![bright ideas 2.001](http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BPlIAR2hsZM/U0i4xFVoZZI/AAAAAAAALuo/fxCULm3QEK4/bright%252520ideas%2525202.001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800)
I have a ton of “center” style activities. Even when I started using the Daily 5 in my classroom, I still used these a lot for Word Work, reviewing skills, small group focus lessons, and as fast finisher activities.
![center2 center2](http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LTf3a8y2sG4/U3b6n2FtyQI/AAAAAAAALxU/k-UYa6vKcso/center2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800)
When they come with a cover page or directions, I like to laminate it and tape it onto the front of a manila folder. (A colleague of mine likes to laminate the whole manila folder and then use an X-acto knife to slice apart the opening which is even sturdier!)
![center1 center1](http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jXQ6F1BPdIg/U3b6qTp17bI/AAAAAAAALxk/si1GHaDKyoQ/center1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800)
I also add a Velcro dot to the flap since the brad tends to wear out. Small pieces inside go in Ziploc bags to stay organized.
![center4 center4](http://lh5.ggpht.com/-79BJRfMVKQU/U3b6sQoN3jI/AAAAAAAALx0/05WqFdDO-AM/center4_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800)
This has worked really well for me, but I still have to open each center and re-read the directions each year to make sure I set out the right supplies. This year, I realized I could make that easier on myself.
Enter: washi tape! (easily removable, and also cute)
![IMG_6750 IMG_6750](http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gfftK7aTw1k/U3b6uVL4s8I/AAAAAAAALyE/05DbjRfwOvw/IMG_6750_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800)
With just a little tape and a Sharpie, I am labeling each center with the supplies students will need. I also put a C in a circle if I need to copy something, like a recording sheet.
![IMG_6684 IMG_6684](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-98wgO1H2sGE/U3b6wGXjG7I/AAAAAAAALyU/FoQd9V7khPM/IMG_6684_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800)
Now, when I get out a center, I don’t even have to open it to know exactly what I need to get out. At a glance, I can make sure a center is ready and kids won’t need to interrupt me.
![IMG_6686 IMG_6686](http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nIq_hT-QDuE/U3b6xr-VwEI/AAAAAAAALyk/C__DLqYEztg/IMG_6686_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800)
And the best part? I can gradually add these labels as I go through the year, so it doesn’t have to be a huge one-time project!
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