Classroom Organization 101

Teachers, this post is for YOU! In most areas school has been in session for about a month now, so you’re probably just getting settled into the new school year. You’ve had some time to get to know your students, and learn what works for them (and what doesn’t). However, as your fellow educators know, the first month of school can be HECTIC! To help you out, we called upon a few of our favorite teacher content creators to share their best tips for keeping their classrooms organized and running smoothly. So if your classroom is starting to feel a little chaotic, don’t stress! Here are 4 tips to help you get back on track!

1. Find something to organize your weekly copies and label them (@shaynavohstpt)

Organizing and labeling your weekly copies will keep your desk from having papers scattered all over the place, and you’ll be more likely to prep papers ahead of time if you have a place to put them. Rolling carts with drawers work great for this!

Pro tip: You can also use rolling carts to organize your supplies such as pencils, calculators, and rulers!

2. Get some file crates (@lonestarclassroom)

File crates have so many uses, and they take up way less room than those huge cardboard mailboxes!

Pro tips:

• Create a crate full of activities for early finishers (you can organize these files by subject, so students know which file to grab from).

• Create a crate full of worksheets that students may have missed if they were out sick.

• Create a “check your mail” crate for students to collect any graded work, or anything fun you want to surprise them with!

3. Create a teacher mailbox (@gradesandgrace)

Turn a simple basket into a teacher mailbox, designed for all of those heartfelt drawings, letters, and gifts from students! Kids love putting things in the basket, and it keeps your desk from getting cluttered.

4. Create a lost & found basket (@gradesandgrace)

Every classroom needs a lost & found basket! Anytime ANYTHING is found on the floor, it goes in the basket. Glues tops, pencils, etc. If your students can’t find something, have them check the lost & found first! Having a space where all the odds and ends go really helps to keep the classroom tidy.

If you’re a teacher, what are some organization hacks that have worked for your classroom? Share your tips in the comments below to help out your fellow educators!