Teaching Bootcamp – Week 2: Organizing the Classroom
 Weekly Giveaway - The Store More Wire Works Desktop One of the most challenging parts of running an effective classroom is organizing it in such a way that it is functional and attractive. This week we have recruited some wonderful teachers to share their tips and tricks for organizing the classroom. They offer practical and inexpensive ideas that can help you create the classroom you have always dreamed of having. Also coming up this week, we will feature our second #TeachChat of the summer. We will be talking firsthand with some of the teachers who know how to keep their classrooms organized and learn from their ideas. Need help organizing or want to share your expertise? Plan to join us on Wednesday, June 20th at 9pm EST/8pm CST on Twitter. Find out more about how to join #TeachChat by checking out this page. Voting for the 2012 Really Good Education Blog Awards begins on Monday, June 18th. Be sure to vote for your favorite education blogs before Friday, June 22nd! The link for voting will go live on Monday, June 18th and can be found on The Teachers’ Lounge and Really Good Stuff’s Facebook page. On Wednesday, June 20th, we will also be celebrating our 20th Anniversary Sale. Be sure to watch for the 20% off sale, as well as the new contest for June. One lucky winner will win a $200 Really Good Stuff gift certificate, so be sure to enter! And finally, congratulations to Melissa, the random winner in last week’s Really Good Giveaway! She won a set of the Primary Color Chapter Book Classroom Library Bins. Thanks for entering! If you would like a chance to win this week’s giveaway, the Store More Wire Works Desktop Secretary, simply leave a relevant comment on any Teachers’ Lounge article before 5pm on Friday, June 22nd. One random winner will be selected and announced on Sunday, June 24th. Comment on as many articles as you would like to improve your odds of winning. Thanks so much for being a Really Good Stuff fan! We appreciate you! Have a wonderful week! |
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Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:05 pm
I could use this for my desk or for the writing center. Really good stuff has some great items!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:08 pm
This is a great product, I’d love to win it!!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:08 pm
I’d store upcoming lesson materials for the week. Starting in September I’ll be implementing F&P’s Leveled Literacy Intervention in grades K-2, & the amount of paperwork/materials for each lesson in each level of the program is a little intimidating, especially as a new teacher. I’m really committed to staying as organized as possible so that I don’t lose instruction time due to lost/missing materials, and this desktop organizer would really help
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:11 pm
This organizer would be great, especially for those of us who have to have RTI/data binder and info readily available, yet organized.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:11 pm
I teach 2nd – 4th grade language arts in different classrooms which are shared by at least 6 different teachers. Do you have any suggestions for organizing the classrooms to benefit all who use the rooms?
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:14 pm
This would totally help save on space on my teacher desk…..
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:15 pm
I would store daily lesson plans and dailly notations.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:15 pm
This would really help organize and save space on my desk!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:16 pm
The Store More Wire Works Desktop Secretary would be incredibly helpful in just organizing my daily mountains of paperwork on my desk and would greatly assist the development of my classroom!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:16 pm
I would have a field trip file, to collect forms…a money file to store receipts…a file to hold extra copies of of class list because I always need one for something …a file to hold my beginning of year forms because I always need to refer to them.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:18 pm
I would store certain files such as emergency sub plans, work to be finished, and copies to be made.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:18 pm
Would love to win this to get organized for fall!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:18 pm
This would be perfect for organizing my Daily Five materials and notebook.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:19 pm
Awesome product! Would so help to organize and save space!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:23 pm
I would use this for my RTI groups
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:26 pm
Organization is my number one goal this year. I’m doing away with my teacher desk and the Store More Wire Works Desktop Secretary would be wonderful for keeping my daily materials and forms that I repeatedly refer to organized and easy to access.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:28 pm
I love this item…I would like to have one of these to help me keep everyday papers organized and right at hand. It would be great to use for that and then have a weekly file to place those daily papers in so that if you needed to refer back to them for any student having problems or that was absent.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:29 pm
I would use it to store lessons for the week with the folders labeled Monday through Friday. I love how there is a binder slot underneath!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:33 pm
What a great tool! I could use this to organize my copies for the week and to always have my classroom info notebook handy and ready to go. Really GREAT stuff from Really Good Stuff! I hope I win!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:33 pm
I am thinking about giving up my big desk this year, and this would so help me keep organized!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:38 pm
would love this to use at my writing center, would keep materials so much more organized
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:42 pm
PERFECT! I need this for organizing my weekly folders!! I like to store my materials in (Mon-Fri) folders.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:47 pm
I would use this for my weekly lessons. I teach 2-5 resource and this would work perfect to keep student work and lessons in a good place!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:47 pm
This would be a great addition to my organizational items. A great place to keep all those files within reach.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:48 pm
I could use this to store answer keys that I use daily, items to be filed, items to be copied, and other very useful things that we teachers need. I would also keep my favorite pens and highlighters in them. This looks awesome!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:50 pm
I would store lesson plans and everyday papers I need to view quickly. This is such a handy piece!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 9:51 pm
This would really help me get my guided reading groups more organized!!! What a great idea to combine file folders and binders. I have been looking for something exactly like it!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 10:03 pm
I could use this in so many ways. I could use it for my desk in the classroom to keep important documents. I could use it to organize centers for the week. I could use it to store file folders. This is a great product by a great company and id love to win it !
Commented On June 17th, 2012 10:26 pm
I have been looking for something like this for my desk! I had thought I might just use a crate but this is so much better with the pen holders and a place for my binder! Hope I win!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 10:30 pm
I could use that to keep all of my RTI data and Guided Reading info organized.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 10:33 pm
Oh, this would be SO great for my before/after-school tutoring paperwork and supplies. I need to keep those materials separate and nicely organized so that everything is ready to go right away after school and I don’t waste any time looking for paperwork.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 10:33 pm
I would use this to keep all my weekly work in. It would be handy for me and especially for a sub.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 10:52 pm
I would use this for my Daily 5/Cafe materials.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 10:55 pm
This would be great to file copies of graphic organizers to have ready t o go at a moment’s notice.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 11:00 pm
I think that this organizer would be a great way to keep my assessments and homework assignments organized and ready to go.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 11:04 pm
I could totally use this for my classroom desk. Organization is key for me to run a smooth and efficient classroom.
Commented On June 17th, 2012 11:28 pm
WOW! this would be so great for organizing materials for our “Math in Motion” intervention. I plan 4 lessons a week for the enrichment level group, in addition to lesson planning for my regular classroom. My desk is always such a pit, and I spend WAY too much time hunting for things!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 11:30 pm
I would use this to organize often used forms for IEPs, etc. and my “Bible” (IEP manual).
Commented On June 17th, 2012 11:50 pm
I really want to keep more organized this year! This would really help me keep my desk organized!
Commented On June 17th, 2012 11:59 pm
Great way to save space on our desktops!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 12:23 am
I would use your system to organzie my paperwork and office folders.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 12:43 am
This is great for a desk organizer. It is simple but having a little color on my desk instead of the black/gray organizers I have now would be a great change!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 6:11 am
Looks great for organizing my teacher desk!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 6:34 am
I have a Pre-K classroom and this would be great to keep my
papers organized seeing that I don’t have a desk in my room.
I could put this on a shelf and keep all my papers contained.
Thanks for this opportunity to win this great tool.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 7:00 am
Really cool! This would be very helpful for storing small group info, data charts, etc on a daily basis to make an easy transition into my data binder.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 7:50 am
This is what I have been looking for. I have somehting similar on my desk, but it doesn’t have a space for the binder. I need a place for my Daily5 binder. Perfect!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 8:30 am
I would use this to keep up with all of my evaluations and IEP’s that are in progress. This way the mountains of paper would be where I could see them, not all stacked up on my desk!!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 8:37 am
I could use this to store my files so they’re not all over my desk.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 8:47 am
This would work perfect on my desk.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 9:27 am
This would be great on my desk in my newly organized room. Thanks for the articles about organization.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 9:37 am
I’d love to have this for my desk to start the new school year in August!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 9:56 am
I could REALLY use this organizer. I have so many things in my room, it’s hard to put my finger on important papers. This would help me with that problem! Thanks for the give -aways!!!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 10:07 am
This would be great to keep on my desk so daily lessons would not only be available for me but also for any substitute who may come in. File lessons, worksheets and any instructions for each day in one folder. The lower area, I would keep my notebook filed with important information such as parent contact information, discipline records, assessments/grades and lots more!!! Thanks for the opportunity to view and try to win this neat new product!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 10:22 am
I love organization in the classroom and would love to have this product. I am always looking for innovative ways to organize myself and my students!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 10:29 am
Would be a great alternative to what I am currently using
Commented On June 18th, 2012 10:58 am
Love the desktop organizer!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 11:09 am
I am always looking for new ways to organize my classroom! Would love to try one of these!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 11:42 am
THis would really help my desk out!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 11:53 am
Wow! I am always looking for the perfect organizer, and this just may be it! I’d love to win it.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 12:42 pm
Would love this!! I am always looking for a way to not have the clutter on my desk.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 12:46 pm
What a great organizer…I’m always looking for new or improved ways to make life easier on myself and the kids in my class.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 1:55 pm
Love This! I need to get organized this year.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 5:35 pm
I need all the help I can get to organize!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 5:55 pm
I am starting a new position as an administrative intern AND special projects teacher. This would certainly keep me organized as I wear two hats next year.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 6:28 pm
Great way to minimize clutter and be prepared for whats to come for the week!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 7:12 pm
This would be awesome to help me keep all the papers which clutter my desk organized!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 8:11 pm
I would love to have one on my desk to organize all my students’ papers, lesson plans, science labs, etc! Last year I had no idea what color was the top of my desk since I had soooo many papers on it! My goal this year is to be more organized!
Commented On June 18th, 2012 8:23 pm
I love the consolidated organization! Everything is within easy reach, and yet the desk remains neat and tidy. This organizational tool provides a good example for the students, seeing their teacher’s desk organized with needs readily accessible.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 9:42 pm
Wow! I would love this for my classroom.
Commented On June 18th, 2012 10:28 pm
I can always use something to help me organize. This looks like a great product!
Commented On June 19th, 2012 12:10 am
Love this item! It is attractive, space efficient, looks lightweight, and is a super organizing tool. I keep my lesson plans in a binder that would fit nicely under the organizer. I can put the files I use to organize materials by subject on top. Keeping pens, pencils, and scissors handy would be great too.
Commented On June 19th, 2012 12:48 am
I would love to have this for my classroom. I am working on organizing my classroom for the upcoming school year and this would be a huge help!
Commented On June 19th, 2012 3:35 am
This organizer looks so great! I would use it with my small groups.
Commented On June 19th, 2012 7:00 am
I would use this totally awesome organizer to make some room on my desk! I currently have an organizer that is always falling over. I like the flat base on this organizer as well as the space below the file folder storage for binders. My lesson plan binder would finally have its own little home! I also love how the pencil holders are attached to the organizer. I’m always losing my pens and pencils and this would be a great way to keep track of them! I love this product!
Commented On June 19th, 2012 7:29 am
That wire organizer would be perfect on my counter. I am trying to be more organized. Thank you for the opportunity!
Commented On June 19th, 2012 10:40 am
I am so OCD about the storage in my room and my desk area is no exception! This would be a wonderful solution!
Commented On June 19th, 2012 10:41 am
I was just saying I needed one of these!!! I have gotten sooo many tips and ideas from this web site!!!! Thank you!!!! I don’t have a “class room” but rather an area (I do RTI) so my large desk and 3 shelves is all I have to work with. I need all the help I can get. Between reading groups and intervention and assessments I have a lot of stuff to keep organized. Any help I can get……….I will be greatful!!
Commented On June 19th, 2012 10:49 am
I would love this organizer. It would help to keep my desk clear.
Commented On June 19th, 2012 1:07 pm
this is such a wonderful organizational tool!! i really would love to win this!
Commented On June 19th, 2012 2:32 pm
I teach numerous grades so this would come in handy!
Commented On June 19th, 2012 6:06 pm
I am always trying to keep my desk clean… I’m sure that this would help
Commented On June 19th, 2012 6:49 pm
I’ve been looking at this for awhile. This would be angreat help to me so I can keep all the documentation I’ll be required to keep for Common Core Standards.
Commented On June 19th, 2012 7:15 pm
I’m coming out of retirement this year after a three-year hiatus. I’m very excited about getting back into the classroom. Unfortunately, when I retired I gave away all my stuff. This would be a huge help at getting me back into the “organization” mode.
Commented On June 19th, 2012 7:28 pm
I love this desktop organizer. I worked on decluttering my desk last year, but this would help me get rid of even more stuff!
Commented On June 20th, 2012 1:18 am
I am thinking about getting rid of my desk and this would be so perfect to help me organize! (and I really need help!)
Commented On June 20th, 2012 5:49 pm
This would be so helpful to begin to eliminate the mess that always occupies my desk!
Commented On June 20th, 2012 7:51 pm
I need this to keep my teacher desk organized!!!
Commented On June 21st, 2012 10:42 pm
Love this as a one stop shop, or landing area for files that are touched daily!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 8:43 am
Oh, the possibilities! I can’t make up my mind…. It would be perfect for art materials, my table area, or writing station… I hope I win…of course then I would have to buy more!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 9:06 am
This would be perfect to help me keep my teacher’s desk organized. I have been looking for something just like it!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 9:11 am
this is the year i really want to get more organized…already have several ideas in the works. this would definately help me continue moving forward in this effort!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 9:21 am
I love this item. I have looked at it in the past two books and I know I need it on my desk. I have a ton of data collection files on my desk and coffee mugs with pens and pencils. Along with many binders. This would help keep it all in one place. I would love to win this.
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 9:31 am
After 12 years of 3rd grade I’m moving to 6th. I am going to have to stay super organized this year. This sure would help!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 9:31 am
This would look great sitting on my desk!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 9:42 am
I am so unorganized…I NEED this
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 9:54 am
Wow! Any teacher knows it is possible to begin the day with a clean, organized desk, and it could be covered before lunch. I would LOVE to have this great organizer. I’d use it to store lessons for all subjects, copies for homework, parent letters, fiels trip forms, and more! Thanks!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 9:57 am
I am always looking for better ways to organize my desk. The papers just seem to multiply! This looks great!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 11:05 am
I would love to have this to organize my desk in my classroom.
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 11:55 am
I would use it as storage for assignments when students are absent. I teacher Jr. High and the different slots are perfect for each class.
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 12:03 pm
Love how it can be color coded and used to organize our art room!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 12:41 pm
#teachchat was great! I need organization in m 11th year just as much (maybe more!) as my first year. Thanks for sharing all of these tips and ideas!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 12:46 pm
I would use this to organize my writing center. How neat! Thanks for the chance.
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 1:46 pm
Working on de-cluttering and being more organized would really help me….especially with all this new TPEP on the horizon. Great item.
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 4:01 pm
I am so not organized. Tired of piles and piles. I hope I will use these ideas!
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 5:07 pm
I would love to win this. Organization is not one of my strengths.
Commented On June 22nd, 2012 8:21 pm
This seems like a really great way to organize your desk. I have problems with having to search for items I am looking for.