
With teaching, organization is a huge part of making the most of the instructional day. To keep things flowing in my classroom, I have a few organizational tips I implement. In this post, I’ll share a five of my favorites.
Assign Each Grade Level a Color for Color Coding
I color code everything I use (and honestly, we color code in lessons too). I use colored baskets from Dollar Tree to “house” all of my student materials. I can just grab the basket and go. Time is money essential in teaching, so there just isn’t time to scurry around to look for things. By keeping color coded baskets and supplies, I can make sure all stray resources are returned to the right basket.
Be Strategic with Your Wall Space
In my room, I like to use my wall space as teaching space. My bulletin boards are working boards. This reading vocabulary word wall is referred to all year long, and especially as we gear up for testing. I also use anchor charts often, so these are hung on rings, and I use a magnet curtain rod on my chalkboard to display what we’re currently working on.
Use Signs and Labels to Help Subs and Students
Anything that saves me time is a winner, and I know these time savers will be appreciated. Today, I want to highlight a few products that friends have donated. The first is from my friend, Julie, at The Techie Teacher. She’s a sharp teacher…a fellow reading specialist, and tech specialist (and she’s a great go-to friend too when you have a tech question.) She’s sharing these editable sign templates. These are very helpful for helping kids and substitutes find things. This cuts down on questions.
“Always make a child in charge of the remote to the classroom projector or manipulates you need. You will know who to call on to quickly turn it on or pass them out. Kids keep you on track when THEY have a special responsibility. “
Have Intervention and Time Fillers Ready
Another friend, Jen from An Adventure in Literacy has shared these Fluency Strips. I love to have things like this ready to go for a quick review or for those few minutes you have to wait in the hallway. Jen’s tip for you (which I never thought of) is…
“Save time and money by printing game boards on card stock and using sheet protectors instead of laminating. They still hold up well and you can store them in binders.”
Plastic Sleeves…saves paper and time
Finally, I’d like to share something from the queen of organization, Rachel from Mrs. O Knows. She’s a bloggy friend from Virginia, and we have exchanged lots of teaching tips over the last two years. This writing set from her will help your upper elementary kiddos sharpen their narrative writing skills. Her organizational tip for you is…
“Save on paper by using plastic sleeves. This way you can use graphic organizers again and again without needing tons of copies!”
These gals all have freebies to share with you too. Click below to check them out.
2 Responses
I can't wait to see the next few days! These products are great and I am loving the teacher tips!
I love quick tips too. I learn something new all the time. This wouldn't have been possible without the help from special friends. Thanks for dropping by, Jenn.