If there was an organizational pageant I would definitely
be crowned queen, or at least runner-up! To many I may seem insane, but
organizing is my passion and I thoroughly enjoy it. I have only been teaching
for a few years, but in those years I have been involuntarily transferred many
times. The reason I am organized is not because of personality, but because I
have forced myself to be to find my things from year to year. 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.
If you have any great organizational tips you would like to share with me I
would LOVE to hear from you, just click on the e-mail link at the bottom of the
page.
CURRICULUM STORAGE
Stay tuned for pictures
THE JOY
OF LABELS
I love using labels for everything that I do. I
realize that there may be cheaper ways of doing this, but I really
don't like to handwrite anything. I have included the Avery Label
numbers and which item I use it on. I've also included the templates
that I have saved. Feel free to use these where you can.
I have a separate tub just for New Student/Beginning
of the Year stuff. This tub isn't filled with decoration type stuff
(that's in a different one). This tub is filled with all the stuff
that you need when you have a new student: nametags, forms, labels,
etc. It also has a list of items that I need to be certain that
every new student has. I have included the list below for your
convenience. You may download your own copy
here.
Nametag for desk/chair bag
Nametag for fieldtrips
Unfinished Work Folder
Hallway Name
Lunch Chart Name
Helper Name
Mailbox Name
Popsicle Stick
Dismissal List
Word Wall Name
Spelling Dictionary
Birthday Chart
Math Journal
Writing Mini-Office
Math Mini-Office
Reading Mini-Office
Bookbag
Reading Centers
Add to Gradebook/Attendance
Name for Graphing Chart
Reading Book
File Folder for Teacher
Technology Form
Address/Telephone Card
Emergency Clipboard Class List
Sub Tub Information
Token Number
SUB TUB
I have a "Sub Tub" that holds sub binder as well as all necessary
supplies that a sub would need. This emerged after teaching one year
that the principal insisted that everyone have the same contents in
a sub folder along with emergency lesson plans for 2 days. Due to
this, I decided to have my office folder have a sticky note that
says "please see sub tub". That way all I have to do is change out
the stuff in my classroom and I don't have to constantly run back
and forth to the office. Every sub I have had has told me how much
they appreciate the organization that I have. Having been a sub for
awhile, I think it helped in my planning.
SUB BINDER-The binder is tabbed by the following
sections: Important Info, Schedules, Lists, Emergency Info,
Emergency Sub Plans (2 days), & Notes
Important Information-This section has a list of
all important telephone extensions, names of teachers to go to
for help, name of student assistants, lunch time, planning time,
and directions to the teachers lounge, bathrooms, and special
rooms. It is actually written as a regular lesson plan without
the plans.
Map of the School
Daily Schedule
Class List
Emergency Lesson Plans
Dismissal Procedures and Transportation Lists
Emergency Procedures-I leave detailed
instructions about what to do in case of a lockdown or a fire
drill, including an evacuation map.
Notes-I have a form that I ask all sub to leave
a note on.
SUB TUB-With the binder, you're probably wondering
what is inside the tub itself. The tub is filled with the stuff
needed for the lessons, extra work, attendance sheets, nurse passes,
read-aloud books.
