Getting your classroom organized is all about creating organizational systems that work for you and your students. Classroom organization starts with making sure everything has its place and finding the tools to keep your classroom organized. Here are some tips to start creating organization systems that work!
Categorize Items
First, start by grouping like items together to make categories within the classroom. For example, all the blocks, math tiles, and manipulatives each go have their own separate box, pouch, or bin. They would go in a similar area because of their category for math use. Each “type” of item will have its own home.
Classroom Categories
Here are some categories and items you may have in your classroom:
- Writing Utensils: colored pencils, pencils, pens
- Math Items: blocks, math tiles, manipulatives, ten frames, counting items
- Paper: graph paper, lined paper, scratch paper
- Art Supplies: construction paper, maker materials, glue, markers, paint, crayons, pipe cleaners
Come up with your own categories that fit for your classroom.
Get Labeling
No matter what categories you choose, label everything! You’ll find ready-made labels in the shop for all your organization needs.
Maximize Space
Get rid of packaging by utilizing pouches, bins, and bags. Put puzzles in a zipped pouch with a label and image of the puzzle to get rid of the bulky boxes. Put like colors of markers into baggies or ziploc bags to save space and make sure everyone has the colors they needs.
See Your Items Clearly
Rather than boxing up items, make sure you can see everything easily with clear bins, containers, and bags. When you throw everything in a large opaque box, it’s hard to know what’s there. Things can go forgotten, and items get mixed up.
My Top Classroom Organization Must-Haves
There are a few items that I consider must-haves for an organized classroom, especially for elementary learners. :)
Rolly Cart
I can’t say enough about using an art cart for all your art supplies. Not only does the rainbow view look amazing (#roygbivforlife, it also makes it easy to keep track of the supplies, use in stations, and keep things cleaned up!
Clear Plastic Tubs
Using clear plastic tubs of ALL sizes will help keep all your categorized items well-displayed and organized. Put the bins on display on bookcases and in cabinets, and even use them in desk drawers for your personal classroom organization materials.
Bookcases and Bins
Use large plastic bins to keep items organized on your bookshelves, whether they’re ones you buy on your own or have in your classroom.
Use the bookcases and bins for notebooks, leveled readers, and other student reading material. Lacking bookcases? Floating bookshelves are another great way to keep your books organized!
Clear Zipper Pouches
Remember, you want to see your materials so nothing gets overlooked or gets mixed together! Clear zipper pouches are the simple solution to make sure you keep everything organized!
Clear Folio Bin
Use a clear folio bin to store units in binders or notebooks. This is a perfect way to have sub plans ready to go and all the units for the upcoming year. Keeping your classroom organized is so much easier when you have units ready at your disposal!
Ready to start creating classroom organization systems that work? Use these tips and enroll in the Classroom Organization Academy to make sure your classroom is organized all year long!
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