My New Laminator - Swedex Smart Laminator

Like most teachers, I have a serious addiction to laminating!  Let's laminate ALL the things! I love that it makes my teaching tools last so much longer.  So, when I was given the opportunity to try out the Swedex Smart Laminator of course I jumped at the chance!

Disclosure: I was given a free laminator to facilitate my review, but all opinions are my own.

Isn't it beautiful?!?  

Just in case you can't see from the first picture, there are several size options that you can use with this laminator. The machine takes 5 different thickness pouches in sizes varying from a small luggage tag to a 12 X 18 pouch.  There are also pouches that have adhesive backing!

I was super excited to see that I could laminate larger things because I had an "incident" during the school year when I attempted to Jerry-Rig two laminating pouches to laminate signs for my Compassionate Confrontation Board.  Luckily my hubby is good at fixing my mistakes and he was able to un-jam my little laminator, but my signs were not laminated.

So, when my Swedex Smart Laminator arrived, I knew I had to fix that!

Not only was I impressed with the various sizes that could be laminated, but I was also impressed with how fast it warmed up - it was mere seconds!

Watch how fast this thing goes!

You can also check out a video from the company here.

I am going to absolutely LOVE having this in my own classroom, but I think it would make a great alternative for your employee work room - you might want to let your Principal know about this one!

Some info from the manufacturer:

* The machine comes with a 5 Year Warranty - so if it breaks, they simply swap it out - so essentially you will have this machine for life.

* They have 2 special promos going for An Apple for the Teacher reader: You can use the Promo Code: LOVE2TEACH to get a 30% discount on both the machine and pouches!

* They offer payment plans for those who need them, you can email info@arctec.us for more info about setting up a payment plan.

* They have a special deal right now where you can essentially get the laminator for free!  You pay $50 per month for the laminator, but you also get $50 worth of pouches for free, so, you essentially only pay for the pouches and the laminator is FREE! Click here to find out more.

Reading Comprehension Cubes - Goodies from SmileMakers

When I was initially approached by SmileMakers to choose an item of my choice to review on my blog, my first thought was that I was going to get stickers for my sticker economy.  Because after all that is what SmileMakers is all about.  Boy was I wrong!  It took forever for me to pick something from their catalog because they have sooo much to choose from! Seriously, they have everything from classroom decorations, to arts and crafts supplies, to curriculum materials.

I finally narrowed it down to these reading comprehension cubes that have been on my Wish List forever!

 

I can't wait to use these this year with my kiddos!

 

The set comes with 6 cubes as you can see above and a set of directions with suggestions for using them.

 

According to the directions, there are 2 pre-reading cubes, 2 during reading cubes, and 2 after reading cubes.  Here are a few pics of the questions.  I love that some of the questions are right there while others require more in depth thinking which is perfect for differentiation.

 

 

 

 

I plan on using them in small groups, for partner reading, and even for whole group lessons and read alouds.

I am not only thrilled with my reading cubes, but also with the amazing customer service from SmileMakers.  Here are a few facts about Smile Makers:

• SmileMakers has been helping teachers to create smiles for over 35 years.  You can count on us to make a difference in your classroom.
• We have what you need!  We bring you products you won't find anywhere else.
• Our product safety testing meets or exceeds Consumer Products Safety Standards.
• We offer quick, easy, hassle-free ordering online and on the phone.
• Same day shipping means most orders are received within 1-5 business days.
• Everyday low prices on a wide selection of giveaways.  Plus get great sales offers when you sign up for emails.
• Everything at SmileMakers is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.  If your order doesn't meet your expectations, just call us to exchange or return for a full refund.  We'll even pay the return freight.
• SmileMakers is based in Spartanburg, South Carolina
• SmileMakers is a business unit of Quill Corporation, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Staples, Inc.

SmileMakers also offers Teacher Perks which offers sales and discounts just for teachers.  As a member of Teacher Perks, you will receive free shipping on any order over $49 and flat rate shipping of $4.99 on orders less than that.  There are also special private sales for members only!

So, what are you waiting for? See what SmileMakers has to offer!

Have you ever purchased from SmileMakers?  What did you buy?

Do you have these reading comprehension cubes?  How have you used them?

Disclosure: I received the product from SmileMakers in order to facilitate the review.  No other compensation was received, and all opinions expressed are my own.