kristin wrote:
| Also where can I get a peek at Lori's nifty color coded bins you referred to? |
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Here is the Language Area color coded post
And just for kicks and enjoyment (an drooling) here are ALL her Organization posts
Lori never ceases to amaze and inspire me in All Things Montessori!
HTH, blessings!
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Land O' Cotton
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| Posted: July 13 2007 at 11:36am | IP Logged
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After reading about Theresa's ideas for the notebook with the pockets, I went in search of the same thing. This morning at Big Lots I found (for $1) A 10-pocket folder by Bridgeport. The clear pockets do not have closures as the type Theresa had, but I had an idea that stick-on Velcro at the top of the pocket could do the trick. I'm mentioning this because I bought one of the notebooks Theresa showed, but there were no more yesterday at Walmart. I'm going to try a couple of the ones from Big Lots in case Walmart doesn't resupply the other notebooks with pockets.
Vicki
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Kristin
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| Posted: July 17 2007 at 11:21am | IP Logged
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Just wanted to let everyone know that the little drawers I found at Target are also available at Walmart. And they cost about $1 less there!
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Meredith
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| Posted: July 17 2007 at 5:38pm | IP Logged
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Here's a really cool site: AKRO-MILLS Bins I could see these working for all kinds of three-part card ideas!! They are even color-coded!!
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Meredith
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4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: 3-Part Card Storage Solutions
