Organization

 If there was an organizational pageant I would definitely  be crowned queen!  To many I may seem crazy, but organizing is my passion and I thoroughly enjoy it.   A question that I am often asked is how do I store/organize all of my teaching "stuff" that I have accumulated over the years so I thought I would share a few tips with you here.

Debbie Diller has published a book of organizational ideas for your classroom.  It features full-color before and after pictures of classrooms.

My idol and fellow organizational queen, Angela Powell, has also published a book featuring her unique organizational ideas.

Unit/Theme Storage

The picture below shows all of the theme storage tubs in my garage.  Each tub represents a theme; some themes have two tubs.  I store everything from puzzles and manipulatives to story props and books inside the tubs.  This picture shows only some of my boxes, I have another tower of these in another corner of the garage.  I purchased my tubs from Target, they are Sterlite brand, the largest clear tubs that they sell, you can usually find them on sale two or three times a year for only $5 each. 

(click on the picture above to enlarge)

(click on the picture above to enlarge)

This is my desk area, I'm very fortunate to have my own computer and telephone.

File/Paper Storage

I used to store all of my papers in file folders in a file cabinet, however the files were always messy and things were difficult to locate quickly as they were jammed too tightly into the file cabinet.   After changing classrooms three times and carting the files from school to school I decided to re-examine my storage options.    Now I use Clear-View three ring binders to store all of my papers according to theme.  The front and back pockets hold sample projects nicely and when all the binders are lined up on a shelf I have easy access to everything.  I purchased different sized binders according to how much I had to store for each theme; for example my Farm theme is very large so I purchased a two inch binder for that theme, but most of my other themes fit into one inch binders.

Desktop Organizer from Scholastic

This ready-to-personalize, sturdy file box holds 10 file folders with labels designed especially to meet teachers' organizational needs. It's just the place to manage a teacher's seemingly endless stream of forms, notes, reminders, and paperwork. A 32-page companion book is packed with instant forms and logs, plus hundreds of practical tips for getting-and staying-organized. Teaching just got easier!

Desk or Other Organization

I purchased this shoe organizer ten years ago and I have used it to house everything from desk supplies, puppets, Beanies, and more!  If you don't have a teacher's desk a shoe organizer like this is the perfect way to store all of your desk items like scissors, tape, and paper clips.  Currently I store all of my "special" circle time items like my light up magic wands/pointers, storytelling gloves and pieces, song props, and microphones etc in this organizer.

Magnetic Letter Storage

To keep magnetic letters organized and sorted I store them in this plastic nuts and bolts organizer.  Each drawer is labeled with a letter so students know where to find letters and where to put them away.  Creating activities for Letter Work time is a breeze when your letters are organized. 

Classroom Supply Caddies

Student supplies are housed in a supply caddy on every table, each table has a designated color.  There is a cup with crayons and a pencil for each student at the table.  Students share the supplies, the cups are not labeled with student names.  This method cuts down on transition time, students can sit at the table and begin working immediately instead of traveling all over the room collecting supplies.

Stamps

Use ice cube trays to organize and store your ABC stamps.   Write the letter in the bottom of each space with a Sharpie.  The students will then have to match the correct stamps to the correct space whenever they use the stamps, fun and educational at the same time! 

Stickers

Using a binder to organize your stickers will save you oodles of time.  You will need a three ring binder, clear page protectors, a pen or marker, and cardstock.  Place a sheet of cardstock in each page protector; on each piece of cardstock write the name of the sticker type (stars, smileys, sports etc).  The cardstock will help your pages stand up instead of flopping over and spilling the stickers out.  When you need a particular sticker just pick up the binder and turn to the correct page, no more digging and hunting for hours!

You can even organize yourself to and from school!

This cool little cart will help you organize yourself on your way to and from school, I love it!   It's fantastic for teachers who are always taking tons of stuff to and fro.   This crate has a unique storage apron on the outside to organize all your stuff so it doesn't become a bottomless pit!