Preparing a simple system for student papers makes your room look way more organized immediately. Just imagine the thought of a room without corners of lined paper sticking out from desktops or the fringe from spiral notebooks lying on your classroom floor. It truly makes a difference in the your classroom to stay on top of student work organization.
Creating a Paper System That Works
I have a three-step solution for handling this in my classroom. First, I begin the year by purchasing several class sets of plain two pocket folders in various colors. Office supply stores that sell them for a penny or nickel each during the back to school sales are the best times to purchase way more than you think you’ll need (in case of student move-ins and move-outs). I label each colored folder with a different subject and the child’s name using mailing labels. These folders are then used during class for unfinished work and assignments only. If it is time for reading, and I ask students to get out their red reading folder to complete the center work from the day before, I will know very quickly if a student is not following directions or is looking in the wrong place for the work just from viewing the color of the folder they retrieve.
Second, when student work is completed, students place it into a flat basket (wire or plastic works great) that is labeled “IN.” An index card with two hole punches near the top corners and o-rings as attachments to the basket works perfectly. All student work is turned into this basket in my room, from homework to tests. It stays there until I am ready to grade it, that way I know it is all in a central location. Usually I grab it one evening and take it all home to sort through and grade while watching a favorite TV program.
Lastly, after I do grade the work or check it over, I place the work into another basket of the same type, but this one is marked with an “OUT.” My classroom mail helpers pass back the returned papers from this basket in the morning to the appropriate student mailboxes, which are not emptied until the end of the day. Before dismissal, students go to their mailboxes, get out their plastic two-pocket folder homework folder, that contains labels on the inside pockets marked “Bring Back to School” and “Leave Home,” and place in the correct side of the folder. This is the only folder that parents will expect to see in the child’s backpack. This way, my subject folders stay intact as long as possible, and the homework folder, which is made of a harder plastic, withstands the wear and tear from the school-home round trip route all year.
As you can see, there is not an opportunity for stray papers to get lost in my classroom. Nine times out ten, if a student cannot find work that was started, I just have to go through his or her subject folders and the culprit is usually from placement of the page into the wrong colored folder. This rarely happens, and students almost always get assignments in when asked and into the correct location without me having to collect or return. Not having to worry about misplaced assignments when it is time to grade and having an orderly way to return all work at the same time has also eased the chaos in maintaining student work organization. How do you handle student work hand-in and pass-back procedures in your class?
About the Author
Charity L. Preston is an author, teacher, and parent. Most importantly, she is an educator in all roles. The ability to teach someone something new is a gift that few truly appreciate. Visit her now at The Organized Classroom Blog or at her Facebook fan page. Check it out now!
Casey says
I LOVE this idea. I will have to use something simular next year…but I teach 3 grade levels and have about 30 something kids. How can I make this work for me?
Debbie says
I LOVE this idea. I just graduated and am always looking for ideas for my future classroom. This will definitely help keep my desk clean from stacks of paper and keep the classroom organized. Thanks for a wonderful page with so much useful information.
Charity Preston says
Thanks for the kind words ladies!
@Casey – You can make this work with multi-levels of students. I actually am currently teaching four grade levels. They will all have the same subjects and routine. The work in the folders and turned in will just be different.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Sarah Jones says
Love the idea! Thanks for sharing it with us! I am always looking for ways to keep everything organized! Especially all of the papers! It seems that by the middle of the year im more disorganized! I will be giving this a try!
Chris says
Love the organization tip,especially the fact that the baskets are color-coded.
Schelly says
Great ideas. Always looking for ways to improve:) Love the colored folders.
Kris says
I have used the In/Out system for papers and it works great. I am excited about the color coded folder system idea. Just added folders to my shopping list!
Alexandra says
Love these ideas! I’ve used the colored folders before, but have had the kids keep handouts, papers I want them to keep, etc. in them. I may try keeping just unfinished work in them next year.
@Casey, I teach multiple sections as well. You could have a basket in the room where you keep the folders each day and the kids pick them up as they enter.
Penny says
In my K class we are using the color coded bins for different subjects. My K’s are very successful finding their materials and putting them away. I love not having to be responsible for my students supplies.
Sarah C says
Wow! You are so organized! I love this system! I will have to make sure to buy lots and lots of folders at the beginning of the school year!!
Tracy says
I love using baskets in my classroom as well as my home. I need to be organized and the kids always know where things are located around the room! Keep the baskets coming!
Kelly Dodge says
I love these ideas. Thank you for all your help!
Patti Bohlman says
I love these containers. They will help me get my room organized so much. and keep me on top of paperwork.
Beth says
I LOVE using color-coded baskets and folders to organize the 3 different 4th grade Writing classes I teach – red for one class, blue for one, and green for another. The yellow baskets are for extra writing materials for the day. Besides, working, the colors make me smile =)
Jennifer says
Great idea! And I LOVE BASKETS! I am a little addicted to them!!!
Jillian says
I love the “in” box idea. Right now I end up with a bunch of papers all over my school bag. I already buy a ton of folders in the summer and use them for each subject. Instead of an outbox I have a folder I send home each Friday with all their work from the week. Their parents sign and return it and then I file the papers.
Suzi Cafran says
Just think that the “Author”of this website/blog REALLY ROCKs! Only thing is I wish I had found her when I first started teaching, ha! Am a mentor to a new teacher and love to share with menteee … You have great ideas, that can be put in place for any situation, AWESOME!
Barbara says
This is perfect for my 2 6th grade classes. I them have color coded- blue and yellow group, the red is perfect for late or absent work, and green for paper storage.
Jule Wright says
I love these and as a new 5th grade teacher (after 20 something years in 3rd grade), can see the many uses. Organization has been a challenge this year, but no more!
rachael reustle says
I love these boxes. They are perfect for my classroom! I not longer have papers lyingall over the place.
Lori Archer says
These baskets look great. I am going to add them to my wish list. Also, thanks for the ideas.
Liz says
These baskets would definitely come in handy in helping my organization! Would love to win them!
manjari Kapoor says
Love this color coded basket system
Colleen says
Love the colored basket idea, beats my white ones w/ paper tags that fall off!
Tracy Simoncini says
These baskets look great for organizing classroom stuff.
Amy Maute says
I love these baskets! So many uses for them…….from storing supplies to sorting papers to daily instructional trays!
Rachael Ward Allex says
As a first year teacher I’m ALWAYS looking for new ways to get organized! Thanks for the idea!
Denise Veillon says
Love organizing by color whether it’s baskets, files, folders…
Shauna says
I love your ideas! I have watched the videos numerous times. I consider myself fairly organized but there is always room for improvement. The baskets would be a wonderful addition to get the ball rolling on that improvement 🙂
Tiffany C says
I love this idea! Being a special education teacher I have mailboxes with unfinished work, pencils/erasers, etc. as soon as you walk in. Above that is my “in” box of completed work and a container of students’ plastic folders. (Red for 4th grade and green for 5th grade, purple for assessment folders). I put students individual goal practice in their red folders as well as practice for objectives for that grade level. All assessments and login information for websites are in the purple folder. This has helped a lot with my organization of the students’ daily needs. Behind my desk I have a file folder hanger with files with students initials on them. As students complete their work and it is graded I just file into those pockets. Then come an IEP meeting I just have to grab their work folder, walk to the door grab the green and purple folders and I have everything that shows that child’s progress throughout the year.
Melissa Termine says
Wow! What a great idea. My mind is working on how to adapt to kindergarten and our curriculum….hmmmm….wheels are turning!
Caitlin Orsborne says
I love this idea. I am always looking for more ways to organize my classroom!!! Any new suggestions (or even old ones) are always welcome.
Dana S says
Anything that can help me organize is welcome. Because of the great products from Really Good Stuff, I am already planning on color coding for next year. These baskets would make a great addition to my new system. Thanks!
Cheryl Barrios says
Students and their turned in/not turned in work is a nightmare for me. I have tried everything. I love the folder idea. I do stock up on the folders every year, but never thought to do the folders in the manner she described. Fantastic idea – Mailing labels are sitting next to me and since I have so many available at school right now I’m going to print up the labels and label the folders tomorrow for this fall. That way, I’m cleaning out and preparing at the same time! Thanks tons!!!!!!
Miss T says
Sounds like great ideas. Would love to win those baskets!
Miss Kindergarten says
Great idea!! Thanks! 🙂
Jessi says
I love this idea! Can’t wait to try it in my new classroom next year! 🙂
Holly says
What great ideas! Thanks for sharing.
Martha P. says
Great idea…thanks for sharing. Great for organization!
Sabrina says
Great tips! I love the suggestion of using an index card and o-rings as labels for the baskets—it’s always great to use supplies I already have in the classroom instead of buying new things. 🙂 I also like the idea of labeling the two pockets of the homework folder so there is no confusion or miscommunication once the papers go home.
Charme' McCabe says
Love your ideas! I could really use these baskets to help get my room organized.
Janelle says
Thank you for the suggestion. Papers can get out of control in the classroom and stray papers drive me crazy. I like the color coding method as well. I have a mailbox system in my classroom for students to take papers home, including homework. I think I will try this strategy as well.
Schelly says
Love all of the ideas!!! I’m going from preschool to 1st grade next year and plan on using lots of your great tips.
Tara says
I love this idea! It is a simple way of keeping track of all the papers!
Jill says
The colored folders system sounds like a GREAT idea! I just wrote out my class’s school supply list for next year and I asked for them to send a red and green folder (one for stay-at-school work and one for homework), but this sounds even better! I’ll file it away for the future. Thanks!
Elayne says
Great idea. Oversized baskets are really helpful!
Valerie Fawley says
The colored baskets would be great for separating my copies for my color-named math groups too!
LeeAnn says
Great idea! I may integrate it in to my system. I use wire baskets with labels for individual subjects. Then the students put the graded papers in their Green Folders that go home and come back to school each day. The folder is labeled with notes/homework in front pocket, take home in back pocket, and in the middle I have my discipline calendar so that parents can see how each day went. Maybe next year I will do a Red Folder to put unfinished work in, because I do have a problem with missing papers sometimes.
Kelly says
I love the baskets! The idea of having colors for different things is awesome!
Rhea says
This is a simply great solution for all the papers that seem to be flying aroundmy classroom AND it teaches the student how to be organized.
Sarina says
I love this idea…seems like it is a very good way to keep organized! 🙂
Beth J. says
I love this idea! I currently have students use pocket folders (and I buy a ton of them at the beginning of the school year when they’re so cheap) but I haven’t been using a color-coded system. I’m definitely going to do that for the next school year! I’m so glad I found this site by reading theorganizedclassroom blog! Thanks for the great ideas.
Diane says
Love the baskets. They are just what I need to go with my four color coded tables to put their daily small group activities in.
Kyle Smith says
I just graduated and thank you for the great tip. I can’t wait to try this in my classroom. Very helpful for us first year teachers. Looking forward to more tips.
Elyse Doerflinger says
This is such a great tip. I’m studying to become an elementary school teacher so I’m in the process of gathering as many tips as I can.
Tami says
Great system!! I’ve been an aide this year in the room that I will take over next year, and organization was a HUGE problem. This system will help me to stay organized from the beginning…hope to win the baskets!! 🙂
Kriste Trelz says
Awesome idea as always!! I hope I am the winner of these baskets! Lord knows I could use a little organization next school year! 🙂
Christina miller says
Love the tip! Thanks
Michelle Francis says
I’m always looking at these trays knowing I could do so much with them, no you’re giving me that last push to actually order some (or win some) this year.
Jennifer Knopf says
Great ideas! I just finished my second year of teaching kindergarten and I really need to stay on top of paperwork better! Thanks for the ideas!
Tammy Jacob says
Thank you so much for the folder idea. I have one central basket right now for finished work and as middle school teacher with 4 different homerooms coming in, I am always wasting time sorting papers. They could do the same thing at the start and end of class. One person passes out folders and they drop them in their basket at the end of class. 4 different colors is simple and I could have a basket labeled IN separately for completed folders. This is how the year will start next year.
Sarah Jones says
I’m always looking for ways to keep everything organized in my room! This is a great way to be able to keep the students papers and folders and homework organized!
jenn D says
Looks like a great tool to instill a great organized system in the classroom or even at home!
Barb Bredlow says
I like this idea. I use a file storage container that has a hanging file folder for each student (in alphabetical order). I pull the folders in reverse order and sort into piles for specific assignments. When I am ready to grade them, they are in alphabetical order. This makes it so easy for posting grades in my grade book.
I have also made an assignment check-in sheet. The sheet is set up in a table format with the student names on the left and columns for each assignment. As I get ready to grade the assignment I put a check mark in the appropriate column. It is a great visual for the next morning when I am collecting the rest of the work, and it has also been great for documentation of homework concerns.
Dickye Reece says
Using color coded folders is so helpful, because you know which one it is at a glance. Every second is so precious in the classroom, isn’t it?!
Stefanie says
Would love to have these baskets! I would use them with my reading groups.
'becca says
I have four sections and each uses a different color – so easy to do with the color coded baskets!
Glynnis says
Love the idea of the colored folders. I can see that working (with practice) in any grade level! Thanks.
Angela W. says
I love this idea! I had several students who really struggled with organization this year and this would be a great way to help them stay organized and not lose so many papers!
Jessica Peck says
I love this organizational tip! I love all of your ideas though 🙂
Casey says
I would LOVE to have these in my classroom!!! What a great idea!!
Elizabeth says
Anything to make me more organized gets kudos!! Love the color coding and the fact that the baskets are oversized….:)
Jessica says
What a great idea!! I would love to share this tip with other teachers in my building.
Jana says
I really really like this idea! I have used the heavy plastic folder for all of their work. It gets too full of assignments and students are always sorting through it to find what they need. Thanks for the idea!
annie light says
Great idea! Organizing student work is definetly something I need to work on!
Rosie says
I can’t wait to implement this system next year in my classroom! I will be teaching math only to all the 4th graders in my building.
Diana says
To Casey originally 4/25: I have used colored folders for each subject for years and it is great. This year, with my 2/3 split, I had everything for the 2nds in yellow, and everything for the 3rds in red. This goes from homework sheets, collection folders, posted word wall and spelling words, to helpers, etc. It helps the kids, but it helps me most, I think.
Wendy says
Would LOVE to have these in my classroom!! I know I could use them in multiple ways!! Thank you!!!
Jessica says
Such a cool idea! And super organized!
Suzy Leopold says
As always, fantastic useful, and practical ideas.
Rachel says
I love this idea.
Rachel says
What a great idea – I could totally use this!
Erin Holt says
I am hoping to be organized next year! This article really helps! Thank you!
Sherry says
This Author Rocks~~ Love these Organization Ideas! Thank You for Sharing.. we can all benefit from this 🙂
Peggy says
I’ve been teaching 37 years and have used this method for my 1st graders to my 6th graders. This works really well and is easy for the children to follow.
Lisa (The Lesson Guide) says
Color coding not only works for primary grades – but works for Middle and High School classes too!! Students are quick to recognize if their work was turned into the correct bin and helps teachers stay organized too.
Kristen Bowers (aka Secondary Solutions) says
Love this idea, Charity! So practical and something that can be used even in high school classrooms! Thanks for sharing. I will certainly be sharing this idea.