Table Supplies & A 'Sharp' Giveaway!

Since switching to tables from desks, I have had to deal with the lack of quick-access kids used to have to pencils, erasers, sticky notes and the like. Granted, oftentimes these items were buried in their desk, so I use the term "quick" loosely ;)

I wanted to share with you what lives on top of our tables and how we manage these supplies communally:

The eraser label is a part of my School Supply Label Set on TpT.
Inside each bin are 2 pencils and one eraser per student and a pad of sticky notes.

I have two supply helpers as a class job and they help me throughout the week ensure that the pencil and eraser supplies are up to snuff. I also have all the kids help before I dismiss them for recess- clean table bin= dismissed first to go outside. It's amazing how quickly that gets the cups, pencils and sticky notes back in order :)

The teal bins are from Hobby Lobby- they had a whole teal bin extravaganza over the summer and I cleared them out. I will have to show you my table supplies for markers, color pencils and glue soon- that's when it really becomes obvious! I bought the tealish-clear cups from the Dollar Store (8 for $1!) and they are cheap, but easy to replace if they crack. I used my friend Kristen's idea for glass pebbles in the bottom of the cup so that it won't tip over when empty. She's a super-genius :)

Here's another thing that's different when it comes to table supplies: I don't have a pencil sharpener available to students. BIG adjustment this year, but hearing that awful thing in the middle of a minilesson was so deflating, so it's been worth it.

Instead, I have been using the Sharp & Dull Pencil Buckets and those have rocked!
You can get this FREE download in my TpT Store
This system does leave me as the primary pencil sharpener, which I actually don't mind.

Why, you ask?

Well, because even though I don't have a pencil sharpener available to students, what I do have rocks my socks! It's appropriately labeled "The Quietest Pencil Sharpener" and it makes me more than willing to be the Sharpener Queen :)

Not only is this little guy quiet, it also sharpens pencils of any quality (cheap dollar store all the way up to the amazing Ticonderoga). This has been wonderful because I love offering pencils as prizes, but those awful plastic-coated ones from Target's dollar section would always jam my electric sharpeners :(

It's also super-fast, no matter what the quality, and best of all, the point is incredibly sharp!! Now, my kids can use a pencil for much longer than their dull electrically-sharpened counterpart (this also doesn't eat the pencils to death like my old electric one).

Here's proof:


See?! Holy smokes!

This sharpener has turned pencil sharpening into my zen time :) It's super-simple to use and there's even a helpful video on the website to help you out, since it is a bit funkier than the traditional sharpener. Once you get the hang of it, though, it goes very smoothly!



127 comments

  1. I would definitely want a black one! And this is at a perfect time because I was just debating ordering one since my electric one died yesterday and we now have no sharpener in my room!
    Gina
    Third Grade Tidbits

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  2. I would love a red one! Red is our school color. Sharpening pencils is one of those things I change every year. I've yet to find a perfect system, but a quiet pencil sharpener would sure help.

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  3. I desperately need a good pencil sharpener! I already snagged your dull/sharp labels as that has been my routine the past couple of years. I too can't stand the sound of sharpening pencils in the middle of class. :)

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  4. Would love a blue one! Or red...I might just need two.

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  5. Forgot my color...definitely green as that is one of our classroom colors. :)

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  6. I have been eyeing these for awhile now. I would definitely pick black. If only I could win so I don't have to spend my own money on it!

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  7. Love this sharpener! I'd go for red :)

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  8. I would love this sharpener! My 3rd graders are always jamming up my electric sharpener. I like the green one.

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  9. I would love this pencil sharpener. I bought a cheap one at the beginning of the year, rookie mistake!

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  10. I'd want black. I've spent so much money (and time) on pencil sharpeners. This looks great!

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  11. I would love a black one that the students can use. I have had to buy a new sharpener every year because the students break it.

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  12. I just started following your blog. You have great ideas. Black would go perfectly with my classroom decor. This is the first year I haven't already gone through several "old school" sharpeners and an electric one; simply because of blogs like your's with great ideas like the Sharp and Unsharpened buckets. One student a week is assigned to sharpening pencils. This has definitely saved my sanity!

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  13. I would go with the blue sharpener! Thanks for doing this giveaway! I was JUST talking at lunch about how all my pencils disappear and I can't stand sharpening new ones!

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  14. Always looking for a great sharpener! Mine all become colored pencil sharpeners due to becoming so dull so quickly.

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  15. I love the new black one! I use your sharp and dull labels and those have really helped this year! :)

    Kate
    EduKate and Inspire

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  16. I've always wanted one of these!

    mrsamynovellino@gmail.com

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  17. I would loooove this black pencil sharpener! I am a first year teacher & my new friends broke mine the very first day! After this I made them bring their own :) I love the idea of the table organizers as well! I wish we could switch to tables!

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  18. Never thought of using glass pebbles...I just hot-glue my cup in place! ;) I LOVE my pencil sharpener!! If I were to win, I'd give it to one of my colleagues as a "must-have" gift!

    Amanda
    Teaching Maddeness

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  19. Definitely blue-my favorite color-such a happy color!
    Debbie
    debjac9@aol.com

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  20. I would love a black one! I also use the dull and sharp buckets! It has been awesome!

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  21. Tough choice - blue to match school colors or black to match any decor??? I think BLUE :-)

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  22. I would go with black! Thanks for the great ideas on your blog. Glad I found you!

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  23. I think I would go with black!

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  24. I already have a blue one and a green one so I would want either a red one or a black one!

    Christina :)
    Check out my blog!
    Apples, Books, and Crayons

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  25. My friend has one of these sharpeners and I refuse to use anything else. I'm sure she would appreciate it if I got one of my own.

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  26. Definitely NEED the red one!! :)
    Jprowell11@gmail.com

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  27. OOH!! I would love a green Classroom Friendly Pencil Sharpener!! I have been pining for one since last year!

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  28. I would choose green!! I agree...I HATE the sound of the pencil sharpener while I am working in small groups!

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  29. I would love ANY color!! I just really want (need!) one:)
    ~Holly
    Fourth Grade Flipper

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  30. I would love the black sharpener! It would be perfect for my class!

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  31. I would be thrilled with any color! If I really had to choose, I guess I would go with red. Thanks for all your tips!
    Leeann

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  32. I capital N-E-E-D a good pencil sharpener! Love this one!

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  33. I would love a blue one. My electric one is always getting clogged with the plastic wrapped pencils, too.

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  34. I've had nothing but the built into the wall for the last 18 years sharpener. That and those little tiny sharpeners the kids have. I would love a red one!

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  35. Definitely the blue one...it goes with my decor...

    MissMichellePhan@yahoo.com

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  36. Green. Definitely green.
    I think I might be going to look at these to buy one!!

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  37. I love your blog!! If I won I would chooe red shrpener> What a great giveaway.

    Jennifer
    Grade 2 Happenings
    jennifer.h.staton@gmail.com

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  38. Blue is always the way to go!!! BTW, love your brain breaks! My kids love them!

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  39. I would choose the red sharpener. I just ordered a new iPad cover with bluetooth keyboard and I haven't gotten the hang of it yet. Sorry.

    Jennifer
    Grade 2 Happenings

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  40. Black for sure...The sharpened pencil drama. Oh my for it to be over....

    julielynnallen@gmail.com

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  41. I would want black...or red...either one would go with my color scheme.

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  42. I have been wanting one of these pencil sharpeners forever!!! I would love to have the blue one! Or maybe the black one!

    Molly
    Lessons with Laughter

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  43. I would love one of these...especially a black one :)

    Stephanie Ann
    Sparkling in Third Grade

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  44. I would choose green. Thanks!!

    Aimee
    aimee@vanmiddlesworth.org
    Pencils, Books, and Dirty Looks

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  45. I would choose the red one. I really hope I win! Thanks!!
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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  46. Green please!!! No grinch here though :)

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  47. I would choose the blue one! Thanks for offering such a cool giveaway!!

    ~Jen
    Hello Mrs Sykes

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  48. I would choose a blue one! Would match my beach theme classroom! Thanks!

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  49. I have seen blogs/comments about this sharpener before and it does look like a great one! I would love to have a red one, since that is my favorite color!! Thanks!

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  50. I would LOVE to have one of these!

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  51. I want the blue one!!!
    bl3982@yahoo.com

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  52. Green or blue would match my room! Love this!

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  53. I would love the black one! Thanks for the giveaway!!!! :)

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  54. I would pick red. Thanks for the giveaway.
    beth.shavelson@browardschools.com

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  55. I would love a blue one, but I would be happy with any of them! Thanks for the giveaway1

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  56. I would take the sharpener in ANY color because it works sooooo well!!!! =) I hope I win!!!

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  57. I keep hearing about these and really want one!

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  58. I am the sole pencil sharpener in my classroom also. I am enjoying the sharp and dull cups this year also. I would love a blue one. That is amazing that it sharpens all types of pencils.

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  59. I am thinking about asking my principal if we could switch from using desks to tables. I have a large class this year and I think that the tables would be much easier for a larger class. Any insight you can provide me on what improvements you've seen using tables vs desks would be great! I love your posts about organizing tables! Thank you!

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  60. I wish I could have tables! I beg for them every year. Maybe one day...

    I'd love the black one!

    Adventures of a Third Grade Teacher

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  61. I love using center tubs on each table group. Not only are supplies accessible in a timely manner, but I can also pass out items needed for the day at the start. Students take what they need when told.

    I would love the blue one!

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  62. I have a wall in my room painted blue, so blue sharpener for me!

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  63. I would love a blue one. I have seen this sharpener before and have contemplated getting one. I hope I win this one!

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  64. Would love the blue one to match our school colors!

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  65. My wife is a special education teacher and would love a quiet pencil sharpener.

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  66. I would love a green one to match my forest theme, and my goodness would I love a pencil sharpener that doesn't eat pencils alive!

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  67. I am putting this on my Christmas List! And any color would be fine for me! :-)

    michaelshoney@me.com

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  68. My classroom pencil sharpener is broken :( and as a first year teacher, my funds are low with everything else I purchase for the class.. hope I win :)!

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  69. A good pencil sharpener is hard to come by for sure! We were all given a new electric sharpener at the beginning of the year and after the first pencil sharpened , it broke! I can't believe the thing was that cheap! I brought in my own and now it is broken, with a pencil broken off inside. I would pick the blank one so that it goes with my decor no matter what I decide to do for a theme. If I am not the lucky winner, I might just have to buy this!

    Lindsay
    If You Give a Teacher a Treat
    www.ifyougiveateacheratreat.blogspot.com

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  70. I would gladly accept any color...pencil sharpeners seem to always get broken in my classroom!

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  71. Any color is fine but blue and green are definitely my favorite colors. LOVE YOUR BLOG!!

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  72. I've been wanting one of these for a long, long time! I would take one in ANY color, but green is my favorite color! Thanks for the chance to win!

    katherine
    Yay Third Grade

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  73. I'm so glad that I found your blog through Oh' Boy 4th Grade!! It is adorable & you have some great ideas!!

    I have been looking at these sharpeners for a long time...blue is my favorite color. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ~Realistic
    http://realistic-teacher.blogspot.com

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  74. This is the best sharpener ever! I would choose blue since I already have 2 that color!
    Gina
    Beach Sand and Lesson Plans

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  75. I would choose the blue one. I have heard so much about these sharpeners. I hope I win! wnekola@viking.portage.k12.oh.us
    Wanda

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  76. Wow! Great ideas on how to organize! We also do the communal sharing in my classroom!
    Thanks!
    -Sara
    madamsara@gmail.com

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  77. I would choose a red one! One of these days, I'm going to get this pencil sharpener! Maybe if I don't win I'll ask for it for Christmas.

    Angela :)
    Hippo Hooray for Second Grade!

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  78. I would love one of these sharpeners!

    Shelby

    sahick03@smumn.edu

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  79. What a great idea! Pencils don't wander into the black hole of their desks and everyone is watching that pencil basket and making sure that each team member takes care of it! I would love a pencil sharpener of any color that would sharpen the $1 pencil packs from Target or the dollar stores as that seems to be where most of my parents shop. Great ideas on here! Thanks for sharing!

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  80. I would choose blue. It's one of our school colors, plus I've heard it's calming. ;)

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  81. I would love the red one, but I'd be happy with any!

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  82. Hi, I would choose green (our school colors!) Us teachers can definitely appreciate a quality pencil sharpener. Such a great giveaway! Thanks!

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  83. This is wonderful! I would choose the black one!

    Brittany
    Stickers and Stamps

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  84. I would be happy with any color! We were just talking today in class about how cool it would be to create the first silent pencil sharpener! My class is done with electric sharpeners, we all complain :-).

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  85. So going with blue and my fingers are super crossed tight!

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  86. Blue... or black??? hard decision

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  87. Definitely black as it will never go out of style!

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  88. I would LOVE a black sharpener! :)

    Heather Haugen
    heatherhaugen@netzero.com

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  89. I would love a red pencil sharpener! It was a toss up between green and red. These sharpeners are great. I have a blue one but I was thinking of getting another one so sharpening won't take as long.

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  90. Any! ...but Black is always classic! Thanks darling for hosting this giveaway!
    Amy
    3 Teacher Chicks

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  91. Love your organizing! I think I would want a green pencil sharpener.
    Amy Griffith

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  92. I want this so bad! I have been wanting one of these for a while. I'd love one in blue!

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  93. I've had my eye on one of these for some time now. My electric sharpener is driving me bonkers lately. I'd love a blue or black sharpener.

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  94. This is the 3rd giveaway for this sharpener that I've entered! It must really be the best sharpener ever. Crossing my fingers!!!

    ~Rebecca

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  95. I keep seeing this sharpener. Must get !

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  96. Stephanie,
    I LOVE your blog! You give me SO many ideas for my third grade class! Thank you! If I were to win the pencil sharpener (which I need!), I would love the blue one! (Blue is my favorite color!) Thanks again for the great blog!!!!

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  97. I would love a red one! Our school colors are red and white. :)

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  98. I've had 2 sharpeners installed in my room this year...both do nothing but eat pencils. This would be a complete sanity saver! :-)

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  99. My pencil sharpener just died today :( and I have been thinking about getting one of these pencil sharpeners for a while so this would be perfect! My favorite color is the red pencil sharpener.

    Michaelyn
    michaelyn13@yahoo.com

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  100. Oh gosh...I get to choose a color?? I would go with green--My walls are a beautiful, calm yellow... I too, find pencil sharpening very zen :P

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  101. I would LOVE to win this! I'd go with red!

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  102. I would choose black or red; however, I would be thrilled with any of the colors!

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