During the first few weeks of a new year, I always get the urge to reorganize and de-clutter. At home, this means that I start cleaning out closets, sorting through books that I’ve been meaning to read, and rearranging junk drawers.

When I was teaching, this time of year meant that I was looking around my classroom and reevaluating. I guess I have to admit that I was always on the lookout for ideas that would make my classroom more efficient. But the feeling of a new year and a new start really made me crave new ways to bring even more order to my materials. I had the feeling that if I could get things neater, tidier, and just a bit more organized, it would give me that much more teaching time in my busy day.

With that in mind, I’ve found several ideas that are sure to help you make your classroom more efficient.

 

Teacher Manual Organizer
Here’s an inexpensive way to keep your teacher manuals accessible and orderly. I store them in a slotted wire dish rack. Then I place the rack on a desk or shelf for easy access. (from April/May 2008 Mailbox® magazine, grades 2/3)

Attractive and Neat!
Make piles of jumbled paper clips a thing of the past! Attach a strip of magnetic tape around a pencil cup. Then place separate paper clips on the tape. Whenever you need a paper clip, it will be right at your fingertips!
(from February/March 2008 Mailbox® magazine, grades K/1)

No More Tangles!
Keep computer cords in order with this inexpensive solution! Purchase a length of ¾-inch foam pipe insulation and trim it to an appropriate size. Slide the computer cords into the slit in the insulation. Not only are the cords more organized, but the insulation also keeps little hands away from loose cords!
(from April/May 2007 Mailbox® magazine, preschool)

What ideas to you have for bringing order to the supplies and materials in your classroom? Leave a comment and share them with us. I’m eager to hear from you!

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8 Responses to “Organization Tips for the New Year”

  1. 26 Jan 2009 at 10:07 am # 8.  Debra Liverman

    K, sorry for the trouble you had with the snack cups. We tend to avoid using specific company or manufacturer names in the magazine. Often the same product is produced by multiple companies and the distribution may vary by region within the country. Also, sometimes names change or companies go out of business and the information becomes dated. We do, however, strive to include materials that are easily accessible and practical for teachers. Thanks for choosing to be a Mailbox Teacher! We love having you in the family!
    Debra :)

  2. 25 Jan 2009 at 5:31 pm # 7.  K. Smith

    As a new preschool teacher, I am not sure where to find supplies. For example, the polar bear unit(Dec./Jan 08-09 Mailbox Mag) with the paper plate,cotton balls, and nose of condiment cup. I searched everywhere for the right size cup and came upon a nut and snack cup Wilton makes. It would be great if with the suggestions gave vendors and locations for we “newbies” to find out where you professionals find things! Especially when requirements are specific as the adorable polar bears!

  3. 24 Jan 2009 at 5:59 pm # 6.  Ginnie Postlethwaite

    Something I started new this year was making a binder for each month. As I made copies of worksheets, craft ideas, bulletin board ideas, I put them into document protectors and then put them in a binder with the name of the month. Now when I come upon that month next year, I will simply take out the binder and flip through to see what I did this year. It’s a great organization tool and is easy to make because I just make each one as the month comes. :) I like all the other ideas in this article too! Thanks.

  4. 21 Jan 2009 at 7:48 pm # 5.  Cindy B.

    I LOVED the idea of taking the photo of the contents of your boxes! I am a relentless “rooter” and I feel this will save me SO much time. What a simple but very useable idea.

  5. 21 Jan 2009 at 4:55 pm # 4.  Jennifer

    I love getting the organization ideas from other grade level issues.

    On my monthly folders (the ones that hold just general monthly stuff), I try to write (on the outside) “special dates” for that month and the upcoming month.

    Example: January Folder says Kansas Day - Jan. 29; Upcoming Dates Groundhog Day Feb. 2, Valentine’s Day - Feb 14, Dr. Seuss’ Birthday - Mar. 2 etc.

  6. 21 Jan 2009 at 2:09 pm # 3.  Khindra

    I take pictures of a box of stuff before I close it up and put it on a shelf in my closet. The I print the picture out and tape it to the outside of the box. That way when I am wondering what is in that box I can look at the picture and not have to take it down and rummage through it everytime I am looking for something. I has really saved me a lot of time.

  7. 20 Jan 2009 at 8:42 pm # 2.  Mary Bisignano

    I thought the magnetic strip was a great idea for loose paper clips.

  8. 20 Jan 2009 at 7:25 pm # 1.  sharon mcwhorter

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading the “get organized” ideas. I plan on buying a slotted dish rack for myself. Thank you again.

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