Assembly & packaging
Reading Manipulatives materials are commercially laminated but must be cut and packaged prior to use. Zipper bags are the simplest option for holding the individualized sets. The contents can be seen through the plastic, so there is no need to label or affix set codes. The PDF below has a chart that lists the number and sizes of bags needed for each product. Small food storage bags from the grocery store can be used. There are several options, including various weights, sizes, and closures. You can also purchase heavier 4 mil zipper bags online. The bags are most often sold in cases (10 bags of 100, 1000 total). Amazon often has 4 x 6 or 5 x 8 bags, which are good sizes for the manipulatives and could be used for all products. Simply do your research and find the best value. Any extras can be used for replacements or other uses.

Set storage
Next find storage containers for the sets. Many types and sizes of plastic storage boxes are available. Once the manipulatives are prepared and packaged into individual sets, select storage devices that hold and display the sets most efficiently. Those that offer high visibility speed the selection process. Since students will be choosing sets that they have not yet completed, classroom organization is important. It works best to spread the various materials that are in use to locations throughout the classroom. Then students will not have to congregate in a single area.

Student checklists & record keeping
Checklists for tracking materials that have been completed are important for recordkeeping. The last page of each guide has a master for a student checklist that can be copied and cut. If you need another copy of any checklist, the guides are available for download.

Download Zipper Bags & Set Storage Summary