No matter what grade it is you are teaching, one of the true secrets to being an effective, efficient and all-round brilliant teacher is having an organised classroom. While getting a room organised for twenty-plus students might seem like a daunting task, with these 13 Creative Ideas, you’ll have your classroom sorted in no time, and soon enough, the whole school will soon be asking how you did it.
3.Make sure all your storage containers are labelled This is going to make life SO much easier for you. Use different colored lids for different subjects, then match the color to a label color for the type of items stored within your containers. This is great for you, and as a reference for your students when they need to retrieve something from the ‘purple box’ rather than the ‘one with the counting cubes and dice in it’. |
4.Get your classroom games organised into themes for each month
Structure your term out into its months and then allocate a game for each month of the year. Use this game as an incentive for points for your students at the end of each week, with the team getting the most points receiving a prize at the end of the month.
Structure your term out into its months and then allocate a game for each month of the year. Use this game as an incentive for points for your students at the end of each week, with the team getting the most points receiving a prize at the end of the month.
5.Have a birthday chart printed, laminated and stick on Velcro spots
Everybody loves birthdays, but organizing a new chart each year for all of your students can be tedious. Instead of making a new one every year, make one awesome one, stick on Velcro dots, then simply make your students names and dates and Velcro them on each year. Saves making a new chart, and saves kids ‘accidentally’ rubbing off whiteboard marker written names – making sure no-one misses out on birthday cake.
Everybody loves birthdays, but organizing a new chart each year for all of your students can be tedious. Instead of making a new one every year, make one awesome one, stick on Velcro dots, then simply make your students names and dates and Velcro them on each year. Saves making a new chart, and saves kids ‘accidentally’ rubbing off whiteboard marker written names – making sure no-one misses out on birthday cake.
6.Design free reminder slips to print out and have ready to keep parents in the know This works wonders for both you, and the parents! Having reminder slips ready to go for each student means that no important messages, reminders or notices will go unread. Include a place to sign and a date to have it returned by, so you can fill it in for each form you send out. |
7.For organizing puzzle pieces, use bright colored pencil cases and label them This is a nice simple one that keeps the classroom organised, and brightens up your space. Much nicer looking than a clear zip-lock bag, these label and store easily, and brighten up the room, all in one go! Bonus tip – write the number of pieces on the pencil case – so you know if any are missing! |
8.Color code different group work stations by having the equipment for each painted all the same color Make this a project at the beginning of term if you like! Helps you get organised and keeps the kids feeling crafty! Start with white storage containers, and have each group paint theirs a different color. That way, each group knows to return their materials to their color station. |
9.Keep keyboards clean by using post-it notes to clean up all the grime that sticks in-between keys
This is a great way to reduce grime, germs and all round filth. Great as a punishment for a naughty or distracted student, and great for you in terms of keeping your classroom looking spiffy!
This is a great way to reduce grime, germs and all round filth. Great as a punishment for a naughty or distracted student, and great for you in terms of keeping your classroom looking spiffy!
10.Prepare each group table with the same equipment prior to the start of term In order to avoid arguments and to keep students supplied with everything they need, give each group table the same number of pencils, pens, erasers, sheets of paper, highlighters…the list goes on. Use the containers from Tip #8, and fill them for each group with the same equipment. That way everyone is happy, fair and supplied for weeks to come. |
11.Put labels on each of your large paper clips to keep different stacks organised for later
Use large bull clips that go over big stacks of paper and put sticky labels on each one. Then label them – ‘file’ ‘copy’ ‘grade’ ‘return’ ‘laminate’ and ‘recycle’, and use them to keep your stacks of paper organised!
Use large bull clips that go over big stacks of paper and put sticky labels on each one. Then label them – ‘file’ ‘copy’ ‘grade’ ‘return’ ‘laminate’ and ‘recycle’, and use them to keep your stacks of paper organised!
12.Velcro your walls Almost every teacher knows this, but it is a lifesaver for anyone who doesn’t. Velcro your walls at the start of the year! Assign your dots of Velcro, get prepared and then Velcro your posters, signs and hangings – ready to attach. This saves so much time with blue-tac, stick tape and other time-consuming nonsense, allowing you to have an organised, beautiful classroom for a fraction of the hassle. |
13.Make Christmas every day! Everybody loves Christmas, so why not make it every day? Instead of storing Christmas lights year-round, use them to spruce up your classroom! Use your old fairy lights to brighten book corners, hang over filing cabinets, and brighten up blackboards. It’ll create a great vibe and will leave you feeling cheery 24/7/365. |