5 Steps for How to Organize a Classroom

Below are 5 steps for how to organize a classroom at the start of a new calendar year.

1. Complete the Classroom Cleanup Challenge

The first step for how to organize your classroom is to do this Classroom Cleanup Challenge. It is a simple 5 day challenge that takes 20 minutes per day. It will give you the jump start you need to start the new year on the right foot.

2. Download the Classroom Organization Course

This Classroom Organization Course for elementary teachers includes everything in the classroom organization guide plus videos that will walk you step-by-step through the decluttering and organizing process to get an organized and systematized classroom environment. This is a great option for visual and auditory learners who prefer a more structured approach.

3. Join the Clutter-Free Classroom Facebook Group

The third step for how to organize your classroom is to join the Clutter-Free Classroom Facebook Group. This community of thousands of teachers are eager to share ideas and answer your questions. This is a great resource as you tackle organizing your classroom.

4. Complete the Classroom Organization Course

This course was designed for you to work through the course in tandem with organizing your classroom. There are 7 sections of the course: welcome, preparation, decluttering, storage solutions, paper organization, organizing, and maintenance.

5. Maintain Organization Systems

During the course, you will establish systems for maintaining your organized classroom. The final step is to continue to implement these systems so that you can continue to have an organized learning environment for your students and a tidy working environment for yourself.

In closing, we hope you found this post about how to organize a classroom helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these other posts:

• How to Declutter Your Elementary Classroom
• Paper Organization Ideas for Elementary Teachers
• Teacher Desk Organization Ideas

The post How to Organize a Classroom at the Beginning of the 2024 New Year appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

How to Use Less Paper in Your Classroom

Before we get into classroom paper organization ideas, let’s first ask ourselves: How can we reduce paper? We know reducing it will simplify our lives, save us time and money, serve students’ parents more effectively, and that it is better for the environment.

We also know that the education system is moving that way with the waves of technology that are entering the classroom and the strict school budgets. School districts are even restricting the amount of paper teachers can use by tracking the number of copies they make. Some districts even go as far as to require teachers to get copies pre-approved and/or sent through a copy center.

Below are some simple ways to use less paper, so you will have a lot less to organize.

1. Communicate with Parents via Email

Set up an email group and use that in place of newsletters and general notes to the families. I don’t recommend sending a parent any negative news, confidential information, or any message where your tone could be misinterpreted through an email. Email, however, is a great way to send “happy updates” along with reminders.

2. Utilize Technology Tools to Send Parents Reminders

There are also some great sites that will allow you to send text reminders to your families without giving away your personal cell phone number. This is a highly effective method of communicating things that would normally need a paper reminder. My favorite is Remind101.

3. Assign Online Homework Assignments

Creating online homework assignments will eliminate the need to manage paper back and forth and also saves you tons of grading time. Sites like xtramath, IXL, studyisland, and spellingcity allow you to track student progress for accountability. If you are not familiar with a “flipped classroom” approach you may want to look into it as another method of saving class time and paper.

4. Use Online Platforms to Assign Work

Set up Google Docs, Google Classroom, Dropbox or another “cloud-based system.” You may want to offer a workshop for parents explaining how to use this. This will allow you do distribute and collect assignments electronically. It’s also a great option for storing extra copies of worksheets and homework in the event a student is absent or loses an assignment.

5. Substitute Task Cards for Worksheets

Task cards are a great substitute for worksheets when students are working in centers. They are a lot easier to store and reuse year after year as well.

6. Repurpose Page Protectors

Make only a few copies of a worksheet and have the students use dry erase markers and page protectors to complete an assignment. There are really nice plastic ones out there, but simple page protectors that usually go into a binder work just fine.

7. Use Small Individual Dry Erase Boards

Have students use dry erase boards during whole group instruction in the classroom. It’s a great way to keep them engaged and show their thinking during learning time.

8. Embrace Project Based Learning

Engage your students in hands-on project based learning experiences. Having students document their thinking and work on paper is not the only way to show evidence of student learning. Take photos and videos of student work. Oftentimes, this provides even better evidence. Be sure to check your school’s policy on taking pictures and videos in the classroom.

9. Utilize Electronic Devices

Use a computer or iPad for all of your teacher resources, lesson plans, anecdotal notes, etc. One great strategy is to bring an iPad or other tablet to all of your meetings so your notes are all in one place and stored in your device. This makes it so you can reference all your notes with ease.

10. Store Resources Electronically

Don’t keep hard copies of anything that you can access online. Instead, keep everything in organized folders on your desktop computer so you can find what you need with ease.

How to Organize Specific Types of Papers

Below are tips and resources for organizing specific types of paper commonly found in classrooms. These classroom paper organization ideas are a game changer!

Photocopies and Worksheets

The first classroom paper organization ideas are for photocopies and worksheets.

Do you have stacks and stacks of photocopies on your desk? It can be overwhelming! Luckily, this is a problem that can be fixed. You just need a solid plan, a little bit of time, and some cheap materials.

Pick a Location

First, establish a location for the copies and materials you’ll need for the day. I recommend setting them up for the next day each afternoon before you leave school. This will make your morning run much smoother and everything will be accessible for a sub in the event of an unexpected absence. Some ideas include laying them out in sequential order on a shelf at the front of the room, placing them by subject in stacking trays, using plastic drawers to sort by subject, and housing them in a vertical pockets.

Create a System

The second step is to develop a system for holding your copies for the upcoming week. I am currently using cardboard boxes from IKEA that I decorated for each day of the week. I like these because they are open at the top which makes it easy to add papers and they are wide enough to hold everything I need.

When the copies are made, I simply slide them into the appropriate box for the day I plan to use them. I love this method for a few reasons: a) Everything is at my fingertips; b) the vertical design makes it easy to flip through and find what I need; c) in the event that I am out unexpectedly or need to leave the room, someone can step in and take over; d) if we have a snow day or don’t have time to get through everything that had been planned, it is very easy to shift the materials over to the next day.

I have additional boxes labeled for homework, next week and the week after next. This allows me to get ahead in my copying by up to 3 weeks. I used to use plastic drawers for this purpose, but I just prefer the boxes.

In the past, I also used hanging file folders. I had labeled 31 folders with numbers 1-31 with each representing a day of the month. I would then file my copied papers into the folder for the day I planned to use them. I didn’t hate this system, but I found the folders weren’t big enough and if we had an unexpected snow day it thwarted my system.

Teacher Meeting Notes

The second set of classroom paper organization ideas are for teacher meeting notes.

As you know, teachers teach. Teachers inspire. In addition, teachers go to meetings. Lots and lots and lots of meetings. These meetings all have different purposes. Sometimes you listen. Sometimes you contribute. Sometimes you leave with a list of things to do. Sometimes important information is shared. Sometimes some not so important information is shared, but you may still need to follow-up or reference those tidbits of info at a later time. Because of this, it is important that you create a system for documenting the meetings and their outcomes. Like all methods of organization, it really comes down to what works best for you and your style. Read to learn a few ways to do this below.

Multi-Subject Notebook

You may wish to use a multi-subject notebook and designate each section to a different type of meeting.

Journal

Some teachers get a journal and write everything sequentially into that one little book and flip back by date to find what they need.

Paper Agenda

Another option is to take your notes on the back of the paper agenda that is passed out, hole punch it, and keep them all in a binder.

Binder

If you have an all-in-one teacher organizing binder then you may want to just be sure you’ve included a section for meetings. You may also prefer to develop a separate system for keeping your meeting notes organized. In the past, I used a binder. I liked the organization of the separate sections and the ability to add 3-hole punched papers to it.

You could start by listing all of the different meetings you attend. Some suggestions include: staff/faculty meetings, student study team meetings, grade-level planning meeting sessions, special committees, data meetings, etc. or you could just keep them all in one section (and perhaps use a different color pen for different types of meetings). You’ll also want to include a section for “other.” For each section create a tab and include paper for meeting notes. You might also want to include an empty page protector that you can slide agendas and other handouts into. Include simple calendar pages for easy reference on dates. I typically jot things down that are related to future meetings and follow-ups and then add them to my master calendar afterwards.

Folder

At times, I felt the binder seemed a bit too bulky for its purpose. I found that using a pocket folder met my needs in the same way a binder did, but took up far less room in my bag.

I’ve created printable templates for each of the types of meetings that I need to attend each year. I made several back to back copies of each and slid those copies into plastic page protectors (with each type of meeting having one designated page protector). This means I have one page protector labeled “faculty meeting” with 5 two-sided copies inside, I have one page protector labeled “grade-level meeting” with 8 two-sided copies inside, etc. I place these in my teacher binder.

During any given meeting, I take out the corresponding template, write in the date and any important info (location, special presenters, etc) and use that page to take notes. If there is a “call to action” that must be addressed after the meeting I make note of it in the follow-up column. I keep the most recent page on top and store the others underneath in order. The reason for doing it this way is that it keeps all related meeting notes together without adding extra pages to flip through in my teacher binder.

Post It Notes

The third set of classroom paper organization ideas are for sticky notes.

Raise your hand if you heart Post-Its! I love-love them! I love the colors. I love the way they stick and unstick. I use them for oodles of purposes. However, I found that I was often jotting down “to-dos” and then never doing those things because they were stuck in random places. When I created my new teacher binder for the upcoming school year, I decided to finally put an end to the post-its surrounding my computer monitor fiasco which made me feel not-so-Clutter-Free.

I created a resource that includes 8 different templates for teachers. This Post-It Organizer Packet will help you organize and manage all of those little post-it notes that accumulate. The printables can be used as-is or you can laminate them. Simply hang them on the wall, insert them into page protectors in a teacher binder, or insert them into a frame placed on your desk. They look fantastic when copied and printed on colorful cardstock. Learn all about my system for organizing Post It notes in this video: How to Organize your Post-It Notes.

If you are curious about the list of items on my sticky notes, you can learn more about them here:

• Plan Back-to-School lesson plans
• Update my Teaching Procedures & Routines manual for my classroom aide
• Copy my Writer’s Idea Banks for 1st week
• Copy applicable pages from my Parent Teacher Conference Packet for Curriculum Night
• Copy Judy Moody activities and First Day Jitters activities for the 1st week of school.
• Laminate and Cut Spelling Centers to use with any word list.
• Create the Mystery Reader Sign-Up Book for Curriculum Night

Papers from Your Teacher Mailbox

The next set of classroom paper organization ideas are for all those pesky papers that come from your teacher mailbox.

Is your teacher mailbox constantly overflowing with magazines, notes, and forms? These are the most challenging pieces of paper. They are the ones that come at you and require you do something. However, they can also be the most important papers and, therefore, it is necessary that you establish a procedure for handling them. I struggled with this influx of papers until I researched classroom paper organization ideas and created a simple system for how to organize them. Learn all about that system below!

Recycle

Stop as many papers from coming into the classroom as possible. If you have a recycling bin near your teacher mailbox I suggest sorting your mail before leaving the area. Recycle anything you don’t need so it doesn’t end up in your classroom needed sorting later.

Establish an Inbox Organization System

Get yourself an inbox to temporarily hold all of these papers that come at you. A basket, bin, folder or box is a perfect until you can give them the proper attention. You want to avoid walking into your room and dropping them on your desk. I love using accordion folders. I love this system because it makes my action papers portable. I can take the folder to the copier to go through while the machine is printing or easily slip it into my bag.

Pick a Time

Establish set times to address these papers. Begin by designating a time to sort through the papers in your inbox and divide them into the following categories: read, file, respond. Then structure a specific time during the day to address the individual categories. I find that sorting at lunch time and addressing them just after dismissal works well.

Utilize an Outbox Organization System

Create an “outbox” for the forms you’ve filled out and papers you need to pass along to someone else. A file tote that fits in your school bag may be a good option for you. This will allow you to drop off completed papers on your way out of school in the afternoon or when you come in the next morning.

Papers You Reference Often

The last set of classroom paper organization ideas are for papers you reference often.

Most papers can be viewed and then the information can be added to your calendar or filed away. However, there are some papers that we find ourselves referencing often. Some examples would include master school schedules, phone extensions, the monthly school calendar or lunch menu, etc. Read below to get ideas about how to organize papers you reference often.

Create a Wall Display

Some teachers create a small bulletin board for their own use next to their workspace. This would be a good place to display papers that you need to reference but your students do not.

Creating a wall display that both you and your student benefit from is a great way to showcase papers you all need. I hang the school calendar and monthly lunch menu on a display in my classroom that also includes our calendar. It is next to the clipboard where the students order lunch so it makes sense for my to keep it all together.

Place Papers Where You Need Them

I use a photocopier to reduce the size of the phone extension list and keep the smaller copy taped to the desktop under the phone.

Utilize a Teacher Binder

If you have a teacher binder, you can add a tabbed section for frequently accessed pages. I keep a digital copy of the master schedule for the school on my computer in a file with my lesson plans and a hard copy in my teacher binder.

In closing, I hope you found these classroom paper organization ideas helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

• How to Declutter Your Elementary Classroom
• Teacher Desk Organization Ideas for Elementary Teachers
• Tips for Organizing Your Teacher Bag (and Keeping It Organized)

Classroom paper organization is such a massive topic, which is why I dedicated an entire module to it in my Classroom Organization Course. Another resource I created that has a section all about paper organization is my Classroom Organization Guide.

The post Classroom Paper Organization Ideas for Elementary Teachers in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

It’s time to clear away the stuff that is not helping you or your students. No matter where you are in your teaching journey, it’s likely that you have quite a bit of decluttering to do. This surplus of things isn’t good for you and it’s definitely not good for your kids. Let’s start getting you on your path to being a much more organized teacher.

This post will help you clean out the things you’ve accumulated in your classroom. You’ll learn what to do with old teaching materials. If you are serious about decluttering your classroom this year, be sure to check out my Classroom Organization Workshop for Teachers.

5 Reasons You Need to Declutter Your Classroom

Without even realizing the extent of it, having too many things is causing problems for you as a teacher. Chances are, an untidy classroom is also negatively impacting your life outside of school, too. 

I am so passionate about removing stuff from classrooms because I’ve seen how it hinders student growth and teacher productivity. The items you possess should help achieve your professional goals and the learning goals you set for your students. Your things should not be obstacles that impede those goals.

I could easily share a lengthy list of the benefits of having an organized classroom. However, for the sake of time, I’ll simply spotlight the top problems clutter causes for teachers and students. Clutter negatively impacts your teaching, your students’ learning and your personal life. Knowing how it does will motivate you to work through the process of decluttering.

Are you already convinced you need to declutter? If so, check out this decluttering challenge for teachers!

1. Too Much Stuff Costs you Time

2. Classroom Clutter Costs you Money 

3. A Messy Classroom Causes Stress and Anxiety 

4. Clutter Causes Behavior Issues and Student Distraction

5. Others May View You as a Teacher Hoarder or Packrat

You may be an amazing, caring, highly effective teacher. Does your classroom reflect that? Is your space messy or disorganized? How might that impact the way administrators, colleagues and your students’ parents view you as a professional?

Clutter can affect your interpersonal relationships with the important people you work with daily. Parents and colleagues rely on you to be on time and to quickly. They expect you to fulfill your professional responsibilities without running late, missing deadlines, or failing to fulfill obligations.

A cluttered, untidy classroom is reflects poorly even if you are able to work in “organized chaos.”

The Truth About Messy Classrooms and Teacher Organization

Here’s the thing… some educators are perceived as teacher hoarders. Oftentimes, it’s not their fault.  If you consider yourself to be a packrat working in a cluttered classroom, please give yourself some grace. Here’s why:

On top of that, some teachers have been teaching 20+ years and have collected so much stuff. Retiring teachers leave a surplus of things behind for the the new teacher. She then has decades of materials to deal with. It can be a blessing and a curse.

To successfully declutter your classroom, it’s important to begin by understanding why you have so much stuff. If it is because you have a scarcity mindset, you’ll need to work through those feelings. 

3 Reasons Teachers Have Too Much Stuff

Below are 3 reasons teachers have too much stuff.

1. Scarcity Mindset

Teachers are expected to buy too much. Aside from the basic necessities and curriculum, I personally funded everything in my classroom for years. Teachers for scarcity mindsets because expected to do so much with what little they have. If they paid money for it or think they may be able to use it one day, it becomes a permanent part of their classrooms. 

2. District Mandates

Teachers are often required to house decades of outdated curriculum and old teaching materials in our classrooms even though there is a thick coating of dust on them and zero expectation to be using them.

3. It Builds Up Over Time

Some teachers have been teaching 20+ years and have collected so much stuff.  Or, a retired teacher leaves everything to a new teacher, who then has decades of materials that are both a blessing and a curse.

To successfully declutter your classroom, it’s important to begin by understanding why you have so much stuff. If it is because you have a scarcity mindset, you’ll need to work through those feelings.

In our online professional development course, Classroom Organization Made Easier, I walk elementary teachers through some simple ways to overcome the mentality that all teaching materials need to be kept. 

So many of them have told me that step alone made the biggest impact in getting rid of their classroom clutter. I definitely recommend you start by taking a few minutes to reflect on how your cupboards, closets, shelves and drawers became so stuffed and untidy.

What to Keep and What to Toss

Do you have the motivation to transform your classroom into a distraction-free learning environment? If so, you need to now build momentum to get the job done.

Knowing what to keep and what to toss will make the process much easier.

In the Classroom Organization workshop, we create non-negotiable rules that make it easy to clean out a classroom without overthinking what to do with each item. This step is very helpful because it personalized the process and takes into account a teacher’s individual situation.

There are useless and outdated items commonly found in all elementary classrooms.

I created a free checklist for teachers of over 30 items you can pitch right away without even thinking about it.

If you’re a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grade teacher, grab the free checklist. It will help you get started on your path to a tidier classroom right away.

What to Do With the Clutter in Your Classroom

You may be wondering what to do with old teaching materials. Once you’ve decided an item needs to go, there are five ways to get rid of it.

1. Trash

Broken, unusable and too out of date to use itemsc an be thrown away.

2. Recycle

Any papers or recyclable items (such as that overflowing bag of cardboard tubes from empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls) that are of no value to you or anyone else should be dropped into the recycling bin.

3. Give it Away

While you want to be careful not to burden other teachers with your junk, in some cases the saying, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” holds true. New teachers, student teachers, daycare centers and homeschool families can often find use for the teaching materials, manipulatives, games, and activities that are not serving you or your students.

4. Donate

If you don’t have anyone in mind to give it to, consider donating it. I am especially fond of non-profits that will come and do pickups or have drive-up drop off centers.

5. Sell It

Teachers have made a lot of money selling the things they don’t need online or via yard sales.

The last option is temping and inspirational. In Classroom Organization Made Easier, I spotlight how you can make money while organizing your classroom. I also guide teachers like you through a tried and true process declutter your classroom without feeling overwhelmed and detail all the different ways to get rid of the abundance of things in your classroom for good.

I want to share a bit of that with you here. One of the best ways to clear out your classroom and not feel guilty about getting rid of things is to host a teacher swap.

How to Plan a Teacher Swap

Below are 5 steps for planning a teacher swap in your building.

1. Consult with your administration

Make sure your administrators are on board with the idea.

2. Identify a location

We were lucky because we had a classroom available and were able to run our swap over the course of a week. This was ideal because people could drop and “shop” at their leisure. If you don’t have a room available you could get creative and designate a space behind a stage curtain, a table in the teacher’s lounge or a space in your copy room. You may also want to consider services that may end before the official school year does (library, PT, preschool) and see if they would be willing to allow you to use their space.

3. Choose a time frame.

Pick a start date and end date. Designate a specific day. Have each teacher put the unwanted materials outside their classroom door after dismissal. Teachers can stroll around looking for treasures. You could also spread it over a week if you have the space to accommodate that. You will also need to decide what time the swap will happen.

4. Create a plan for how to handle anything left over.

In our case, our custodians took care of it for us. Make sure teachers know they are responsible for their own cleanup if that is the case.

5. Spread the word about the event.

You could post a flyer, send an email, post it in the daily bulletin (if you have one), or announce it at a staff meeting.  I created this flyer for you to either use or use as a model.  If you choose to use it, simply fill in the date and time and spread the news to your coworkers.

10 Obstacles to Decluttering Your Classroom

Once you get past the scarcity mindset that many teachers have, there will be other obstacles that may prevent you from getting started or thwart your progress.

The best way to prevent yourself from getting stuck and giving up is to plan ahead and think about how you will overcome these challenges proactively.  Reflect on the possible obstacles below and brainstorm a strategy of what you will do in response.

1. I am too busy and don’t have enough time to clean out my classroom.

One strategy to overcome this is to block time in your calendar. They can even be very small chunks.  For example, you may say that you will work on minimizing the number of things in your classroom 15 minutes per day right after school or 30 minutes per day every Tuesday and Thursday.  Look at your schedule and figure out what works best for you

2. I am exhausted and feeling burnt out as a teacher.

If you find that you are exhausted at the end of the school day or end of the school week and don’t have the energy to declutter you classroom at that time, perhaps consider working on it before school or at the beginning of the school week.  Find a time and day where you feel energized and motivated to make a positive difference in your classroom.

3. Getting organized is expensive. I don’t have extra money to spend money.

There is a common misconception that decluttering and organizing your classroom has to be very expensive.  You see all of those Instagram and Pinterest posts showing gorgeous organization systems with colorful bins and drawers.  This is not a requirement for minimizing and organizing your classroom.  There are so many free or cheap solutions.  

READ | Free and Cheap Storage Solutions

4. I have a hard time letting things go.

You may feel reluctant to let things go because you paid a lot of money for them, they have sentimental value, you worry you may need it someday, or you feel wasteful getting rid of something that is in good shape.  But guess what?  Clutter is not serving you.  It is not making your life easier.  Therefore, if you are a Marie Kondo fan and want to KonMari your classroom, you can thank it for everything it has given you. If the KonMari method is not for you, just get rid of it.

5. I am overwhelmed and not sure where to start.

It’s important to sit down and create a plan before beginning.  This initial time investment will prevent you from wasting even more time later on in the process.  If you feel overwhelmed just thinking about a plan, then check out my Classroom Decluttering Online Workshop that will walk you step by step through everything you need to do to get a clutter-free classroom.

If you need a quick win to get the ball rolling, check out this free decluttering challenge for teachers.

6. I am not sure what to let go of.

Ask yourself these questions: Can I find this resource online? Do I absolutely love it? Have I used this item in the past year? Does it fit my vision? Am I required to keep it? Could someone else benefit from this item more than me? Is it taking up useful space? If I didn’t feel guilty, would I still keep it?  

These questions will help you determine if you should keep it or not.

Also, be sure to read the section of this blog post dedicated to “what to keep and what to toss” and grab our free checklist of 30+ things to toss today to jumpstart your classroom organization journey.

7. I don’t know what to do with the stuff I am decluttering.

 Evaluate each item and determine if it should be thrown away, recycled, donated, passed on to someone else, sold, or stored.  It may be helpful to keep a trash can, recycling bin, and other labeled bins close by while you are going through the items.

8. I have to store old textbooks and curriculum I don’t use in my classroom.

Outdated curriculum and materials, unwanted furniture, and resources handed down from former teachers may be filling up your classroom.  I recommend double checking with your school administrator to make sure you need to keep it.  If so, store it in a place in your classroom that is not easily accessible.

9. The clutter in my classroom does not bother me.

Even if you do not feel that the mess or excess is negatively impacting you, it’s important to recognize that it is negatively impacting many of your students.  For example, some students may find a messy or disorganized space distracting and have a difficult time focusing as a result.

10. Even if I declutter my classroom, it’s going to creep its way back.

When you finish clearing out your classroom, it’s important to establish and follow routines, employ the help of others, create an organization journal, and use one of my favorite strategies of all time: FIND IT AND FIX IT.

7 Mistakes Teachers Make: Don’t Do These When You Declutter Your Classroom

7 Common Classroom Organization Mistakes

1. procrastinating getting started
2. trying to organize before purging the excess
3. lacking the right “tools” (spoiler alert: they are cheap and easy to get)
4. becoming distracted with decision making
5. jumping in without a plan
6. tackling the process without support
7. having unrealistic expectations

The Best Way to Get Your Classroom Organized and Keep it That Way

I hope these tips and ideas have motivated you to declutter your classroom and get started on your classroom organization journey. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out this free decluttering challenge for teachers!

Being organized is a skill. It doesn’t take a lot of time or money (in fact it saves you both).

 It does however take a plan to get there without feeling overwhelmed.

Do you want a clear, step-by-step proven process to transform your classroom into a calm, effective learning environment?

Would you like to become a much more efficient teacher?

Imagine becoming a much more efficient teacher who enjoys spending productive days with your students… without working nights or weekends.

If any of the above sounds good to you, I welcome you to check out Classroom Organization Made Easier Workshop.

The post How to Declutter Your Classroom in 2024: Teacher Organization Tips to Get Rid of the Mess appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

7 Benefits of Being an Organized Teacher

You likely understand that having an organized classroom makes teaching easier and more enjoyable. However, you may not realize all of the areas having an organized classroom impacts. Read the 7 benefits of being an organized teacher listed below that demonstrate the importance of classroom organization.

1. Saves you time

Are you often late for school because you are running around your home packing up your school bag, looking for the papers you’ve scattered over the weekend or trying to locate your car keys? Do you end up staying at school later than you would like because tasks require looking for supplies and materials? This doesn’t have to be the case. Getting organized is the key to getting back valuable lost time!

2. Saves you money

How many times have you bought a book or a teaching tool and then soon discovered you had the same item hidden in a closet? How many things have you replaced because improper storage left them crushed, bent, folded or faded? An organized classroom will spare you those expenses. You spend enough on your classroom already!

3. Improves your professional relationships

The third benefit of being an organized teacher that demonstrated the importance of classroom organization is the impact it has on your professional relationships. Whether you realize it or not, clutter can affect your interpersonal relationships with the important people you work with daily. Parents and colleagues rely on you to be on time and to quickly fulfill your professional responsibilities without running late, missing deadlines, or failing to fulfill your promises. Being on top of everything frees up your time. You can use this time to enjoy lunch in the teacher’s lounge, visit with other teachers, and be part of any Friday festivities that may be planned for after school.

4. Improves your health

Teaching is stressful enough. A disorganized classroom adds additional stress to your busy life. Stress wreaks havoc on your body and your mind. Additionally, clutter enables dust and allergens to collect which can trigger allergies, cause headaches, sniffles, and sore throats. Getting your classroom decluttered and organized will also free up extra time for you to go for walks, hit the gym, or enjoy relaxing hobbies.

5. Makes you happier

Disorganization can negatively affect your mood. It’s hard to enjoy teaching when you feel like you are always stressed and overwhelmed by a chaotic schedule and a clutter-filled environment. Being on top of all that you have to do, and transforming your classroom into an organized learning space, will have you feeling energized, productive, and proud to have parents, colleagues, and administrators visit.

6. Saves your personal space

Do you have bins and tubs containing classroom materials stored in your home? Are you driving around with school books and supplies in your car? Your home and your vehicle are your personal space. They shouldn’t be taken over by the mounds of classroom materials that belong at the school. Having this separation will help you unplug and not think about school during your nights and weekends.

7. Makes you a more effective teacher

Is lesson planning a chore because your books and resources aren’t easily accessible? Do your students get off task waiting for you to find something you forgot to have handy for your lesson? Finding your planning or lesson materials quickly will allow you more time to be creative in your lessons. In addition, it will provide you with those crucial extra minutes to spend helping your struggling learners.

The Impact of an Organized Classroom on Students with Learning Differences

Having an organized classroom is helpful for all students, but especially for students with learning differences. I cannot overstate the importance of classroom organization.

There are 13 categories of special education according to IDEA:

• Autism
• Blindness
• Deafness
• Emotional Disturbance
• Hearing Impairment
• Intellectual Disability
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impaired
• Specific Learning Disability
• Speech or Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment

Students with one or more of these diagnoses face unique challenges in general education settings that require the support of modifications and accommodations outlined in their IEP.

These are not the only students who face challenges in the general education setting. There are other students who do not qualify for an IEP, but qualify for a 504 plan. These students have support through accommodations outlined in their 504 plan.

All students, ones with and without learning differences, benefit from an inclusive, kind, and welcoming learning environment that can be characterized by structure, consistent routines, and organization.

In particular, students with anxiety and ADHD benefit from this type of classroom tremendously. In this environment, they know what is expected of them and what is happening next within the school day.

An organized classroom benefits all students in your classroom. However, your students with learning differences benefit in a greater capacity. It provides them an environment that empowers them to reach their highest potential in the general education classroom.

How to Have an Organized Classroom

Now that you understand the importance of classroom organization, let’s get started!

Your first step in getting the organized classroom of your dreams is to declutter. That’s right – throw out the trash, recycle the unnecessary papers, and purge the things you don’t need anymore. Easier said than done, right?

If you want to take all of the guess work out of the decluttering process, check out this post about how to declutter your classroom and this free classroom decluttering challenge. They will have your room looking much more organized and have you feeling less overwhelmed in under an hour! Sign up for the challenge and make this year the year you feel less stressed, enjoy teaching in your clutter-free classroom, and stop taking school work home on your nights and weekends. Sign up now!

If you want to go beyond a 1 hour clean out, then check out The Clutter-Free Classroom Guide to Classroom Organization. It makes the whole process of organizing your classroom super easy to get the classroom you deserve with a systematic procedure that guides you step-by-step through the organization process. It has proven tips, systems, and ideas to make your job so much easier! This classroom organization guide is also available in my Classroom Organization workshop.

The post The Importance of Classroom Organization in 2024: How Being Organized Positively Impacts You and Your Students appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

5 Classroom Organization Ideas for Organizing Everything

Below are 5 classroom organization ideas that are great ways to organize everything in your classroom.

1. Numbering

Put your students’ names in alphabetical order and assign a number to each child sequentially based on that list.

Number EVERYTHING in your classroom, including cubbied, folders, binders, mailboxes, etc. Train your students to not only write their name on their work, but to also write their number in the top right corner of their assignments. This will make it easy to put papers and forms in numerical order and quickly identify missing items.

Numbering each individual student supply is a bit time consuming, however you will eliminate lost time throughout the entire year because it will be easy to find and identify misplaced items. It will also decrease disputes between students. If your students are not old enough to do this themselves, look for volunteers to do this for you. Be sure to have a class roster visible that includes the student numbers.

2. Grouping

The second classroom organization idea on the list is to group like items together. This will make it easier for you to keep an accurate inventory of your belongings so you know when you need to replace consumables. Grouping also encourages students and volunteers to put things back where they belong.

3. Labeling

Do not be shy when it comes to labeling. Stick labels on anything and everything you possibly can. Labeling makes it faster to find what you need quickly. It makes it possible to volunteers and students to find things and put them back in the proper location, Labeling items in a classroom can be done in many ways.

• Computer labels or an actual label maker work great for small objects and containers.
• You can print onto paper, cut out labels and attach them with clear packing tape. I tend to print labels on paper so I have more flexibility in the sizing. I then mount the printouts onto cardstock, laminate and attach with tape, hot glue or velcro dots.
• Adhesive label holders work well for containers you plan to keep, but may change out the contents of over time. The labels slide in and out which can be a great time and money-saver.
• You can also just write on objects with permanent marker. Teachers have the tendancy to want to make everything look amazing, but the point of labeling is to help with organization and it is OK for somethings to simply function well without a lot of effort.

4. Using Containers

The fourth classroom organization idea on the list is to use containers. Placing things into containers when not in use helps to keep them together, and also improves the ease of finding them if the container remains in the same location. Putting items into smaller containers within a larger container increases the organization even more.

Use clear bags to house like objects. Store those bags together with other like objects. An example of this concept would be putting all of your pattern blocks, Base Ten blocks, and linking cubes into bags and then putting all three bags into a plastic tub.

5. Color Coding

Color-coding not only creates a cohesive look when like objects are grouped together, it also saves you time as a teacher because it makes things easier to identify at a glance.

• Color code each subject. For example if math were green you could use green folders, green notebooks, write learning goals and assignments on the board in green marker, copy important resources onto green paper, etc.
• Color code groups of students. Some teachers color-code alphabetically, by table, or by another form of grouping (such as reading groups or guided math groups).

3 Classroom Organization Resources

If you are serous about getting your classroom organized, then I recommend checking out these resources!

1. Classroom Decluttering Challenge

This decluttering challenge is a simple project that will take you 1 hour to complete. It will have your classroom feeling less cluttered and disorganized. Sign up for the challenge now!

2. Classroom Organization Guide

The Classroom Organization Guide is a great tool for teachers. It makes the whole process of organizing your classroom super easy. In addition, it helps you get the classroom you deserve with proven tips, systems, and ideas to make your job so much easier!

3. Classroom Organization Workshop

The Classroom Organization Workshop is a comprehensive course that walks you step by step through all of the stages of organizing your classroom. You’ll go through modules for preparing to be clutter-free, decluttering, creating storage solutions, organizing all of the papers, organizing everything else, and then establishing systems for maintaining your organized classroom. This workshop includes the classroom organization guide, as well as videos and printables.

In closing, I hope you found these classroom organization ideas helpful! Head here to learn more about classroom organization!

The post Classroom Organization Ideas for Elementary Teachers in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

Classroom Storage Ideas for Elementary Teachers

Below are lists of free and cheap classroom storage ideas. In addition, they is a list of classroom storage ideas that require more of an investment, but may be worth it.

8 Free and Upcycled Classroom Storage Ideas

Don’t be afraid to ask your students’ families, colleagues, friends, and family for donations of any of the items below. When upcycling everyday items, you’ll want to keep the following items on hand: spray paint, Mod Podge, decorative paper (e.g. wrapping paper and scrapbook paper), duct tape, Washi tape, and labels. Be sure to use a consistent color scheme (no more than 3-4 colors) to create a cohesive look in your classroom.

1. Target Boxes

I do love Target at any time of year, but the back-to-school section has a special place in my heart. While I glare at it with bitter eyes in early July because it is way too soon to be thinking about going back, my excitement increases as the summer progresses. In addition to those perfectly pointy Crayolas and gorgeous speckled composition books, there lies hidden treasures. Boxes! Not just any boxes, either: these are sturdy, colorful boxes that are designed to house notebooks and other related supplies. They are also perfect for organizing your classroom (especially the shelves). And they are FREE! I simply condense the straggling folders and notebooks into one box and ask really sweetly for the (now) empty ones. Put a label over the writing and you have some awesome new storage tools.

2. Copy Paper Boxes

The second classroom storage idea on the list is copy paper boxes. Copy paper boxes are easy to obtain, sturdy, and congruent (which makes them easy to stack). The downside is that in their natural state they are ugly and can add visual clutter to your classroom. A simple solution is to cover them in contact paper or fabric to make them not only uniform, but also allow them to match your classroom decor.

3. Shoe Boxes

Cover it in scrapbook or wrapping paper and use it to hold things like science experiment materials and math center games.

4. Baby Wipes Containers

Baby wipes come in a variety of different containers made of hard plastics. They can often be stacked and are good options for housing a variety of small manipulatives or art supplies.

5. Pringles Cans

The fifth classroom storage idea on the list is Pringles cans. Pringles cans are tall and also come with a lid which is great for games or holding things inside.

6. Crystal Lite Containers

These containers are perfect for holding smaller items. They are sturdy and have a lid. The label peels off extremely easily and you are then left with a clear container.

7. Stonyfield Yogurt Containers

Cover it in duct tape and Washi tape and use it to store smaller items in your classroom.

8. Progresso Bread Crumbs Containers

The last item on the list of free classroom storage ideas is Progresso Bread Crumbs containers. These sturdy containers are great for holding things like rulers and popsicle sticks.

5 Cheap Classroom Storage Ideas for Teachers

Below are 5 cheap classroom storage ideas for elementary teachers.

1. Ziploc Bags

Ziploc bags are outstanding for organizing within a container. I love them because they come in so many sizes and you can add labels or write directly on the bag.

2. Small Trash Bags

Small trash cans are perfect for storing pattern blocks, multilink cubes, and other math manipulatives that kids grab by the handful to use. They fit perfectly on storage shelves and the open top works well in this situation.

3. IKEA Magazine Holders

IKEA magazine holders work great for organizing photocopies. They are cheap (especially if you are able to snag the super frugal cardboard ones, like the ones sold at IKEA). They are open on top which makes it easy to add and remove papers. Also, they have a wee bit of expansion ability so you can stuff them if you have a week that is copy-heavy. The downside to this low-budget option is that they will wear down over time if used as-is. You can reinforce them with packing tape, but honestly the cost is so low it makes more sense to me to just replace them as needed. I would estimate their lifespan to be a couple years.

4. Dollar Store Containers

Dollar Store containers are great! Be cautious about mixing and matching too many sizes and colors. Using containers that are the same size, shape and color will present a much more organized appearance.

5. Containers from The Dollar Spot at Target

The Dollar Spot at Target offers so many different containers. It’s easy to find something that will be perfect for the space you are working with.

10 Investment Classroom Storage Ideas

Below are 10 classroom storage solutions that are more expensive, but may be worth it. You can decide!

1. Construction Paper Organizer

After YEARS of struggling with organizing, managing, and storing construction paper, I finally caved in and bought a sorter for that purpose. I’ve now owned my construction paper organizer for many years and am happy to report that it has far exceeded my expectations. It has not only solved an ongoing problem I had, but even after years of use, it continues to be sturdy and look like new. I’m always hesitant to purchase things made out of cardboard, but this item has been phenomenal.

2. Wooden Literature Sorter

Not only does a wooden literature sorter work great for student mailboxes, but also for unfinished work boxes.  I recommend assigning a number to each student, labeling each box with a number, and placing a list of student names and numbers next to the boxes so classmates and volunteers can help to put assignments in when needed.  I found that sliding different colored papers into each slot, as well as using different colors to label the boxes, provided helpful visual cueing. This made it easier for students to find the correct box quickly.  

3. Corrugated Literature Sorter

If you are looking for a cheaper version of the wooden literature sorter, check out this corrugated literature sorter. I have used a cardboard version, but found it did not withstand the amount of daily use that these boxes endure. I think it is worth the investment to get a sturdy wooden set.

4. 10 Drawer Cart

Although a bit pricier, my favorite way to store classroom items is in plastic drawers. They provide vertical storage and are easy to move around as needed. I’m especially fond of the drawers that slide out all the way. A 10 Drawer cart are really worth the initial investment.

5. 3 Tier Cart

We have all seen these carts all over social media, and for good reason! 3 tier carts are great! They are a fantastic tool to keep near your small group table so you can easily access everything you need quickly and easily for your small group instruction.

6. Stacking Trays

These stackable trays have grooves that hold them in place. These stacking trays will fit perfectly on top of your desk.

7. Small Containers for Centers

These small colorful containers are great for storing math and word study centers. Stick a label on them so you or your students can grab them and go.

8. Clear Storage bins

For larger items such as seasonal items and thematic units, you may wish to consider the bigger bins and tubs. It’s easy to see inside of the bins because they are clear. That’s why I also stick with clear storage bins for this purpose.

9. Tiny Containers

These tiny containers are great for storing dice for math and word study games. They effectively prevent dice from flying around the room during learning time.

10. Baskets

These colorful baskets are great for all kinds of centers (e.g. math and science).

We hope you found these classroom storage ideas helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

• Classroom Paper Organization Ideas for Elementary Teachers
• Financial Tips for Teachers at any Stage of their Career
• 10 Tips for How to Save Money as an Elementary Teacher

The post Classroom Storage Ideas for Elementary Teachers in 2024 (that are FREE or Really Cheap) appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

If you are really serious about decluttering and organizing your classroom, then check out this Classroom Organization workshop. It walks teachers step-by-step through the decluttering and organization process and empowers to take back control over their classroom.

20 Mistakes Teachers Make When They Declutter Their Classroom

Below are 20 mistakes teachers make when they declutter their classroom.

1. They don’t have a clear purpose or goal.

The first mistake teachers make when decluttering on this list is they don’t have a clear goal. Before you start to declutter, it’s essential to identify a clear goal that you hope to accomplish.  This goal will depend on your specific needs.  It can be a very specific short-term goal, a more general long-term goal, or a combination of both.

2. They don’t have a plan.

It’s so important to sit down and create an action plan before beginning.  This initial time investment will prevent you from wasting even more time later on in the process.  If you feel overwhelmed just thinking about a plan, then check out this Classroom Organization Workshop that will walk you step by step through everything you need to do to get and maintain a clutter-free classroom.

3. They don’t change their mindset before beginning.

In addition to setting goals and creating a plan, it’s incredibly important to change your mindset before beginning to declutter.  You need to be ready to part with your belongings and attack this task in a cold heartless fashion.  Jokes aside, it’s important to be in a good place where you are ready to throw things away and get rid of them.

4. They procrastinate.

They keep putting off decluttering because they are overwhelmed with the task in front of them.  This goes back to creating a good plan that you feel confident in.

5. They have unreasonable expectations.

Some people think they can do it all in a day or even a week.  Of course the timing depends on your goals, but it’s important to remember that you, teacher friend, are short on time.  This is a marathon, not a sprint. But the important thing is to get started! Use this classroom decluttering challenge to get the ball rolling.

6. They don’t give themselves time to collect all of the tools and supplies they need ahead of time.

Some people rush into decluttering without taking the time to prepare and make sure they have everything they need. There is nothing worse than not having the right tools to complete a task. You don’t want your decluttering time to be interrupted or stalled, especially since you are short on time. You’ll need large garbage bags, cleaning supplies, a timer, amongst other things.

7. They try to do it all at once.

This is one of the most common mistakes teachers make when decluttering and organizing their classroom. They try to bang it all out during a prep period. This results in a torn apart classroom when students get back from special, completely unfinished, and worse off then it was before. Instead, break up the process into smaller chunks before or after school.

8. They try to do it completely by themselves.

Decluttering a classroom, especially one that has 20 years worth of stuff, is not a small feat.  Don’t be afraid to employ the help of family, friends, colleagues, and students.

9. They start with items that are important to them or have sentimental value.

If the first category of things you try to get rid of are incredibly important to you, it is going to be difficult for you to make any progress and you will likely train yourself to keep things rather than give them away.  Instead, start with a category you don’t have any sentimental value in.  You’ll get more and more comfortable with getting rid of your stuff the more you do it.

10. They try to organize before decluttering.

It’s so important to go through the process of decluttering and then the process of organizing.  Don’t waste your time organizing stuff that you are going to get rid of anyway!

11. They give up before they’re done.

Don’t get discouraged if it’s taking longer than you had anticipated.  Keep going and don’t give up!  Refer back to this post about how to declutter your classroom to reignite your passion for decluttering.

12. They prioritize perfection over progress.

Don’t stress yourself out during this process striving for perfection at all times.  You are making moves to improve your classroom environment so you can better serve your students.  That’s amazing!  Keep doing the work and keep moving forward!

13. They get sidetracked looking at their things and reminiscing over them.

You found a box of photos from 2012 of the sweetest class you have ever had. Instead of looking at the photos and interrupting your plan, put them off to the side and look at them when you are not in the middle of your decluttering process.  Keep going, teacher friend!

14. They overthink everything.

Should I keep it?  Should I donate it?  Am I better off trying to sell it?  Make a quick, firm decision and make it happen.  Think about how much better your life is going to be without so much stuff.

15. They keep too much.

Remember what I said earlier, you need to be ready to part with your belongings and attack this task in a cold heartless fashion.  Think about your dream classroom.  Does it have the things you are keeping inside of it?

16. They throw out too much.

Whoops! You threw away important documentation you needed for an upcoming IEP meeting.  Be sure to not just dump everything into the trash!

17. They buy more stuff.

When they go through the process of getting rid of stuff, they are bringing more things into the classroom.  It sounds counterintuitive, right?  Consider not purchasing any new items until you have gone through and inventoried what you already own.

18. They don’t throw out, donate, or sell clutter right away.

They do all of this work of purging stuff, but they don’t follow through on sending it to the places they belong.  Now they are left with a jam-packed car of things to bring to the local donation center, which just moved the clutter from your classroom to your personal space.  Instead, get rid of it right away!

19. They don’t have a plan for how they will maintain the space after they are done.

Woohoo! You have a clutter-free classroom! Congrats! But wait… a week later it’s starting to resemble the classroom you had before all of your hard work.  This is why it’s important to make a plan that will keep your classroom clean so your hard work won’t go to waste.  Once you make this plan, stick to it and you’ll find that your classroom remains decluttered!

20. They don’t enlist the help of their students to maintain the space.

The final mistake teachers make when decluttering on this list is not involving their students in helping with classroom responsibilities to maintain a clean and tidy space. This is crucial!

When you finish decluttering your classroom, perhaps consider listing tasks students can do.  Think about creating task cards using index cards and place them in an index card box labeled: To Do. Place an additional index card box next to it labeled: Been Done. As children have time, they can pick a card from the to do box, complete the task, and move it to the “Been Done” box.  Once all the cards have been completed, move them all back to the to-do box.

A second strategy for getting students involved in the maintaining process (which is one of my favorite strategies of all time) is called Find It and Fix It. The concept is simple. Children scurry about like little worker bees, and moments later the classroom looks like it should be preserved behind glass because it is too perfect to touch.  It’s seriously magical!

In closing, we hope this post was helpful! If you are ready to declutter and organize your classroom once and for all, then check out this Classroom Organization Workshop for teachers. It will walk you step-by-step through the process of organizing and decluttering your classroom.

The post 20 Mistakes Teachers Make when they Declutter their Classroom in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

What is the Clutter-Free Classroom Organization Bundle?

The Clutter-Free Classroom Organization Bundle is a tool that helps you become an organized teacher and have your room looking and functioning better than ever. It includes a detailed, full-color guide filled with photos, tips and ideas, a companion workbook to help you systematically declutter, organize and set-up your room for success, and a bundle that includes 12 printable resources to complement the ideas in the eBook.

What Does the Organization Bundle Include?

The Classroom Organization Bundle contains a generous collection of tools and resources to help make you a highly-effective teacher! You will find the following included:

Clutter-Free Classroom Guide: Organization Made Easy

This includes 60 pages of tips and ideas based on tried and true methods that have been used by real teachers in real classrooms. It will explain in great detail and with color photos how to declutter a messy classroom, organize the things in your classroom, decide which storage containers work best, set up a classroom, create areas within the classroom with purpose, organize student work and supplies, organize every kind of paper in your classroom, and maintain an organized space and save yourself time throughout the year.

Classroom Organization Teacher Workbook

This 20 page workbook is a companion guide to the eBook. It was designed to help you work through the systems in the book for organizing your classroom in a well-planned manner that will make success easier for you.

Rules for Decluttering List

This printable will simplify the decision-making process and enable you to declutter your classroom faster and more thoroughly. There is a second version included in the workbook that allows you to make your own rules for decluttering.

Classroom Genre Library Labels

These printable resources are great for labeling bins or bookshelves.

Classroom Leveled Library Labels

These printable resources are great for labeling bins or bookshelves. There are two options: Letters A-Z for labeling leveled book baskets and numbers 1-18 for a numbered labeling system.

Classroom Supply Labels

These printable resources are great for labeling school supplies in your classroom.

Math Manipulatives Labels

These printable resources are great for labeling bins, drawers, or other containers holding math tools.

School Subject Labels

These printable resources are great for organizing copies, collecting assignments, or storing extra papers. They fit well on plastic drawers, dishpans, magazine boxes and many other containers.

Days of the Week Labels

These printable resources are great for organizing copies or storing daily work. They fit well on plastic drawers, dishpans, magazine boxes and many other containers. Each sheet contains 5 labels for each of the weekdays and features clipart.

Work in Progress Folder Labels

These printable resources are great for managing student work. The following resources are included: Work in progress folder labels, name labels, numbered name labels, and pocket labels.

Weekly Communication Folder Labels

These printable resources are great for managing parent communication. The following resources are included: Weekly folder labels, name labels, numbered name labels, pocket labels (Leave at Home & Return to School), home to school and back communication pages, and an explanation note for parents.

Find It and Fix It Printables

These printable resources will help you implement the best strategy for keeping your classroom organized every day. The following resources are included: Certificates, winner checklists, and rules poster.

How to Know if You Need the Organization Bundle

Reflect on the questions below to determine if you need the organization bundle.

• Do you often stay later than you would like each day?
• Are you walking into school and instantly feel defeated by the site of your disorganized classroom?
• Do you feel frustrated or embarrassed by the condition of your classroom? 
• Are you not enjoying the time with your students as much as you should?
• Does starting fresh with less clutter sound appealing?
• Would you like to save time and be more efficient in the classroom?
• Do you want to enjoy your nights and weekends doing what interests you?

If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions, you certainly are not alone. Teachers continuously tell me they are feeling overwhelmed more than ever before. Changes in policy and increased demands certainly are factors but frequently a cluttered classroom is also contributing to stressful days.

10 Steps for How to Organize Your Classroom

Below are the 10 steps for how to systematically and efficiently organize your classroom. I’m excited to share that each of those steps are explained in lots of detail and with photos, examples, and printable tools to make the process super simple in my eBook, A Clutter-Free Guide to Classroom Organization. The guide includes lots of printables to help you get and stay organized. 

1. Take before pictures. 
2. Create an action plan. 
3. Enlist the help of others. 
4. Know where your clutter will go. 
5. Gather supplies. 
6. Make a clean sweep. 
7. Schedule time to work on the space. 
8. Work through the decluttering process. 
9. Organize the items that remain. 
10. Create systems to maintain your new clutter-free classroom.

In closing, I hope you found this post about how to organize your classroom helpful! If you did, I recommend scooping up my classroom organization bundle and reading these blog posts:

• Classroom Organization Ideas for Elementary Teachers
• How to Declutter Your Classroom
• Classroom Paper Organization Ideas for Teachers

The post How to Organize your Classroom in 10 Easy Steps – 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

This post will equip you with the information you need to declutter and organize your teacher desk and establish systems and routines for maintaining an organized work space. Get all of the teacher desk organization ideas below!

5 Steps for Organizing Your Teacher Desk

Below are 5 steps for organizing your teacher desk. There are tons of great teacher desk organization ideas imbedded in them as well.

1. Reflect on why it’s important for you to have a clean workspace.

Before we get into anything related to teacher desk organization, think about why you want a tidy workspace and the benefits of keeping a clean desk. Below are some examples to help you start the brainstorm process.

• A clean workspace will improve efficiency.
• It will present an organized, professional image.
• Having systems to maintain your space daily helps protect confidential data and student information.
• It will make you more relaxed and less stressed.

2. Determine if you need your teacher desk.

Again, before we get into any teacher desk organization tips, think about if you even need a desk. Teacher “desks” often become teacher “offices,” which take up a good chunk of the classroom. If you are short on space, you may want to consider doing away with the desk completely. Ask yourself the reflection questions below to help you determine if you actually need your desk.

What do I use my desk for?

If the answer is storage, then think about other places that you could store those same materials (or better yet, declutter the space and get rid of some of them). If you use your desk for planning, grading, etc. then consider alternative spaces that would work better.

Am I the only one benefitting from the space?

Teacher desks frequently monopolize a large fraction of the classroom, yet only one person is getting use out of it. Consider how you could use the space to maximize student learning.

How does this piece of furniture affect my teaching?

Most teachers report that they don’t spend much time at their desk. When children are present, they are working with them and not sitting alone at a desk. When they are out of the room, there are tables available to work at.

How does my desk area usually look and how does that make me feel?

If whenever you look at your desk you feel overwhelmed and stressed, then that’s a good sign that this is a problem area for you. Another thing to consider is the feeling you get whenever an administrator, colleague, or parent walks in your classroom. You know your desk is a direct reflection of you. If it is cluttered and messy, then that sends a message to anyone who sees it.

Is getting rid of the desk an option? If not, how could it be repurposed?

I currently have a teacher desk in my classroom. I doubt it could be removed because I don’t think there would be anywhere to store it. However, I am planning to repurpose it as an area that kids can work at. It’s higher than the tables so it’ll be a good option for those friends that like to stand and work.

If you have determined you need a teacher desk, then let’s focus on how to make it organized and more efficient! Read below for the next steps!

3. Declutter your desk.

It’s very easy to accumulate a lot of unnecessary “stuff” in and around a desk. Start by determining what you really need and what you can remove from the classroom.

And remember, the more you get rid of the less you’ll need to organize. 

1. Gather 2 small sorting containers (labeled keep and donate), a recycling bin, and a trash can. Place the sorting containers on top of your desk. Open one drawer at a time, remove the items and place them into the appropriate container.
2. Now go through the container of items you plan to keep, sort and reconsider the items. Place like items together (pens/pencils, stickers/stamps, paperclips/binder clips, etc). Get rid of anything that is considered excess. You don’t need three scissors or four bottles of whiteout.
3. If you have a teacher supply closet at your school simply place the excess staples, paperclips, and other items there. It’ll be there when you need it. If you can’t stand to part with it then consider getting a small storage box and placing all of the duplicate and overstocked items inside so that your actual workspace is simplified.
4. After you have removed everything from your desk, give it a deep cleaning. Add in organizational systems for sorting objects with labels before returning items to it.
5. Designate a space for things that come and go with you each day so they are not left out on your desktop (i.e. cell phone, camera, keys).
6. Try putting everything you need into a box next to your desk for a week or two. When you take an item out to use place it inside your desk. Reevaluate the items that are still in the box and weren’t used at the end of the designated time period. Do you really need them?

4. Organize your desk.

The next step is to organize your desk. Below are 12 teacher desk organization ideas that may be helpful!

Avoid the big desk calendar.

The first teacher desk organization idea on the list is to avoid the big desk calendar you often see on teachers’ desks. Those giant calendars that cover the surface of a desk look like a good idea, but can be problematic for several reasons. Desk calendars are large and awkward. The items placed on top need to be removed or shuffled to access it, and those items don’t always find their way back to the correct home.

A much better solution is a small planner that is portable and easy to use. If you prefer to view the year or month at a glance, consider creating a display next to your desk that you can see, but not bury.

Only put items you actually need in the desk.

Most likely you will never find yourself in a situation that requires you to immediately put your hands onto 24 pens, 13 boxes of paperclips, and 43 elastics. Use smaller, marked containers to house the surplus of these items and keep only a few handy in your desk.

Create smaller compartments.

The third teacher desk organization idea on the list is to use small boxes or drawer organizers to contain small items in your desk. This will keep your desk not only looking tidy, but will make it easy to find and put away objects that would otherwise be tossed loosely inside.

Label the areas within your desk.

A label greatly improves your chances of returning items to the correct location. It also prevents you from placing items into spots where they do not belong.

Create a bulletin board next to your desk.

You can either invest in a cork board or simply cover the existing wall with paper and border. Use it to display important items like schedules, lunch menus, procedures, etc. If an item is confidential (for example: student addresses and phone numbers), create a “pocket” to hide the information, but still keep it at your fingertips. A file folder works well for this.

Organize your tasks.  

The next teacher desk organization idea on the list is to use stacking trays or a vertical wall system for separating items. Some great categories include: to do (things that need to be addressed, filled out or copied), to file (papers that need filing), and to read (items that need your full attention). Also consider that trash can to be your fourth and most important filing category.

Create a home for your plan book.

Always keep it in the same place when you are not writing in it. Inform a close colleague about where you keep your plan book and teacher manuals, so that in the event of an unplanned absence everything will be accessible.

Store small items into your desk.

This includes paperclips, pens, erasers, and such. Desktop organizers seem like a good idea, but add visual clutter and take up valuable space. They also make it too easy for children to access them.

Clean off your desktop often.

Get in the habit of always cleaning off your desktop before lunch and before you go home. This will ensure that you don’t reach the point of being overwhelmed by the task.

Relocate items on your desk.

Take the items that are typically found on a teacher’s desktop and relocate them to a drawer. They’ll still be easy to access, but won’t be cluttering the area. This includes things like post-its, a stapler, tape, etc.

Use small containers within the drawer to keep things organized.

One of my favorite teacher desk organization ideas on the list is to use small containers within drawers. Labeling the baskets is helpful too. There are some great desk organizer products available, but I prefer to keep everything out of sight.

Always be ready for a substitute.

Strive to leave a clean workspace with emergency sub plans out and visible when you leave each day. Not only will you feel more productive coming into a clean spot, but you will never need to worry about sub plans again.

5. Establish systems and routines.

Once your desk is organized, develop routines to make it easy to stay that way. Get into the habit of always clearing off your desktop at the end of prep, before lunch and before you leave for the day. This will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed or having to spend a ton of time at it at once.

Stop using sticky notes for reminders.

Instead of using sticky notes, keep one notebook designated for reminders and to do lists. I love me a Post-It too, but they make your work area look cluttered.

Limit the family photos and kid art.

It’s nice to have pictures of your family available so that your students can connect with you and know you are human. It’s also great to be able to look at the smiling faces or your loved ones while you are away from them. However, your classroom should not be a shrine to your family. Consider creating a personalized binder cover insert or a page protector with your personal photos. You could also go digital and simply look at your phone when you want to see those adorable little smiles.

Say no to knick-knacks.

Limit the personal items on your desk. They take up valuable real estate, are another thing to manage, and could get damaged accidentally. We want everything on our desk to serve a purpose.

Schedule times to clean your desk.

Make this a routine. My class takes a few minutes to wash their hands and gather their recess things just before lunch. They also take about five minutes to pack up to go home at dismissal. I use both of those times to “manage” my desk. I quickly recycle anything I don’t need, address things in my action file, and relocate anything that has been placed onto the surface. Because it never gets to the “out of control” stage, I am able to tend to it during these two short periods of time. After the kids leave for the day I wipe the desk down and place my emergency sub binder in the center of the desk.

Stick to one type of pen.

Pick a brand and color that you like and use it exclusively. Only keep 2-3 on hand at a time.

Don’t print emails or resources unless you absolutely need to.

Reducing the amount of paper you have also reduces the amount you’ll need to manage. Avoid having unnecessary papers as much as possible.

Keep a clear desktop.

You’ll be amazed at how this makes you feel psychologically. To achieve this goal store things in the drawers, attach photos to the desk or on a nearby wall. 

Consider creating a “traveling office.”

Create a traveling office by placing a pair of scissors, a stapler, a roll of tape, a couple pens and some paperclips into a portable tote or caddy that can be stored on a shelf, under a table or in a cupboard when not in use. This gives you so much flexibility!

Have a plan for all those student drawings that are presented to you.

Perhaps you could designate a small bulletin board and rotate the gifted artwork or simply say, “this will look beautiful on my fridge at home.”

Create smaller containers and spaces.

Small containers are a great way to store items within drawers. Use small boxes, plastic containers, muffin tins or draw sorters to keep things organized. Go the extra step by labeling each section. It greatly increases the odds that you’ll put things back into their proper place. As I mentioned earlier, this is definitely one of my favorite teacher desk organization ideas!

Find a method of managing cords that works well for you.

You can use zip ties to tighten them and/or a basket to corral them.  You could also cut holes in a box to keep the cords together while in use. Attach a label near the power source to identify the purpose of the cord. 

Do not use your workspace as a closet.

Designate a closet or drawer to house your purse, coat, and lunch bag during the workday. Try to refrain from hanging your coat on the back of your chair.

Establish routines for maintaining a clutter-free, clean workspace.

Keep a container of baby wipes in your newly decluttered drawer. Get in the habit of clearing the surface throughout the day and wiping it down before you go home.

Keep your keyboard clean.

Use the sticky end of a Post-It note to clean between the keys on your keyboard.

Avoid eating at your desk.

It will invite mess. Plus, you need a real break during the day.

Have a designated space for notes.

Having a spot for notes and a method for organizing your Post-Its will help you avoid little scraps of paper here, there and everywhere.

Avoid a generic “inbox tray.” 

Raise your hand if you are guilty of this! Instead of using a generic inbox tray, invest in a filing system. Create sections for managing papers (i.e. need response, to be copied, to be corrected, to be filled out, etc). This will keep things current and allow you to have less piles to shuffle.

Go paperless.

Do this as much as possible. Use your iPhone for notes, calendar, etc. to reduce the amount of paper you need to manage.

Keep a paper shredder and a trash can within close proximity.

This will make it easier to purge items in your work area as needed. This is a highly underrated teacher desk organization idea, but it makes life so much easier.

Designate one day a month for a deep desk cleaning.

This is a great routine to get into. Get rid of anything you’ve acquired recently that you don’t need along with items you may have initially saved.

In closing, we hope you found these teacher desk organization ideas helpful. If you did, then you may also be interested in my classroom organization workshop, as well as these posts:

• How to (Finally) Declutter Your Classroom this Year
• 5 Time Savers for Elementary Teachers
• How Teachers can Save Money on Groceries Each Week

The post Teacher Desk Organization Ideas: How to Declutter and Organize Your Workspace in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

This classroom cleanup will simplify the process of cleaning and equip you with a tried and true plan. By committing to this classroom cleanup challenge, you will rid your classroom of germs that have been circulating all winter, make you feel rejuvenated and organized, and help you make the most out of the final weeks and months of the school year. Read below to learn more!

How to Get Ready for Your Classroom Cleanup

There are two things you need to prepare for your classroom cleanup.

First, gather all of your cleaning necessities. Retrieve trash bags (the more the merrier), cleaning spray (vinegar and water are a great non-toxic option for school), rags or microfiber cloths, and a container of baby wipes. This will ensure you won’t have to stop mid project looking for supplies and ruin your momentum.

The second thing you need to do to prepare for cleaning your classroom is to get in the mindset. Remember this process is not going to happen in one day. Enjoy the process and limit yourself to 20 minutes each day. This will prevent it from becoming overwhelming, while still producing results.

Day 1: Throw Away

We’re simply going to tackle the surface clutter. While I do encourage you to tackle your classroom as a whole for a take-no-mercy purging session at some point, the point of the spring cleaning series is to take only 20(ish) minutes a day to rejuvenate your space.

Today we are going to fill a trash bag and/or recycling bin with anything that can be removed from the area.  Pick a corner.  Any corner will do. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes.  Moving as quickly as possible, travel in a clockwise direction around the perimeter of your classroom and discard of anything and everything that does not need to be there. You do not need to open any closets, drawers or cupboards. Simply go after the surface clutter you see on tables, counters and open-shelves. Make a fast decision on what to do with it if it is broken, torn, or worn. You can repair it, replace it, or throw it away. If it is one of the last two options, then I recommend getting rid of the damaged item as you make your initial rotation around the classroom.

Once you have made it all the way around and back to your starting point head to the center of the room and continue filling your bag or recycling bin with anything else you see that you can part with. Do not get distracted by things that you want to keep but are out of place. We’ll deal with them tomorrow. 

Day 2: Put Things Where They Belong

Once again, the goal is to only spend 15-20 minutes at most to complete this task and I recommend setting a timer to keep you focused and on task. I also suggest that you make the job efficient by enlisting the help of a couple of “runners” to move things along quickly. Make arrangements to have some reliable students come in early, stay after school for a bit or even stay in and give you a hand at recess. They will feel honored to help. It will also allow you to get the job done fast.

You are going to put things where they belong. Pick a corner of the room to start with and move clockwise around the perimeter until you return to your starting point. This time your task is to take anything that is out of place and move it to its designated space in the classroom. When you find something that needs to be relocated, hand it to a runner and have them return it to the proper location. Once you have made it around the room you can work on the areas in the middle.

If you have extra time and eager helpers, you could ask them to assist in the following: organize bins of manipulatives, art materials, and classroom supplies; test markers/highlighters and discard of any that are dry; check glue sticks and toss the ones that are no longer usable or missing caps; sharpen color pencils in community bins

Now that you have put everything back into place be sure to maintain the organization by playing Find It and Fix It with your class each afternoon.

Days 3 and 4: Identify Items in Need of TLC

We are going to spread out this next task over two days with a weekend in the middle. This will give you time to gather anything you need to complete the job.  Today we are going to start addressing the areas of the classroom that looked so great on the first day of school, but have started to look a bit tattered and torn as the year has progressed.  Grab a piece of paper and something to write with and have a seat in the middle of your classroom.  Divide your paper into three columns and label them as: Repair / Replace / Gather. 

You are going to look for items that need TLC. Set your timer for 15-20 minutes. Just like on days 1 and 2 we are going to start in one corner of the room. The difference is that today you are going to travel visually around your room instead of physically. Identify items that could use a little TLC as you look around your room.

Be on the lookout for torn or damaged bulletin board trims, crooked posters and signs, outdated items (i.e. holiday and seasonal displays), anchor charts for concepts that have been mastered, and things that have faded with sunlight or classroom lighting. As you identify these things, categorize them in one of the columns on your paper and jot down what your want to repair or replace as well as anything you may want to gather to complete the job (tape, new bulletin board border, etc).

If you still have time you can remove the items that you plan to take down or take care of quick fixes (i.e. restaple a falling item or straighten a crooked poster). Otherwise, tuck your paper into your purse and head out the door (TGIF after all). Plan to gather anything you need to make your repairs or replace worn items on Monday while you are out running errands this weekend.  

Day 5: Fix Items

On Day 3, we made a list of the items in our classrooms that we need to repair or replace. Today, we are going to spend some time taking care of the items on that list. This is not a complete classroom redesign. Instead, you should just plan to spend 15-20 minutes making the needed improvements.

You are going to fix items. Set your timer. Review your list. Begin by removing anything that is damaged or outdated that you will not be repairing. Next, address the quick fixes (restaple border or tape a torn poster). Cross off the items on the list as you complete them. If time runs out, make a plan to complete the items on your list as soon as possible.

If time allows, take care of the bigger tasks (change out a bulletin board with spring colors/border).

Additional Resources for Organizing your Classroom

I hope this classroom cleanup leaves you feeling rejuvenated and more relaxed. If you are looking for additional inspiration and assistance for cleaning and organizing your classroom, check out these resources!

Related Classroom Organization Blog Posts

• Tips for Organizing Your Teacher Bag
• 5 Classroom Organization Systems that Work
• How to Keep Your Classroom Neat and Tidy
• Reasons Why Having an Organized Classroom is So Important
• How to Declutter and Organize Your Teacher Desk

Classroom Organization Guide

Are you tired of the piles of papers taking over your classroom and sick of wasting time looking for things constantly? If so, consider checking out this Classroom Organization Guide for elementary teachers. It will help you become an organized teacher and have your room looking and functioning better than ever. It includes 650 pages total including an eBook, workbook, and 12 printable labels and resources.

Classroom Organization Workshop

This Classroom Organization Workshop for elementary teachers includes everything in the classroom organization plus videos that will walk you step-by-step through the decluttering and organizing process to get an organized and systematized classroom environment. This is a great option for visual and auditory learners who prefer a more structured approach.

The post Classroom Cleanup: 5 Easy Steps for Spring Cleaning your Room in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.