When it comes to organizing, some teachers are pros! They can find the perfect spot for every poster, every manipulative and every paper. For those of us who have more piles and boxes and bags than we know what to do with, we stand in awe of those who have amazing organizational skills. Since the chances of those great organizers coming to arrange and sort our classroom supplies is slim to none, we have to figure out ways to keep our teaching tools organized so they don’t take over our rooms. The tips below will help begin to conquer the clutter and keep teaching supplies under control.
Masters Book
With so many teachers having to buy their own paper for their class, the last thing that anyone wants is to waste it. Instead of keeping multiple copies of papers on hand, start a masters book. Use a 3″, 3-ring binder and tabbed dividers for each month that you are in school. If this is your first year teaching, start your book from scratch by keeping one copy of each reproducible that you use and putting it into the binder under the month that you used it in. Veteran teachers may have a stack of papers and supplies that are just waiting to be organized before school starts again. Work through the piles and boxes methodically. Toss what you do not need and keep one copy of each sheet that you use with your class. This helps control the print out clutter and gives you material to use during every month of the year. Another idea is to put the pages in clear, 3-hole sheet protectors, so that if there are extra pages, you can keep them all together and not print out as many during the following year. You can also arrange your binders by subject or grade level if you teach multiple grades.
File Folder Box
How many times have you found the perfect map or article for an upcoming unit, only to have nowhere to safely put it until the unit begins? This year, purchase a hanging file folder box and keep folders for each unit that you do with your students throughout the year. Have files for the big unit studies, as well as the quick units, so that when you find materials for them, you can file the resources away. When it is time to start planning the unit or lesson, pull out the file folder for that topic and everything will be right at hand. The trick is not to forget to look in the file folders when it is time to plan!
The Ultimate Planner
Some teachers can work within the confines of a small planning book and feel confident that they have everything they need. Others can be seen carting around binders, notebooks, date books, planners and more, but can never seem to find what they need. If this is you, have no fear. Create an ultimate planner for your school and home life. A large 3″, 3-ring binder is going to be your best friend for the rest of the school year. In it, place a date book with holes to fit in the binder, a planner for your lessons and a blank notebook. Everything should be together and through the holes of the large binder. Also place a binder pouch to store pens, pencils, a calculator and correction fluid. The date book is for your home life, the planner is for your lesson plans and the notebook is to write down all of your notes, to-do lists and reminders. Having everything together in one place will make planning school and home life a lot easier.
Multiplying Manipulatives
By multiplying, we are not talking about math! We mean those manipulatives that seem to take over the classroom with their bulk and tiny pieces when no one is looking. Put a lid on these wayward teaching tools by keeping them in stackable bins, baskets or tubs. Clearly label each container with the contents, so everything is easy to find. When you use the manipulatives, be sure to put them back where you got them from. It may be tempting to toss them on your desk with the intention of filing them away later, but resist the urge and put them away immediately. Your desk and classroom will stay cleaner and more organized for the effort.
What is your favorite trick for organizing teaching and school supplies? Leave a comment below or on the Really Good Teachers Forum and share your ideas with other teachers!
Joanna maguire says
As a new teacher I’m in need of some useful and practical advice.
Peggy Helm says
I teach Language Arts so I have multiple copies of chapter books that students read for literature circles. I keep them in small crates on a shelf hung high on the wall. One copy of the books in the crate faces out so I can see quickly where that group of books is when looking for them.
Cheryl shuster says
I use daily bins in the front of my room. I put in my papers for the day that are copied. On Monday I do copies for the week and then put them in the basket, then I can always find them and my kindergartners know where to get extras when they need a new paper!
Tina says
I’m very particular about organization in my room. I group my student desks in groups of 4-6 and I have a 2 shelf book shelf at the end of each table group. I have the students keep all of their texts on their book shelf, freeing up room in their desks. I also keep trays of looseleaf paper and community supplies on top for everyone to share.
Sharon Podlin says
I started using the master book last year and that worked out very nicely. I will definitely use that again. I may try the ultimate planner idea. I am lucky that I have not one but two file cabinets and a closet to organize my other stuff!
lindsay bauer says
great ideas! I’m a 1st year and I need ideas to help!!
LaTasha Wood says
I love the idea of the Ultimate Planner! I am a big “To Do” list person and I have to write everything down, or I forget, so this sounds like the perfect tool! I am a first year teacher doing Preschool and Parents as Teachers, so I have a feeling this will get used a lot!!
Thanks for the idea!
Lorraine Vasquez says
Great tips! I love the binder idea to keep everything (planner, etc.) together! One of my favorite organizations tips is to label everything! One of my most uesful purchases was a label maker. It forces me to put things back where they belong! 🙂
Pam Heward says
I have struggled with my classroom organization for years. Last year I decided to take “baby steps” a placed a small table behind my desk that houses current unit study materials, specific books for teacher read alouds and new ideas that I seem to always find. Then once a month I put away the materials that I used and brought out the next month’s supplies. I found that it worked well. I was not struggling with my working desk “overflowing”, and I able to maintain the system that I started. This year I plan to extend that system by placing all of my extra resources in file folders that are labeled by the standard/benchmark pertinent to the activity.
Lisa R. says
My favorite idea was the Ultimate Planner. How simple and organized! Thanks.
K.N. says
I love to organize!!! My main goal for this year is to find a place for EVERYTHING in my classroom. One of the biggest things for me was getting rid of my teacher desk. That monster was just a collector of junk!
After I finally convinced my custodian to drag it away, I found 2 small rolling storage carts to store the things I needed. Then, I went to Dollar Tree and bought a bunch of the small disposable meal containers to hold things like staples, homework passes, rubber bands, erasers, etc. Some cute printed labels were added and I was in heaven!!!
This year I plan to add labels to the front of each drawer and I plan to cover it with scrapbook paper so you can see it from the outside. In my mind, it looks super cute!
I also plan to deal with the monster I call file cabinet. It is such a mess!
Debbi C says
Love this opportunity to learn from those who have so much more experience. I just finished my first full year in a classroom (after a career change in my fifties) and I LOVED it. However, I always felt like I was playing catch-up to have centers planned and ready and keep up with all of the assessments.
Joelle Dodge says
I am a terrible one for organizing my supplies and having them pile up on my desk. This summer, I have brought home everything and am going through it all methodically. I’m keeping a notebook nearby to record random “Ah Ha” Moments. (Things I can do with this manipulative I’ve found, or things I want to get next year.)
I have discovered over the years that even if I am not a great organizer, I have at least one student who is. I let that student do the organizing. I figure it can’t be any worse than a desk covered in last week’s supplies.
Cara F says
I use storgage boxes –one for each month and/or unit. In it goes all curriculum materials (handouts/notes in a folder), posters, manipulatives, etc. I just need to pull the box when needed.
Julianne says
I have a similar plan to the Masters Book. Staples had 1″ good quality binders on clearance for 50¢ so I bought 10 of them. Now I’ll have a binder for each month. I think I’ll be happier with that since I not only store reproducibles but samples of past projects. I can put them into sleeves right in the binder as well. I have shelf space and I’m trying to eliminate my big file cabinet.
Becky Vodek says
Organization is definitely my weak point. Anything on the floor or handed to me is thrown on my desk! Usually it is work days where I find my desk again but this past year all of our workdays in the spring became make-up days so the piles just kept getting bigger!!!
I have 4 file boxes-one for each semester with trade books, copies, examples for each theme/unit I taught. Now having to start from scratch since I am changing grades!!!
Amanda Crosby says
I am always looking for new ways to organize! I used the daily bins this year. I also begain putting things into hanging files, I am hoping this pays off next year. I may need to try the ultimate binder too!
Jill says
Over the years, I’ve found that less is more. So I’ve learned to pare things down to what I really need and use. I also develop the idea with my students that this is “our” classroom and they must help organize and maintain it. I don’t go home each day until I’m ready for the next day. These steps save loads of clutter!
Denise B says
Loved these tips for organization. I just finished my first year of teaching and found that I was constantly buired in papers. Everywhere I looked were piles of the stuff! My gradebook collected every important paper and soon was about 3 inches thick all the time. I think I am going to try the Ultimate Planner and binder for reproductibles.
Lora says
Right now, my “masters” are organized under what subject they are in my file cabinets which makes some of those drawers pretty stuffed! I love the idea of using the binders–it will keep everything nice and neat! Thankfully I have enough storage in my classroom to file almost everything away behind closed doors or curtains. I use clear, lidded storage boxes and labels to put things in their place. Thanks for the great ideas!
Raegen says
I love these great ideas!! Keep them coming!
Matt says
Clutter is the enemy!! I tend to keep too much stuff, even stuff I haven’t used in years. This year I really did get rid of a lot of stuff. Then I took things off of shelves and reorganized. It is a lot of work but it is worth it in the long run. And, I am someone who would be glad to hire someone to organize my room! 🙂
All of your ideas listed above a great by the way. I really like the idea of using a “Masters Book.” I will consider using that one. The key is to use what works for you. Good luck everyone!!
Kathleen says
I purchased lots of the 3 drawer Sterlite containers to keep my math manipulatives ready to use. The drawers are plenty large enough to hold the materials for a table of 4-6 students and I spent time putting the manipulatives into zip baggies with enough for 1-2 students per baggie. I have labeled the drawers with the contents so we can locate what we want easily. Having them so accessible is wonderful, so we can pull out what we need very easily. We can pull out whole drawers or just a baggie or two. ‘Lost’ pieces can be tossed into the appropriate drawers very quickly.
Kathleen says
Oops! Meant to include in above message that the drawers are also large enough to hold regular size sheets of paper, so I can dedicate drawers for papers or magazine pages I collect for each unit of study, or for individual practice centers.
Antionette says
Julianne, I love the idea for a binder for each month! That sounds like something I can do for my classroom. I agree that those file cabinets are space takers! I also love the Ultimate Planner idea! Thanks!
Abby says
I love to organize my classroom! I just ordered a new pocket chart from really good stuff this weekend!
Amber J says
I have a Master’s Book (that needs to be reorganzied of course) and it works great. I choose to set mine up by topic, rather than month, so it’s easier to find the sheets I need when pacing guides change and/or we get re-stationed for the military.
Rachel says
I love the binder idea…I think I will do that! Thanks so much! When we move to our new building next year I think filing cabinets will be somewhat extinct, so this is a great plan! 🙂
Taylor says
I am going on my second year of teaching. I tried to start files last year, but they were unorganized by the end of the year,
I like the idea of keeping the 3 ring binder labeled by months!
Catherine says
Our 5th grade team uses weekly work in Math, Science and Grammar. These papers are prepared for us over the summer and the stacks are in our room when we arrive back to start the new year. I took one drawer in my filing cabinet and dedicated it to these “weeklies”. Instead of organizing by subject, I organized by week. I have 36 hanging folders labeled “Week 1”, “Week 2”, etc. The weeklies are also numbered. I place all the materials I need for the week in the hanging folder. On Mondays, all I have to do is pull them out! Extras go back in the folder for next year.
Abby says
I also wanted to share pictures of my classroom set up!
These were published on the NEA website last summer.
There are also other teachers who have shared their rooms.
http://www.nea.org/home/17573.htm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=nea_today_express&utm_campaign=2009070722ver1organizeyourclassroomforbetterlearning&utm_content=classroomsetup
Steph says
I use a filing cabinet, 1 drawer for each subject. “Reading” in one drawer, “Science” in another, etc. I then label folderes inside the drawers according to topic, such as “Readers Theater” or “Fairy Tales.” It is a start to organization for me! I also like tubs and LABELS! I label everything from tubs with supplies to shelves in my cabinets. Each shelf has a label so when I put away “Art supplies” or “Read Aloud Books” they each have their own home!
Heather says
I love organizing things! Well let me rephrase that I didn’t until I began teaching. I always say I have adult onset OCD! We have a great Dollar Store near us that always has the neatest baskets and bins. I organize things like glue, crayons, markers, colored pencils in those. I also use one basket for each subject area for the kids to hand in signed tests or quizzes. When I call for a collection of homework they are able to find the correct basket quickly and place their homework in there. Organizing your classroom saves you so much time and effort in the long run. The only catch is if you’re like me and overly organized you often can’t find what you’re looking for. I also use the cheapy cheap tupperware containers for game pieces and manipulatives. Organization is key!
Laura says
I use hanging files for all of my untis, and my room is loaded with storage units. It makes life easier when the room is organized.
Cindy Berenter says
I love the idea of a big binder for organizing papers. Binders and sheet protectors have become my best friends over the years! I also use the binders for homework. I do a weekly homework packet (I teach 2nd but did it in 3rd and 4th, too) and keep the papers I would use for each unit in sheet protectors in the binders. I labelled the binders and kept the most current ones (broken down by units; usually about 5 units per binder for reading and 3-5 for math) in an organizational tote on my desk. Then, when I was ready to make copies for classwork or homework, I just grabbed binders and paper, saving me lots of searching time!
Andria says
I teach 6th grade math. I print a copy of my weekly lesson plans and put a copy of each activity behind it. My inclusion teacher appreciates this too as she can look in the binder for ideas. I also label a drawer in my filing cabinet for on-level math and a drawer for accelerated math.
Sarah says
File folders are becoming my best friend 🙂 I use the file folder bins for center activities..to help keep everything organized…I actually removed my desk from my room because it became a space for clutter and I have redesigned my room for my students…I used bins and lots of labels…I also make my students take ownership of their own organization as well 🙂 Lots of fun…it can make all the difference when you are in a rush though 🙂
Kristen says
This year before school was out, I pulled out all of my math and language arts games from the cabinets. There were games in there from the early 90’s. I just moved into the classroom 2 years ago. I put everything back that I had used the last two years and put everything else in a tub for new teachers to go through to see if they can use any of it.
Kyla Turley says
This I could actually put to use I am not the best at organization, but Really Good Stuff has certainly made a difference for me. You provide the ideas and then materials to implement organization skills. I really do love you all at Really Good Stuff. Especially marketing people behind the scenes that come up with these wonderful products. You are the greatest for me!!!!!Thanks!
Jody says
I use a lot of plastic tubs to group manipulatives and school supplies. It makes transition time and clean up time go much faster.
Kyla Turley says
I will try to implement the Masters Book this year. I need to clean out my overflowing file cabinet but it will be at the end of July before I have time to get into my classroom. So much to do so lottle time.
CAROLYN BOLES says
I use similiar items to help organize. I have a folder for each school month also folders for each letter of the alphabet and special holidays or units of study. Now with the internet I know many young teachers use it but often when they need something on a subject they come to me because of my folders! I love to share and have more than can be used.
Karla says
I love the idea of the ultimate planner. In my Special Education room we use the stackable bins with labels for numerous things!!! Great ideas!!
Heather Burke says
I scan most of the “worksheets” that I like and save them as a pdf on my portable hard drive. This summer I plan on taking my favorite “teacher books” and doing the same with them. This way, I get rid of the bulky books around my classroom and have A LOT more storage. My filing cabinet holds notebooks I’ve received from professional development and my student portfolios instead of the usual teacher copies because everything I need has been saved to my portable hard drive! (I’d LOVE to get rid of my filing cabinet, but it is assigned to my classroom and has to stay!)
At the beginning of the year, I collect all student supplies and put them into different colored rubbermaid containers. These containers go above my cabinets and add a bit of color to the room. I would MUCH rather look at the containers than a bunch of boxes of crayons and tissues!
In my teacher closet, I have clear containers that are labeled on the outside. I like having the clear containers because it is easier to see exactly what is inside. The other favorite thing I have in my closet is a shoe organizer that I hang from the back of the closet door. It holds bulletin board die cuts, craft supplies, and more!
Lesley says
I had a Masters Book for math until they changed math series. I haven’t been able to start a new one for this series yet. I plan on starting a Masters Book for reading as well as work on one for math. It is easier for me to organize by subject rather than by month. I also use daily folders for keeping my worksheets. I fill them every Friday so that I am ready come Monday morning. Plus, I was pregnant this past year and having the daily folders filled was a must in case they needed to get a sub for me.
Melissa Fail says
Organizing has always been a problem even with the old amount of 20 students…but now with 31 in a room, I am even more cramped…so what is a teacher to do? Organize! Instead of using the cubbies for backpacks, we needed them for daily supplies and indivdual personal space for backpacks? Well those were hung on new hooks on the cabinets in the back of the room…a wasted wall of doors is now a new storage area for backpacks.
Shelly says
Our district uses the Treasures reading series. To elminate the vocabulary, retelling card, and phonics card storage boxes; I labeled a file folder with the name of the story for the week and put all of the needed materials in this folder. I also store a copy of the weekly test and a master copy of the worksheets here.
I am planning on incorporating “The Daily 5” this year. To store all of my word work materials, I have purchased a seven drawer craft storage container. Each draw comes out of the container and is like a suitcase that the students to take to the work area.
Jeannette Erickson says
I love to organize. I do it every summer, it’s during the school year that I fall apart! I use a master planner and that works well, but the hardest part for me is organizing the copies–stacks pile up everywhere. I think I will try the master copy binder this year. I am luck this year that I am changing grade levels–I can start from scratch. I’m crossing my fingers!
Catherine says
My biggest challenge is organizing bulletin board materials. They’re bulky and won’t fit in file cabinets. Plus, I’m in a POD without any built in storage. Any ideas?
Amy says
PAPER: I have been moving classrooms/schools for the last 3 years and found out that my heaviest boxes were my file boxes (I think I had at least 5). I took on a project this year that I am hoping will pay off in the end: I scanned in all my documents. Yep, all five folder boxes worth. It took me the better part of spring break but now everything is on my flash drive, organized into folders. For example I have a folder named Math and within that folder there are folders named ‘counting’ ‘measuremenet’ ‘fractions’, etc.
SUPPLIES: I use the clear shoeboxes (you can buy them at WalMart or Target) and keep the lids. During the year the lids stay off so the kids know where the glue bottles go back to, scissors, pencils, etc. At the end of the year I put the lids on and tada! Done! Into the closet they go. This year, since alot of the glue bottles were empty and pencils were too small to be sharpened again I put them all into one shoebox and kept the others for something else.
Christine Hagerman-Holm says
Love these ideas. I am definitly one that is organizationally challenged. My principal gets on my daily about the office and my room. My goal this year is to keep my room and office area clean…and organized! Wish me luck!
sherrie weerheim says
I am going to print this article out because every year it’s my goal to be organized. I got more organized a couple of years ago with my lesson plans. Instead of using a lesson plan book, I keep it on my computer so that way, I just refer back to it. I love the bins, but my classroom is short on where to put those bins. I have a large filing cabinet that I will start to go through soon…while keeping this article on hand…hopefully I don’t lose it! Thanks so much for the article!
Erika says
I have struggled every year for 14 years!! The only thing that helps me at the moment is to make sure my desk is cleaned off and I have the next day’s work and lessons ready to go. I also have a plastic drawer set with 6 drawers. These are my turn in drawers for the students. Each drawer has a designated period.
Melissa says
I really needed these tips. I was told by administration that my room needed organizing. The masters book sounds like a great idea. I was one who always had papers sitting around. It’s a good idea to keep manipulatives in boxes, but the boxes can cost a lot.
Charla says
I have attempted to stay organized, but tend to just throw everything into a monthly tub. Each year I have to go through it all again. The binder idea sounds fabulous!
Jennifer Berdion says
The master binder is a great idea. I use a filing cabinet but that can get too full and messy too! Thanks for all the great ideas, I can’t wait to get more organized.
Barb J says
I am a super organized person! I LOVE the idea of using binders to stay organized, but keep things organized in a slightly different way than mentioned here. I keep a binder for each subject (decoding, writing, reading comprehension, math), and then have tabs within that for different concepts. When I need something, I know exactly where it is. I also love the tip to use containers to hold extra manipulatives and supplies. That’s such a great idea!!
Jennifer says
I love the master planner! I’m pretty organized compared to other teachers at my school, but I feel like I really need to improve more. I would love to organize my drawers where I just throw in the stickers, post its, staples, pencils…who knows what else is in there!
Penny says
I keep most things in files on my computer now which helps with clutter. Lots and lots of baskets in the room for everything! Love reading the suggestions, Keep them coming!
Erika McClure says
In Reference to the Master Book, I began this last year, and it worked wonderfully. I filed one copy away, and I placed the extras in a special basket that the students could take work from if they were done with their work early. The students loved to take work from the “extra work” basket to complete. Some students even asked to take some of the extra work home. If they brought it back completed, I would give them a little treat. I stayed organized, and the students got extra practice. I feel way more prepared for next year!
Tracey Ray says
Really Good Stuff has so many good ideas for orgainizing teacher stuff. I plan to use some of the tubs they offer under a table by by Smartboard, so that I have those certain things easy at hand…
Cathy M says
I have a file folder for each month of the school year. I save all the copy masters I will need for the month in that folder. Last school year I broke it down by weeks, and saved each copy in a weekly folder- still bundled inside the monthly folders, so that next year I can grab the weekly folder, make my copies, and be ready to roll in one swoop.
Jen says
Love the ultimate planner idea! I have co- taught with the most amazing and organized teacher for the last 2 years. Unfortunately I couldn’t get her to rub off on me. I also rely on my organized kiddos. Before I left on maternity leave we started an assessment binder that housed all of the teacher made assessments as well as worksheets we use to assess certain skills because rash year we scramble to find appropriate assessments.
Kathy says
All great comments! I agree with so many veteran teachers…if you haven’t used it all year, chuck it! I was always one to say “oh, I may use that later”…later never came b/c I found something better to use instead! Our 1st grade team will be implementing the Daily 5 and organization is key! I have been working everyday on jotting down ideas and items to get. I hope we can share pics of our classrooms soon!
Glo says
Ultimate planner is a teacher’s lifesaver! I keep my plans in
here,student info, district calendar, and grade level objs; also keep monthly calendars
that I print out with holidays or special school days.I take it to all my meetings.
Sofia Dirkswager says
As a third year teacher now I have been changed from one grade, then back again (k to 1 and 1 to k) this year I have not been told exactly what grade I will be teaching. It makes it difficult to plan let alone organize..All these ideas are very helpful…thanks from us newbees
Jennifer Bond says
I made an ultimate planner last year and LOVE it! Everything I need is organized and at my fingertips. I also have various Sterilite storage bins and drawers in my room. A tip I learned from Debbie Diller at the Primary Conference last year – Keep 1 master copy of each paper and mark it with a yellow highlighter. Recycle the rest. The yellow doesn’t show through when copied and you know which one is the original! GENIUS! I went through ALL of my files before school ended and recycled TONS of extra papers. Here is a link to my classroom if anyone wants to see how I organize everything. Click on the Classroom Tour links to see photos: http://teacherweb.com/MO/MillsElementary/MrsBondsFantasticFirstGraders/index.html
Cara says
The file box is a great way to organize your teaching supplies. Unfortunately, I don’t purge items from my boxes like I should. Remember, you don’t have to keep everything!
Rebekah says
I am color coding the subjects that i teach. All my masters for each subject will go in a binder in a color for that subject (red-reading, yellow-social studies, etc.) That way it will be easier for me to grab the right binder. The students will also have folders for each subject, so they can organize their work as well. Then, I will collect the folders when I am collecting their work for that subject. Easy to see who is missing work, and in what subject. Also, this way no student should have papers just floating around in their desk!
janine says
Love the ideas. I have taught for several years, however, the ideas in the article will help me become more organized and efficient. Love the masters book idea.
Karen says
I am one of those teachers who is always trying to get organized. I am going to try the copy binder with the months. I think that if I can get it started over the summer, it will make my life a lot easier. Let’s see how organized I’ll be this year. Here’s hoping!
Linda says
Over the past 28 years, I’ve changed organization more than once. However, a few things have stayed the same. One way to mark an original is to clip a small triangle on the top corner. Then if it accidentally gets with the student copies, it’s easy to catch…students know to look for this. I have lots of pocket folder ‘games’ that have a follow up worksheet…used in our flex group centers. I either laminate the original or put it in a sheet protector and leave it in the folder with the student copies. My second graders are sure to let me know if they use the last copy. It’s great since I don’t have to look through a notebook to find the particular worksheet that goes with that skill game.
I have Ultimate Notebook (my term) for each of the subjects that I teach. Couldn’t live without it. Since we have 9 Reading Units and about that many math units, as well as Science, SST, Health, I have a planner for each unit on my shelves. (We are so lucky to have a LARGE storeroom with about 8 feet of floor to ceiling shelves for each of the 1st and 2nd grade teachers in our new building.) I keep the lesson plans, differentiation for flex groups and accompanying worksheets all together as well as vocabulary cards, tests, etc. in a 2″ notebooks labeled on the spine. I use sheet protectors to hold cards etc. Also, in the front I have an ‘idea’ pocket so that if I find things I THINK I might like to use with a unit, I slip it into the pocket until I am ready to teach the unit…toss it if not used with the unit.
My games are all filed neatly in labeled skill folders at the beginning of the year, but my biggest organizational fault is getting them put away when I get the next set of skill games out. It makes the end of the school year…and summer a busy time filing games. One way I dealt with that, somewhat, this past year, was to have two of my center boxes labeled ‘New Skill’ and ‘Review Skill.’ I actually got SOME of the put away…will do better this year.
I’ve just discovered this site and in spite of being old enough to retire, I love reading all of these ideas and look forward to using many of them into my room.
Now, if only I could get that desk organized!
cara says
Yes, I need help organizing my teaching supplies. I am finding with so many resources online, I am not using referencing my files.
Pam says
I have started a large binder as my ‘Center of Operations.’ I am also going to try monthly binders for all the original copies with tab dividers for each subject. It is hard to stay on top of all the paper and computer files, but I keep working at it! Thanks for the ideas.
Kelly says
What about saving files to a cd? That to me is the perfect way to decrease the amount of clutter in the classroom-which is too much-and also to organize at the same time!
Amy B says
I keep binders for each topic…I teach grades 6-8 in math and science, so I have a LOT of materials. And given that I teach special education and try to tailor the work to individual students, I often have multiple versions of the same paper. By keeping the binders to overall topics and units helps me be a bit more organized. I take out the binder I need and then put it back when done. Also, they’re tabbed with sub topics inside.
Lori A says
I like the idea of a Masters Book. I do something similar for my reading but never really thought to do it for math. Thanks.
Sarah C says
I like using a Master Book. You can have one binder for the months and keep seasonal activites behind the corresponding dividers in that binder. Then, you can have other binders – one for each subject. In these binders, you can organize your papers by state standard and keep all your information easy to find and easy to use!
schelly says
Love the ideas! I use a flexible file folder that has 6 to 8 sections. I have one for each month. I teach preschool and put everything I need for a week’s theme in one or two of the pockets. I have found that I need to keep only a master copy because the folders are overflowing!!!! I like the idea of scanning them too. I am going to be teaching 1st grade next year and love the ideas on organizing my new room and my paperwork!!!
Meaghan says
I find that I always come across lesson plans and activities for students when I am looking for other things.
One of the things that I find most useful is having PDF Creator installed on my computer… whenever I come across lesson plan ideas, articles or teaching activities that I want to save, instead of printing it out as a hard copy and putting it on my desk, I use PDF creator to print it to PDF.
I then file the article by subject and unit so that when I am planning or looking for resources, I look in my files first.
Whitney says
I love the idea of using a binder for my reproducible copies! As a future teacher, all ideas to help me stay organized are welcome and appreciated! There are many teachers at the school I student taught at that are retiring, and I plan on going to load up in their “classroom sale” if I get a job! Thanks!
Kris says
Just finished jotting notes from this blog and its comments in my Idea Notebook. Never too early to start getting ready and organized for next year! Now time to start shopping for more binders, tabs & sheet protectors, and plastic storage drawers!
Kristin says
I am a 4th year teacher of special education and organization in one of my downfalls. I can keep the students organized, but when it comes to my plans, dates and notes I have such a problem. I love the binder idea and how everything is together. It makes such great sense.
Kayla T. says
Color Code Everything!
For the past 5 years, red has been grammar/writing, yellow has been spelling/word work, green has been science, purple has been social studies, blue has been math, and white/black has been reading.
The students know it, and I know it, and it works 🙂
Janet Hughes says
They say that most teachers with a creative mind are not the best organizers of things. I will have to say that this is true of me. I tried the binder system. Last summer I took every copy that I used and put it in a binder for math, social studies, science, health, english/reading. It looked great and when I needed something for the school year it was great – all I had to do was go to the binder and find it. Here was my problem. To move along quickly through my day I placed the copy in a pile to put away. Did I ever have time to put it away? Rarely because there is so much to do!!!! So by the end of the year I had piles of papers to put back into binders. So I’m going back to the file cabinet system. Go to the file cabinet, open it find the file, and drop it in!What’s your input?
Crystal F. says
These are great ideas. Now that it is August I am getting back into my classroom and will be using some these ideas.
Angela Martin says
I teach 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Science as well as 3rd grade Math and Reading. I have to stay organized or I will be lost and my students will lose out. I have organized all of my science and math materials into plastic containers I purchased from the Dollar Tree and Wal-Mart. I place all of my important papers that will be passed out to the students in binders with labels. I label everything in my room and on my jump drive. I place all of my lesson plans, newsletters and homework sheets onto my jump drive. Any papers that I pass out to parents and students I keep a copy on my jump drive. Labels are the most important. This summer I went to school and spent time getting rid of items that I no longer use and that no longer meet VA Standards. It took just a few hours, but it will help me loads this year. I have purchased the 27 wooden drawer mailboxes from Really Good Stuff. I keep all papers copied and ready to be passed out to students in them. I also keep blank paper for the goods there. I place our typing paper there, too. It helps to be organized because it saves time and allows me to focus on teaching.
Angela Martin says
I also keep a file folder on my desk with papers that need to be copied. The label on the folder is simple, “copy folder.” This way I know what needs to be copied and I place it in the folder. Items that are larger that need to be copied like books I place with the folder. So when my planning time is open I go make my copies and then I have time to grade papers, work on lesson plans, and meet with anyone I have planned.
Angela Martin says
I have three plastic drawers I keep by my desk. I have each drawer labeled so I can easily reach and grab what materials I need. I have my dry-erase markers, staplers, post-its, tape, and rewards for students. I also got a treasure box from Scholastic using my bonus points and will use it to hold rewards students may earn. If you don’t have a Scholastic Book Order account—get one. Your students and yourself buy books and then you earn bonus points. I got a new library carpet from there. I have also gotten items for student prizes, for the classroom and games for literacy centers. The bonus points add up as the book orders are placed.
Breanne Simons says
I love the idea of a masters book. Right now I have masters all filed with my regular files and samples. It is my first year teaching and since I inherited a lot of files from a retiring teacher, I am still sorting through what I will use and what I will not. Having a masters book would definitely help to keep my originals organized!