5 Easy Steps for Organizing Your Classroom

Feel like you're surrounded by piles and clutter in your classroom?  Not sure where to even begin? Well then, you're in luck! I love organizing (so much so I even won the "Most Organized Award" at school this year) and I can't wait to share some tips with you.

Whether you need a total class makeover or just a refresh, I've got you covered. 

1. Use Hanging Folders

I like to use hanging folders for a variety or purposes all around my classroom. I store construction paper in a crate (rainbow order of course) so it doesn't get all wrinkled and fall off the shelf. 

I have one thin file box for student files where I keep their reading and math assessments, absence notes, and other important papers and records for each child. 

I also have a box with take home books. I print leveled books from the Reading A-Z website (which I am in love with!). I color code the spines by level and have a hanging folder for each. Students can switch out books at their own level each day to take home and practice reading. 

My brain is fried after a successful (and hectic) first day! Staring at my rainbow order construction paper calms me down ;) #teachersfollowteachers #classroomorganization #iteach

A post shared by K's Classroom Kreations (@ksclassroomkreations) on Aug 25, 2015 at 6:17pm PDT

Just a few hours left of the LaborLess Blog Hop raffle with HUGE prizes (link in profile). Check out how I organize my math books and dozens of other time saving tips! #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #classroomorganization #iteach

A post shared by K's Classroom Kreations (@ksclassroomkreations) on Sep 12, 2015 at 3:44pm PDT

2. Use your Filing Cabinet for More Than Just Paper

So each classroom I move in to seems to come with an old scratched up filing cabinet, that of course can't be moved. Over the years I have tried to reduce the number of worksheets used and go digital with many things (and also make it look cuter thanks to a roll of dry erase paper and duct tape).

This meant I had empty space in my monstrosity of a filing cabinet. Clearly I am a teacher hoarder so empty space didn't last long!! I now use my filing cabinet to store my teacher read aloud books and mentor texts. Plus, any books about character education, diversity, etc. that I want to have easy access too (and not dig through my library for) go in the drawer.

Along with the files for each math standard I also put my read aloud inside the folder. For example, I have one file for Addition and each of my books that I use for literacy connections when introducing addition can be found there. 

Sometimes I keep extra supplies in my filing cabinet but I try to be careful about not putting too much stuff inside so it doesn't turn into a giant junk drawer. 

Do you use your filing cabinet to store books? I always hated when I couldn't find a mentor text for a read aloud so I changed things up this year. I have my math books broken down by standard right with my worksheets and activities. I also store other favorites that I use for writing and reading lessons. So easy! #teacherproblems #iteach #teachersfollowteachers

A post shared by K's Classroom Kreations (@ksclassroomkreations) on Jan 23, 2017 at 4:46pm PST

3. Sort Seasonal/Themed Items

As teachers we end up with large amounts of themed and seasonal materials, or at least I know I do! While I have boxes for materials (like math and literacy centers) that can be used year round broken down by standard, some materials I only need once or twice a year.

I have a HUGE box for Christmas/Winter materials and one for my End of Year themed days. I also use banker boxes for all of my other seasonal materials.

Inside of each box I include decorations, special centers, themed books, and any worksheets or activities I may need. 

I just switch out the box on top of my stack each month and move the one I don't need anymore to the bottom. Plus, anything new that I accumulate during a holiday season just gets tossed into the correct box so I can find it again without stressing the next year. 

Nothing like matching labels to make you feel more organized! (I'll ignore the messes inside the boxes for now 😂). I stapled a plastic page protector to each box and then slide the full page label inside. #teachersofinstagram #teachersfollowteachers #classroomorganization

A post shared by K's Classroom Kreations (@ksclassroomkreations) on Aug 12, 2016 at 6:03pm PDT

To label these boxes I stapled a plastic sheet protector to each one, printed out a cute label, and slid it inside. As I accumulate new materials, I can always print a new label to keep things looking consistent. Plus, the full page label covers up all of my old scribble labels on the side from back in the day before I knew how to make cute things ;)

4. Organize Materials by Standard

How do you organize and store your math centers? My #teachertip is to find what works for you, and it doesn't have to be fancy! I broke each box down by standard and just throw all the games I have in each one. I also take mini stickers with the same objective number and label each game so my students can easily sort to put them away. If you have special read alouds, manipulatives, or worksheets for certain standards you can also put them in the box with your games. #teacherlife #classroomorganization #iteachfirst

A post shared by K's Classroom Kreations (@ksclassroomkreations) on Jul 20, 2017 at 5:37am PDT

5. Label, Label, Label

I am obsessed with labeling everything! I use Avery 2x4 inch labels to organize materials, classroom manipulatives, library books, and everything else I can get my hands on.

I use the Avery design studio, which is actually very easy to do, to choose a cute background image, font, and clipart image. 

Having labels makes it easier for me to find what I need, but also for my students to know where to put things back. 

Think these will last the school year? If only the caps came with tracking devices 😂

A post shared by K's Classroom Kreations (@ksclassroomkreations) on Aug 1, 2016 at 3:30pm PDT

Well, I hope you are inspired to clean, clean, clean and organize your classrooms! I find that the end of the year is the perfect time for me to get rid of old junk, and go in to the summer feeling fresh and prepared. Of course, these tips will help you out any time of the year! Good luck teacher friends!