It is a system I use to keep everything in one place and not in a pile to be dealt with later.  I think the key is probably to handle each paper only once and either toss it, or file it accordingly.  You’ll see a couple of other tips in the video.

Would you prefer to read the transcription of the video instead of watching?

Read below for the transcript:

“I had a question posted to me on the Facebook fan page of The Organized Classroom Blog from a reader who wanted some tips on how to keep the teacher’s desk organized.

And that’s a pretty big one.

I definitely know plenty of teachers that have gotten into their room and there’s a pile after pile after pile after pile. For some teachers, that works great.

I actually student taught under a fantastic mentor teacher who was a pile maker. She had piles everywhere, but she knew exactly what was in each one of those piles. And so there was a method to her madness.

So if that method works for you, great.

If it’s not working for you, well hopefully I can give you a few tips today.

You might want to check out:

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Includes 16 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy DIY Projects for Making Mundane Office Supplies Cute Again
• New Ways to Use Old Supplies
• A Quick Tech Tutorial that Will Save You Money on Classroom Decor
• Unique Ways to Use Binder Rings
• Student Desk Straightening Tips

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

First of all, everything is clear on my desk and then I begin by grabbing a plain empty mug. Any kind of mug will do.

Inside the mug I place all my writing utensils, pencils, pens, and scissors because I’m going to need those regularly.

Sometimes I’ll even put a stapler in there as well and then that mug sits on my desk.

I place rubber bands and paperclips and things that tend to get really messy and kind of lay all over the place into my desk drawer in a small box. They don’t always make it in the right spot, so they go to my desk drawers where no one can see.

That’s the key there. The top of my desk always stays clean.

Don’t look at my drawers – haha! I can always organize those as as needed but they are hidden from sight. If you appear unorganized to parents and administrators and students, then that does not put a good image on you. So make sure your desk area is pretty clear.

Now, the next thing I do is whenever I am doing my lesson plans, I make sure that I have my lesson plans sitting someplace else in the room, even if it’s behind my desk on top of a filing cabinet on top of a student desk.

I organize my materials for my lessons in a large file crate. Ask anybody, and I bet you’ll see these crates everywhere in my room. I make a file for each day of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

On Friday before I leave, I prepare all the materials at least for Monday and Tuesday and I put everything inside of the labeled daily file folders {all the copies and manipulatives needed}, put them right inside the files.

If I have big manipulatives that I’m going to need to get out, I set those right to the side of it as well. Then I put the whole crate on a student desk that’s against the wall Right in front of the crate I will set my lesson plan book opened to the next day’s lessons.

So that way if I’m not there and something comes up over the weekend, or I get sick, or one of my kids get sick, I can send a substitute in there and my plans and materials are ready to go. I’ve had lots of compliments from my substitutes about how organized that is because they don’t have to search for anything.

It’s already there.

Another thing I have on my desk is one of those big huge desk calendars where I would write reminder notes for special things I needed to know (like when benchmarking assessments were due or when I needed to send in the next book orders). It did tend to get to be a bit messy, so I changed up that plan a little.

Instead, I take just a clipboard now. This one is a fancy clipboard actually that someone made for me a long time ago. Obviously it doesn’t even have the right initials on it anymore, but it’s really cool. It’s like a box and then they painted on the front of it.

I like this one in particular because I can open it and I’ve got a place to put a pen and I can put documents in here that go with my calendar.

Then, I go to Microsoft Word templates or Office templates and I print off an entire August through June school year calendar. Or find a cute one online. You can choose the template and print them out – one month on each page. OR keep reading as I made you a blank PDF calendar you can download and write on right now!

I usually paperclip them and put them in a sheet protector.

I write down the things that I already know are on my school calendar first.

This is going to be like my master calendar that I would just be lost completely without.

As things come up throughout the school year, you know you use your master calendar to do all your planning. So as you’re sitting down to do your lesson planning for the week, grab that master calendar and plug in the things that are already listed you might not have remembered.

If new things pop up throughout the week, jot them down on a post it quickly and slide the post it into the sheet protector. No organization needed. You might have a pile of post-its stuck in there by the end of the day.

Then, at least once a week, I take off the sticky notes and I put it on the calendar of whatever month that the note goes into. Easy peasy and toss that note into recycling.

The last thing that I have on my desk as well is so important to me. I use a legal notepad for an ongoing to do list.

I put the title Monday on a page, Tuesday on a page, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and then after that I put “To be done later”. As things come up throughout the week, I can jot those notes into my plans if I want to or I can put here instead. This is more like my daily to do list so that way I know what needs to get done.

If I don’t get everything done at the end of the day I had on my list, I go to the next page and add it to the next day so it’s constantly a running record.

If it’s something that I know I’m just not going to get to that this week, I add it to that “to be done later” list. It’s a constantly rotating list so I always know what’s coming up next.

I think the important thing is whenever you get papers in your mailbox that need attention in the future (say a meeting note or something about an upcoming assembly), add those things to your calendar, add them to your lesson plans, and then get them filed.

I hope that’s helped you a little bit. My readers who have requested this video for keeping the teacher’s desks clean, just attack it as soon as you get it and keep it clean. Don’t leave until it’s done. That’s pretty much how I do it.”

I also mention the “File Organization for Teachers” blog post I did a while back – make sure to head that way when you are done here. 

Need an undated blank calendar download? I’ve got you covered! Download it below.

Click here to email your freebie

Enjoy!

~Charity

The post Teacher Desk Organization appeared first on Organized Classroom.

If your classroom supplies budget is already at a negative balance, you will have to take more of a DIY approach to your decorations as opposed to heading to the nearest home furnishings store to buy your desk accessories.

Sitting at my desk one day, I needed to grab a colored marker as I was getting ready to grade a stack of comprehension tests during my planning period.  I slide open the desk drawer and stuck my hand in only to:

• get stabbed by a pushpin rolling around in it
• get a cough drop stuck to my hand due to it being hot in my room and melting through the wrapper
• then, have a nickel also stuck to man from the ooze of said cough drop also creating a mess on everything around it
• and – all while still digging through the rolling mess of paper clips, writing utensils, change, gum, stickers, thumbtacks, scissors, and other various office supplies while still on the hunt for a simple marker so I could cross grading these tests off my to fo list in the limited planning time I had.

There had to be a better way to organize this desk drawer…

I thought a fun DIY tutorial would be a great post – and this one is super simple and fun!  Have a drawer you need to organize?  Well, if you have to organize it anyway, might as well make it cute along the way!

This is so easy, you can complete it in an hour or less!

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom storage?  This 83 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 13 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Student Cubbies
• File Folder Game Organization
• What to do with old office furniture to maximize your storage
• Ideas for Student Headphone Storage

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

How to Decorate a Teacher Desk

Step One:  Empty a drawer (that step might take you a little longer than the other project – lol).

Step Two:  Grab some empty jewelry boxes.  You might have a bunch sitting in your jewelry box already, and if so – score!  If you don’t have any laying around, I found mine at the local craft store, at a cost of less than $10 for 4 packages all in different sizes.

Step Three:  Set up the jewelry boxes in your desk drawer however you like best!  Tip:  Take a picture of this arrangement so when you start pulling the boxes back out to add your inserts, you don’t have to remember what goes where.

Step Four:  Grab some washi tape (mine came mostly from Downtown Tape) in any color combo you like.  Pull off a little piece of tape and place it in each box so you can see how your colors and patterns will play out in the final version.

Next, I actually pulled the boxes out of the drawer and replicated the same design on my worktable just so I had more room to work.  You will also need plain cardstock in any color you choose and either scissors or a paper cutter.  I didn’t end up using the ruler.

Step Five:  Place some tape for your first box on the cardstock.  Try to match up the patterns as best as possible when you are lining up the strips.

Step Six:  Take your box and place it on top of the tape.  Use a pencil to trace the box shape on top of the tape.

Step 7:  Use the paper cutter or scissors to cut on the lines – or even slightly inside so it fits nicely in the box.

Step 8:  Take your insert and place it inside the box.  You can choose to tape it or glue it in if you prefer for it not to move at all.  Personally, I like letting it sit unattached because if you choose to change your colors or arrangement at any time, just flip the box over and replace with a new taped cardstock piece.

Below is another finished box in the set.

After you finish all the boxes, put them back into your drawer!  I set up mine so they all jigsawed in there wonderfully, but if you aren’t so lucky or choose not to jigsaw them in, you can hot glue the boxes together so they don’t move and/or hot glue them in place inside the drawer.  Too cute!

Add your supplies as you like!

Have fun organizing your custom desk drawers!  You can update them as little or as much as you like, and you can coordinate your colors with your classroom theme!  Yay!

Teacher Desk Decor on a Budget

Need some more Pinterest-worthy ideas for some cheap teacher desk makeovers for your school office?  Even if you use some of the small suggestions for decorating on the cheap, your classroom will start to feel a bit more like your own personal style.

And since teachers spend a LOT of time in that space, it really should reflect a place that makes you smile.  Check out some of these options for desk inspiration:

How adorable is that wood desk tray to hold all the supplies?

I also personally use a mug to store writing utensils on top of my desk.  They sit in the cup just the write way and if they mark it up, I can always run it through the dishwasher to make it shiny and new again at the end of the school year!

Getting “love notes” from students when you teach elementary is a given.  Make it even easier for them to give you those special works of art with a little desk mailbox.

The Rae Dunn pottery line is all the rage at the moment.  I bet you could recreate the look yourself with some white pottery and a permanent marker.  Pop it in the oven to set the marker and you are good to go!

While I am guessing this is more of a home office (those wood plank walls are gorgeous!), you can still take some cues from the desk top.  The lazy susan in the corner is a wonderful idea for being able to place more supplies on the desk and make them within reach by simply turning the wheel.

A super quick way to make a space feel more inviting is by adding a lamp.  The harsh fluorescent overhead lights give me headaches.

The best time of the day for me?  Before or after school getting some paperwork done with only the desk lamp lit.  It creates a calming space in which to work – and other staff members don’t see my overhead lights on and assume I’m not there (which allows me to get more work done)!  #winning

Is your desk tiny or even missing?  Use the wall as an alternative with pegboard.  Or use simple stocking crates on their side as a makeshift storage area.

You can even DIY your own classroom desk if you don’t have one!  Using this photo as inspiration, wrap a folding table or bookshelf with fabric.  Grab a large heavy piece of wood and wrap that in a coordinating fabric design.  Pop it on top and you have a makeshift desk that you can call home.

Teacher toolboxes are a great way to store those tiny desk supplies that roll around everywhere.  Head to the local hardware store and pick one up.

Or print and display a fun banner with your grade level! {Need one premade for you? Keep reading and grab the freebie at the bottom of this post!}

Inexpensive mason jar decor is fun and functional!  Place writing utensils, rulers, and scissors in them after designing something to match your classroom theme.

Would you like to know step-by-step routines that put teachers back in control in just 4 weeks?

Download the FREE Classroom Systems Starter Kit now!

Another colorful example of the teacher toolbox option:

Little potted plants also add texture to your desk arrangement.  And they help everyone in the room to breathe a little easier too!

If you love color, you’ll adore this classroom set up.  It definitely feels like a happy space to me.

I really like this little desk spinner!  You could use it for holding important documents or use it as a substitute resource area.  It could hold classroom routines, seating charts, informal assessment checklists, and more.

Having labeled paper baskets on your desk allows you to be more organized and know what papers are coming in and going out in an orderly manner.

What other fun teacher desk straightening tips do you have?  We would love to hear them in the comments below!

Don’t forget to grab your free grade level burlap banner too for a little extra pop behind your desk! This file has grade levels from preschool to twelfth grade so everyone is covered! Enjoy!

~Charity

The post Custom Teacher Desk Organizers appeared first on Organized Classroom.

A well-organized classroom not only benefits the teacher but also has a significant impact on student learning and behavior.

When everything is in its place, students can easily find and access materials, leading to increased efficiency and less time wasted searching for resources.

Additionally, an organized classroom promotes a sense of calm and order, which can positively influence student behavior and focus.

After 15 years in the classroom, I am trying very hard to take note of the organization systems and decor that work and to purge all of the items I have been holding on to for way toooo long.

The Versatility of Magazine Holders

Magazine holders are incredibly versatile tools that can be used in various ways to enhance classroom organization. There are different types of magazine holders available, including plastic, cardboard, and wire mesh options. Plastic magazine holders are durable and easy to clean, making them ideal for long-term use. Cardboard magazine holders are lightweight and affordable, making them a budget-friendly option. Wire mesh magazine holders provide a modern and sleek look while still offering functionality.

Decluttering Your Classroom with Magazine Holders

Decluttering and organizing classroom materials is a crucial step in creating an efficient learning environment. One of the most effective ways to declutter is by utilizing magazine holders. These versatile tools can be used to store and organize various items such as books, folders, notebooks, art supplies, and manipulatives. By assigning each item a designated magazine holder, teachers can easily locate and access materials when needed.

To effectively declutter with magazine holders, start by sorting through all the materials in your classroom. Determine which items are essential for daily use and which ones can be stored elsewhere or donated. Once you have identified the necessary items, assign each category its own magazine holder. For example, one magazine holder can be designated for math manipulatives, another for art supplies, and so on. Label each magazine holder clearly to ensure easy identification.

Creating a System for Student Work with Magazine Holders

This year was my first year using magazine holders to organize in my classroom and I love them. They are an organizational tool I will definitely be carrying over to next year.

I purchased the magazine holders from IKEA – they come in sets of 5 for about $3.00. I have already started purchasing them for next year!

Here is how I used them in my classroom this year:

Student reading boxes.

We used the boxes to hold books that the students were reading during independent reading and their guided reading books. They also held their reading notebooks. Often times they were also home to sticky notes, mini-laser lights and other fun tools that we were using during guided and shared reading.

My favorite part – their pictures on the boxes! I took their pictures the first week of school while we were building up our reading stamina.

Mentor texts.

I used the magazine holders to group my mentor texts. I also added the ribbon to pretty them up a bit (that is my favorite part).

The only problem – they do not fit perfectly on my shelves – some shelves are just a teeny-tiny bit too short, ugh!

Weekly planning.

Earlier in the year I tried labelled trays and drawers but those did not work for me. I switched over to the magazine holders, put labels on for each day of the week, plus one for learning goals that I print ahead of time and post and one for miscellaneous items (often the most full box!).

I put copies in the boxes along with any mentor texts or resources I will be using.

Using Magazine Holders for Classroom Decor

Magazine holders not only serve a functional purpose but can also enhance the overall decor of your classroom. By incorporating magazine holders into your classroom design, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing environment that promotes learning and creativity.

One way to use magazine holders for decor is by choosing colors that complement your classroom theme or color scheme. For example, if your classroom has a nature theme, opt for magazine holders in earthy tones like green or brown. You can also decorate magazine holders with stickers, labels, or student artwork to add a personal touch. By incorporating magazine holders into your classroom decor, you can create a visually appealing space that inspires and engages students.

Managing Classroom Technology with Magazine Holders

In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in the classroom. However, managing classroom technology can be challenging without proper organization. Magazine holders can be used to store and organize devices such as tablets, laptops, headphones, and charging cords.

To manage classroom technology with magazine holders, assign each device its own magazine holder. Label each magazine holder with the device’s name or number to ensure easy identification. Additionally, magazine holders can be used to store charging cords neatly and prevent tangling. By implementing this system, you can keep your classroom technology organized and easily accessible for both teachers and students.

By incorporating magazine holders into your classroom organization system, you can create an environment that fosters learning, creativity, and efficiency. Whether you use them to store supplies, manage technology, or display student work, magazine holders are an invaluable resource for any teacher looking to create an organized and engaging learning environment. So why wait?

Need a set of Days of the Week Labels for your magazine holders inspired by this blog post? Download below!

Click here to email your freebie

Start exploring the endless possibilities of magazine holders in your classroom today!

The post Magazine Holders to Organize in the Classroom appeared first on Organized Classroom.

However, with multiple students using earphones and earbuds, it can be challenging to keep them organized and prevent them from getting lost or damaged.

Headphone storage, particularly in the classroom when you can have up to 40 sets or more, can be challenging.  Finding a storage bag or case that not only fits everything in, but also is easily accessible to students is always a task.

Whether you have traditional large ear headphones for listening centers or computers or instead have small earbuds that have never-ending tangled cords, here are some of the best storage solutions for classroom teachers everywhere!

Quick Tips for Headphone and Earbuds Organization

1. Assign a designated storage area

One of the simplest ways to organize headphones is by assigning a designated storage area for each student. You can use labeled bins or baskets to store earphones and earbuds. This method ensures that each student has their own headphones and reduces the risk of them getting lost or mixed up.

2. Use a hanging organizer

A hanging organizer is another clever solution for storing multiple headphones in the classroom. You can hang it on the wall or on the back of a door, making it easy for students to access their headphones when needed. This method also saves space and keeps your classroom clutter-free.

3. Create a DIY headphone stand

If you’re looking for a fun DIY project, you can create a headphone stand using materials such as PVC pipes or wooden dowels. This solution not only provides an organized storage space but also adds a touch of creativity to your classroom.

4. Use magnetic hooks

Magnetic hooks are an excellent hack for storing earphones and earbuds in the classroom. You can attach them to metal surfaces such as cabinets or whiteboards, making it easy for students to grab their headphones when needed.

5. Label your headphones

Labeling your headphones is an effective way to prevent them from getting mixed up or lost. You can use colored stickers or markers to label each student’s headphones with their name or class number. Bonus hack: Keep reading below to grab your FREE editable labels!

DIY Headphone Storage Racks

PVC Pipe Solutions!:  Have a low to nonexistent classroom budget left?  No worries!  You can make your own headphone storage stand with some simple supplies from the hardware store.

Hang Your Headphones Anywhere with Two Binder Clips:  Love this idea because it can easily be moved anywhere in the room you need it to be throughout the school year.

Use a box for storage:  This solution is easy!  Grab a box with a lid and  cardboard tube (I would suggest something sturdy like a cardboard mailer).  Cut some hole in the box and slide in your tube.  Toss your headphones along the rod and done!

Command hooks to the rescue every time!:  Keep the headphones right at the computer station by attaching a command hook on the side of the monitor.  Cords will stay put and no reason for students to mess around with the plugs or adapters either!

Mesh Wall Hanger:  Perfect for smaller headphones.  You can also label each student’s name on the pocket for easy retrieval too!

Hanging crates:  How perfect is this?  Grab some file crates and stack them.  {Hint:  use zip ties to connect them together.}  Make sure to add some heavy textbooks to the crates to keep them grounded.  Then, add some baskets on the side with book rings.  Use the baskets for storing your headphone stash!

Drying rack:  This has to be one of my faves!  Grab a clothing dry rack at the local big box store and place it along a wall in the classroom where the technology is conveniently located.  Pop your headphones on the bars and you’re good to go!

Ribbon and name tag clips:  A great solution for a listening center when you only have a handful of headphones to store.  Hot glue the ribbon to the wall and then add name tag clips on the phones and the ribbon to connect.  The radio unit on the floor makes it a perfect spot for listening skill centers all week long.

Towel bars:  Oh yeah – very clever for sure.  Get as many as you need for your class.  They can be stacked horizontally or vertically – and the best part?  You can display them at student height for super simple student access.

Repurpose a coat tree:  Get crafty and add in some extra “hangers” with long screws covered with pool noodles.

Over the door shoe organizer:  You can even store this behind the classroom door which makes it “hidden” until the materials are needed.

Another example of a shoe organizer:  This one has the headphones sitting inside in a different orientation.

Fabric basket:  Cute and super functional!

Home decor display rack:  Normally I display candles or baskets with handles on my racks like this at home, but I adore how this teacher chose to place headphones on the pegs instead.  Another tip?  These are BROKEN sets that are used for kids who need a sensory break from extra noise in the room.  #love

Mega shoe organizer:  By having the pockets face horizontally, this particular organizer is able to hold far more sets of materials.

Quilt racks:  Also another genius idea from a fellow educator!  This particular example is great because it appears it is made of a heavy iron rod too, which means no buckling and tipping over on any students.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom storage?  This 83 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 13 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Student Cubbies
• File Folder Game Organization
• What to do with old office furniture to maximize your storage
• Ideas for Student Headphone Storage

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Best Storage Units for Earbuds

Now, if you have ear buds to contend with in the classroom, you also understand the frustrating hours of unraveling them after students toss them all in one big pile as they rush out to recess.

Ear buds might be compact and take up less space, but they certainly have organizational challenges of their own.  Let’s take a look at a few great tips for containing these corded wonders.

Tackle box:  Fishing lures?  Nope.  A bunch of wiring ear buds?  You bet.  Love this idea because it easily travels to the computer lab if needed as well.  No sharing here.  Everyone has their own sanitary set.

Rolling cart organization:  This idea is handy for moving around the classroom for various needs.  Each student has their own device, headphones, jump drive, and/or peripherals.  The cart makes it a snap to get from place to place in the room where it’s needed.

Plastic containers for the win:  These little containers are super cheap at the dollar store!  Use them for individual earphone storage cases.  Label with student names and drop them all in a basket for easy travel.

Shower rods aren’t just for bathrooms anymore:  What a super idea!  Grab a shower curtain and some rod hooks.  Then, duct tape the edges of large baggies, pop the hook through, and label them with student names.  They are even clear to see through.

Crafting supply box:  This storage case creates the perfect sized spot for ear bud sets for each student in the classroom.  Take it a step further and add in student numbers to be able to use from year to year without needing to change out names.

There you have it!   Oodles of ideas for storing headphones and earbuds in your classroom!

Organizing headphones in the classroom doesn’t have to be complicated.

By using these tips and solutions, you can keep your classroom clutter-free and ensure that each student has access to their own headphones when needed.

Whether you choose to assign a designated storage area or create a DIY headphone stand, these ideas will help you find the best way to organize earphones and earbuds in your classroom.

Need some student name labels for your listening devices? Grab them below and edit names using Powerpoint or Google Slides!

Do you have another idea not shown above?  Or do you have a favorite from above?  We would love to hear about it!  Please leave a comment below and have a chat!

Talk to you soon,

~Charity

The post Simple Headphone Storage Solutions appeared first on Organized Classroom.

I always dreaded certain transition times in the classroom:  lining up for lunch, packing up at the end of the day, and believe it or not – independent reading time.

Why?

All the rustling through desks, looking for the right book, hearing the crunching of the papers and the clinking of the 100 half-eaten pencils within the desk, clanging of the desktops, and the eventual “I can’t find my book” statement yelled from across the room.

Of course, then it was like I was required to walk over and do the digging – only to find the book within seconds in the pile of rubbish within.

I knew there had to be an easier way that didn’t involve opening the pit of destruction (aka sudent desks).  It needed to be a quiet alternative and one that had student books in their fingertips within seconds.

Chair pocket organizers are the perfect solution!  You can call them chair pocket or book bags too – they are just a chair organizer that hangs off the back of a student desk chair.

DIY chair pocket

DIY chair pockets are easy to make and can be customized to your needs. You can choose the size and shape, as well as the fabric or material you want to use. If you have an old sweater or shirt that no longer fits you, try turning it into a DIY chair pocket!

You can also use recycled materials like old jeans, t-shirts and sheets for your DIY project. Just cut them into strips and sew them together with a sewing machine so they look like little bags; then fill with cushions or pillows (don’t forget a zipper!) – voila! You’ve got yourself another awesome piece of furniture that’ll add some extra comfort in any room at home!

Ready for a step-by-step system manual with all the digital files included you’ll need to organize your classroom in just 5 days?

Organized Educator has everything you need and is ready for you to customize!

Click HERE to see all available themes.

Classroom-sized chair pocket

Classroom-sized chair pockets are the most common type of chair pocket, and they’re a good choice if you want to add an extra layer of protection for your classroom chairs. These pockets can be used on all types of chairs–from plastic folding chairs to metal stools–and they come in a variety of sizes so that you can find one that fits perfectly with your particular classroom design.

Chair pockets should be made from durable materials like canvas or leather (or both), which will help ensure that they last through years’ worth of use by children and adults alike. They should also be easy to clean: don’t forget about spills!

It’s important to have the right type of chair pocket in your classroom.

It’s important to have the right type of chair pocket in your classroom. Here are a few things to look for:

• Easy installation – You don’t want to spend more time installing your chair pockets than it takes for students to use them. Choose an option that’s easy for you, even if it means paying more money or having fewer options available.
• Easy cleaning – If you have students who tend toward messy eating habits (or just really greasy fingers), make sure that their chairs can be cleaned easily with soap and water so they don’t slip around during class time or after school activities like sports practice or performances at home games/plays/concerts etc., which means taking off the entire cover of each chair every day before putting it back on again after cleaning them off.”

Storage Pockets for Books, Papers, and School Supplies

I happened to be at the Target Dollar Spot one day and grabbed a few items to test them out – and here are a few different options depending on your needs and desk sizes.

When you are buying in bulk for an entire classroom, finding the best price makes a difference.  Especially if you are buying learning resources out of your own pocket.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom storage?  This 83 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 13 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Student Cubbies
• File Folder Game Organization
• What to do with old office furniture to maximize your storage
• Ideas for Student Headphone Storage

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

First up:  Use regular stretchy book covers!  Yes.  It really is that easy.

Take one side and stretch it around the top of the desk.  Place books in the other.  They are super stretchable and will really hold more than you think.

I do think they would be a good candidate for being easy to clean and machine washable too, which is a bonus.  As always, test one out first to make sure it holds up well.

The second choice is a Dorm Room Storage Caddy.  This one had handy velcro straps that made it easy to wrap around the back of the chair and hold items into place.  It also had a load of storage.

The only issue with this options was the width of the chair.  Definitely measure before going this route.

I did think it would hold up well in the classroom as it was poly laminated fabric that was pretty sturdy.  If the straps don’t quite fit right, you could sew elastic banding on them to make them fit snugly on the seat back.

DIY Chair Back Classroom Organization

Number three is a bit of a stretch as a chair pocket as it is too long, but it could be used on a cabinet or door at student height.  I would even add labels, vinyls, or student name tags or numbers on the front to remind students which pocket is theirs.

Grab a couple of Command hooks, pop the shoe organizer on it, and add books.  Now, since the pockets are meant for shoes, it would be best suited for chapter books only (which usually means the older students).  But this adorable pattern was too cute not to include somewhere in the lineup.  Haha!

As a side option:  Hang them from a whiteboard tray and use as ready to learn center stations!  They are large enough to hold mini readers, writing utensils, and folded comprehension worksheets for sure.

The last Target chair pocket find today for me is by far my favorite!  And the one I wasn’t sure would work at all!

It is a bath caddy!  I added a Command hook to the back of the desk chair.  Then, I added the caddy!

Easy peasy and so so so cute!  It is big enough for picture books and chapter books and has 5 pockets for additional items if you wanted.  I was worried it would stick out too far, but it really doesn’t actually.

Do you have other classroom ideas like the No Sew DIY Chair Pockets I made a few years back?

Need an easy way to label your pockets with student names? Grab this free pirate themed label template pack!

Edit and add in student names using Google Slides or Powerpoint. Choose whether you want to use sticky labels or just plain paper. Print. Hang using staples, safety pins, or paper clips!

I would love to hear additional suggestions in the comments below!  There are already several other suggestions, including using pillowcases, nylon zipper pouches, and more.  #sharingiscaring

Have fun choosing your chair pockets!

~Charity

The post Four Chair Pocket Choices! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

The super nice crew at K’Nex sent me over a couple of their building sets to my second grader’s delight.  He LOVES K’Nex!  These two sets are the K’Nex Turbo Jet 2-in-1 Building Set and the K’Nex Revinn’ Racecar 2-in-1 Building Set.  Both very fun!

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom storage?  This 83 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 13 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Student Cubbies
• File Folder Game Organization
• What to do with old office furniture to maximize your storage
• Ideas for Student Headphone Storage

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Then, of course the issue becomes storing all the pieces, right?  And the instructions.

Some students like to build a specific set, while some like to build their own creation.  So I don’t like to store the pieces in sets myself.  I prefer to have the pieces sorted by size or color to make it easy to free play or to build from the instruction manuals – either way equally fun!

I organize the pieces in these handy multi-drawer plastic towers.

I seriously would be lost without my plastic storage drawer carts.

And then store the instruction manuals in a binder with page protectors.

The best of both worlds!

Need some labels? I’ve got you covered!

This set of 20 pages includes templates for 3 inch round, 3 inch square, and 2×4 rectangle labels. Edit the text in either Powerpoint or Google Slides and then print on your favorite label brand. Perfect for labeling all your new organized drawers!

More Storage Container Options

If you’re an avid builder of block toys, you know just how difficult it can be to keep all of your pieces organized. With various shapes, sizes, and colors, it’s easy to see why building block storage is a must for any enthusiast. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different types of storage containers that will help achieve optimal organization.

• The Case

For those just starting with their building block collections, a simple case can suffice. Usually made of plastic, these durable cases feature different sections to specify the sizes of each piece. Such containers are also stackable, allowing you to have multiple cases stacked up on top of each other with different pieces in each case.

• The Bag

A building block storage bag is another option for storing smaller pieces of building blocks. Made of nylon, these bags are lightweight and easy to transport. Some of these bags feature clear plastic pockets, perfect for sectionalizing all of your childhood favorite building blocks.

• The Big Table

Having a big table with dedicated building block storage is great for those with a more substantial block collection. With a tabletop specifically designed to hold blocks in place, you’ll never have to worry about pieces going missing. Plus, this option is perfect for family playtime, providing a comfortable gathering space for family and friends to build together.

• The Box

As opposed to a bag, a box provides a larger storage space for bulkier building blocks. An enclosed box keeps your pieces free from dust and other debris in the air. With the option of adding dividers, you can customize your box storage to your building block collection needs.

• The Cabinet

For those who love building blocks and have a huge collection, a cabinet-style container may be a suitable option. With a cabinet, the option to store a variety of sizes permits easy access, and also looks great as an interior decoration centerpiece.

• The Toy Storage Unit

A toy storage unit is a suitable option for households with multiple children. With three to six drawers, children can store their individual block sets in specific drawers. An ideal solution to help avoid conflicts between siblings over which block sets belong to whom.

• Multi-Layered Storage

For those who own vast collections, a multi-layered storage option might be the best way to go. This option has fixed compartments that rotate around a central pivot point, allowing for easy access to stored pieces. This container is perfect to store a considerable collection in a smaller space.

Keeping your building blocks organized is essential, and selecting the best storage option can be dependent on lifestyle and personal preferences.

Whatever option you prefer, from bags to multi-storied cabinet, the solutions mentioned above will give you a great starting point to ensure that all of your building blocks can be found and spared from being lost in another brick’s sea.

How do you store your small building set pieces?  We would love to hear your ideas in the comment below as well!

You might also like…

…the Colorful Building Bricks Classroom Decor and Organization Set from Organized Educator! Click here to see everything included – 935 pages in all!

Talk to you soon,

~Charity

The post Building Block Storage appeared first on Organized Classroom.

While this tip is going to help you organize things a little bit for this year, it’s going to really come into play next year as well.

Here’s what I want you to do. As you are organizing all of your different manipulatives in your closet, I like to put mine in basic shoe boxes.  

I put basic Avery labels on the front of them, that I just have typed whatever it is on the front of the box. Now, here is the key for you.

As you are doing this, and yes it’s going to take a little bit of time to put it together, I want you to put a dot. Make sure the color is nice and bright so you can see it.

Now, you can make your dot with a sharpie like I did, because that’s all that I had at the moment. You could even take a very bright neon garage sale color dot to use.  I love that as well.  

Here’s what you’re going to do.

First, you’re going to stack all of your things on your shelf like you normally would.

Then, throughout the year, after you use an item, I want you to turn it around so that the label is now NOT showing.

You could even put the same label on the other side, just don’t put the dot on it, perhaps. That might even be another option that you have. Go ahead and do that.

At the end of the school year, you’re going to be able to see what you didn’t use the entire year.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom storage?  This 83 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 13 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Student Cubbies
• File Folder Game Organization
• What to do with old office furniture to maximize your storage
• Ideas for Student Headphone Storage

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Then you have a choice, do you give it away?

Do you let someone else borrow it?

Do you sell it?

Do you just take it home and be done with it and bring it back next year if you need to? Those are obviously your choices.

Of course, you could keep it in your supply, because I know you’re saying, “I will probably use it the next year.”

Then, make a note of it someplace in your lesson plans from this year on the lesson you would have used it on, so that way when you look at your lessons from last year to plan next year, you’ll say, “Oh yeah, that’s right, I have that manipulative that I forgot that I had and I never used it.”

Now, if it’s already in your plans, you’ve jotted that down, you’ll remember to use it the next year.

Guess what, if you don’t use it two years in a row, it’s time to hit the road.

Truly, we have so many things and so many amazing materials, (most of us do anyway), to use that we just can’t get to it all.

Guess what, there are some newer teachers, there are some teachers that are in your building, maybe assistants that you have, that really could use those materials, right? Pass them along to someone else that can use them so it’s not just collecting dust in your closet.

There is my fun little end of the year organizational tip for you as you are starting to prepare to get things packed up and get started.

This can also be used, like I said, even at the beginning of the year.

If you don’t get to this at the end of this school year, you can start it at the beginning of the next school year. It’s never too late to get organized, and it’s never too late to get a system in place.

Use the system. It’s easy. It doesn’t take a lot of work to do, and it will really help you start to streamline all of the materials and manipulatives that you have.

The best part about that, you’re going to get use out of everything you have, and the things that you don’t get use out of, you can then pass on to clear out space in your room like you will never believe.

Would you like to know step-by-step routines that put teachers back in control in just 4 weeks?

Download the FREE Classroom Systems Starter Kit now!

I hope that was helpful. If so, I would love to have a comment or a share.

Need some colored dots to print and use right now? I’ve got you covered.

Have a great rest of the week teaching friends,

~Charity

The post Organized Manipulatives in the Classroom appeared first on Organized Classroom.

She says, “Hi Charity, I am looking for some creative inspiration for my home office. I was wondering if you had any tips for how to organize the plethora of teaching materials and supplies I keep at home.

My classroom just doesn’t have enough storage space and I do a lot of prep-work at home. My home office doubles as a guest room and I still want it to be cute and functional.

I would love to see how other teachers have organized their work spaces at home as well. Thanks.”

Pamela, that is a great question. I have a ton of materials here too. 

If it’s a guest room, you probably can use the closet.  Your guests probably aren’t going to be using a ton of closet space while they are there.

In the closet, place a three shelf plastic shelving unit. You can find them at Home Depot, you can probably find something really cute even at Target but honestly Home Depot works great because you can get the super heavy duty plastic ones for garage storage.

I put one of those in the side of my closet, on one side of my closet and I start grabbing 99 cent plastic shoe boxes with lids.

I stack them up, usually do 2 or 3 stacked up tall, in each space so you can get 2 or 3 across.

You will have 6 or 9 per shelf on the plastic shelf.

Start dividing your resources into groups and put the groups into the plastic tubs.

Then you can label them. Just print them off on your label printer with avery sticky labels. Put labels on the outside of them so you know what it is.

You can easily grab and go.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom storage?  This 83 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 13 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Student Cubbies
• File Folder Game Organization
• What to do with old office furniture to maximize your storage
• Ideas for Student Headphone Storage

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

On the top of the closet on the shelf, I like to get plastic colorful milk crates. You can store larger items in there.

Make a cute little label template and print it off on card stock (rather than the sticker paper) and then cut it out with a cute little scrapbook punch. 

Put a regular hole punch in it and use a piece of string to tie it from the front of the crate so it hangs on the front exactly what the contents are inside.

Also:  make sure to use that door space. 

I like to grab a hanging shoe organizer.

Separate supplies into that shoe organizer. Hang it from the inside of the closet somewhere, or hang it from the clothing rack that’s in the closet and put it along the wall so it is out of the way.

You could actually do several of those shoe organizers across the clothing bar. 

I print those little labels on card stock, punch it out with my scrapbook puncher, and then instead of hole punching and hanging with string, I use a safety pin and pin the label on the front of each one of the shoe organizer pockets so I can easily know what the item is inside at a quick glance.  

Always remember to go vertical whenever your organizing, not straight across and you will get so much more space out of that.

A couple other quick tips, if you have dressers, you can use the dresser drawers. The bottom ones.

Obviously if you have guests they may want to use the top drawers. I like to keep those open for my guests but the bottom drawers, you can use for storage.

Also, large rectangular under the bed tubs with lids on them work great.  Put your items in there and slide it underneath the bed.

You can lay those all across the floor underneath the bed for storage.

Again, use a sticky label for the front so you know where everything is.

The last suggestion is if you can find an old filing cabinet at a yard sale or local consignment shop, use that to store manipulatives and files in.

It doesn’t have to just be for offices.

Decorate the filing cabinet with some pretty contact paper that would match the theme of your guest bedroom.

In the inside of the filing cabinet, you don’t even have to use hanging files, you can actually store materials in there as well.  

I personally love to use hanging files and then sort my construction and copy paper by color.  It is super easy to grab that file when I am making copies or need a certain color for art projects.

Would you like to know step-by-step routines that put teachers back in control in just 4 weeks?

Download the FREE Classroom Systems Starter Kit now!

I hope those were handy ideas for you to organize your guest bedroom/home office. If anyone else has some great ideas, we would love to hear them in the comments below as well! 

Need a few labels to get you started?

Download the set below and either print on Avery 2×4 labels or plain paper and cut them out. I love ready-to-go resources!

Even better if you would like to come to our Facebook fan page and post a picture for us!

Do you have a question you would love answered in a video?   Stop by our Facebook fan page and post it on the wall – yours might be the next one answered!  Thanks all and talk to you soon!

~Charity

The post Classroom Supplies Home Organization Tips appeared first on Organized Classroom.