Start the School Year with Organization

Starting the year with organization is simple...keeping it that way throughout the year is not. I am generally not a naturally organized person, so setting up some routines and having a place for everything is a MUST if I want to stay organized. Here are some of my favorite tips for organizing a classroom at the start of the year. I am going to share my favorite storage solutions as well.

1. Have a place for everything. 
Whatever you do, find storage solutions for all the things you will use in the classroom. If that means baskets (hello Reggio teachers), bins, file cabinets, whatever you use, place items in something to keep things sorted and ready for students or yourself. Don't have a catch all organization method where all the leftover items you don't know what to do with get dumped. It will not be efficient or effective. A few years ago, I transitioned into this mindset after viewing classroom upon classroom that was so beautifully organized. I realized that it was the storage solutions that made it that way. So, sort your classroom materials. Put items that are the same together in one container. Label everything for easy clean up for your students and teach them how to return items to the appropriate spot. Do not assume that they will just simply do it on their own. Be explicit in your teaching. 

2. Make organization simple for your students.
Again, storing like items in one bin and labeling everything is a great place to start. It sets clear expectations as to where items should be returned after use. I like to also place bins in alphabetical order. This helps students find things quicker than if they are placed in a random order. 

3. Build in time for cleaning.
Students should be responsible for helping to clean the classroom. This is REAL life training, teachers. Students will be less likely to make a mess if you expect that they help in the clean up process...and your janitor will thank you for it! So, schedule some time at the end of every day to do just that. All you really need is to have 15-20 minutes of time. You can have jobs posted that rotate, or use an economy system where students earn classroom money for doing jobs. Or you can simply see what needs to be done and have students pitch in. I love to use this method for helping cleanup go quickly or this method for making sure the floor stays nice and neat.  

4. Clear your desk and teacher table everyday while the students clean up their areas.
Let's face it, starting the year with organization means making yourself keep surfaces clean. Let's face it, papers pile up and that can detract for an organized classroom. Make it a ritual to clear every surface at the end of every day.

5. Make filing papers a priority. 
Now that you have made a pact with yourself to keep the surfaces clean, give attention to each paper that built up throughout the day. If it is something you no longer need, throw it away. If it is something you need, file it or place it neatly in the correct storage spot. If it is a set of papers you need to grade, clip it together and place it in the correct bin or into your teacher bag to take care of at home (if you take work home). 

What are your best tips for starting the school year with organization? Let me know in the comments below.