Teacher and Classroom Organizing Tips
By Kelly Galvin, Organized in Paradise

1. Plastic Tubs or Cardboard File Boxes (These are sometimes referred to as ‘bankers' boxes.)

   • Label a tub/box for each unit or project. Then store items for that unit in the box. Examples are assignments and directions, special books, supplies, etc..
   • Label a tub/box for each month. Then store items for that month in the box. Examples are calendar materials, special books for that month, holiday projects, and samples of art projects.
     
     
2. Organizing the Teacher’s desk
   
   
   • Always try to clean your desktop before you go home. Once you make a habit of it, it will become second nature--or so I've heard. I'm still working on this one.
   • Be selective about what you keep on your desk. If you don't use it at least three days of the week, store it somewhere else.
   • Put a table or bookshelf near your desk and use it to store items that you need on a regular basis. Make sure it is for teacher's use only.
   • Use stacking trays or upright organizers (whichever you prefer) to hold important papers, teacher's editions, etc.. Use each tray/compartment for different types of information. For example, one tray can be for extra copies of blank forms, while another can be for extra copies of recent assignments. You can find the trays/organizers at Simply Organized!
   • Store rarely used equipment out of the way. I arranged for media equipment, which I don't use on a daily basis, to be stored elsewhere. I did keep one student desk, which I made into a permanent listening center by removing the legs so that it sat only six inches above the ground. The cassette player sat on top of the desk and the headphones were stored in the desk. 
   • Keep supplies within easy reach. Easily accessible materials and supplies can eliminate delays, disruptions, and confusion as students prepare for activities. In poorly arranged classrooms, students spend a lot of time waiting — waiting in line, waiting for help, waiting to begin. To eliminate some waiting, store frequently used items such as scissors and paste in several different areas.
     
     
3. Color Code
   
   
   • Color paper or labels can be used for all materials of each subject. 
   • Use the same colors for the files or labels in your filing system.
   • Use colored electrical tape for resource books for teachers and students. Students will find it easier to return the books to the right place in your room. You will find it easier to find what you are looking for when you need it. Put the tape on the binding so it shows easily. If you need to code the books further, you can write a large letter on the spine. For example, if science is orange, an astronomy book would be orange with a large A on the spine.