With the new school year now well underway, now is the best time to look at ways to improve your classroom or learning space.
Organizing a classroom well can save you time and lead to more dedicated and higher quality teaching. Students will also appreciate the structure and routine and encourage them to build good habits. You’ll have more time to dedicate to planning lessons, more energy and a better teaching environment.
There are plenty of classroom organization tips and ideas you can implement to save time and resources. In this article we’ll discuss some of the best ideas available to you.
1) Look first at your desk
Is your desk organized? Or is it cluttered with papers, workbooks and stationary? Decluttering your desk will give you more space for the things that need to be in front of you at all times, like lesson plans or worksheets. Why not invest in a cabinet to keep the items you don’t frequently use?
2) Labels can help
Labeling boxes and files can help you to identify important documents instantly without having to trawl through. Labeling creates a home for things in the classroom, so not only you, but your students know where everything important belongs.
3) Throw away regularly!
Throwing away old or unused items creates needed space in a classroom. At the end of a school term, make time to clear out expired documents, old projects and broken stationary. A clear classroom can also lead to an improvement in student’s work. A clear classroom, a clear mind!
4) Make a ‘where to find it’ spreadsheet
A spreadsheet detailing where particular items are in the classroom can not only be helpful for you, but also any cover or supply teachers using your classroom. Even making a small classroom layout plan can be helpful.
5) Have a clear filing system
Having a clear and concise filing system will allow you to safely store away important documents. With the filing system, be sure to categorize documents and folders by either date, year group or topic.
6) Use your wall space effectively
Wall displays promote a friendly and warm classroom environment. You can also put up posters to help students with everyday tasks and to encourage learning. A chart helping with times tables for example would be beneficial. Displaying past work motivates students to do their best, and provides a space for you to store top pieces of work you want to keep.
7) Use classroom signs
Having signs visible for students showing them where particular items belong helps to maintain a good organized system. Having items stay in the correct place is half the battle! You can also reuse these signs year on year.
8) Don’t overfill storage cupboards!
A storage cupboard needs to be organized still. Make sure they’re not overfilled and maintain a simple system so cover or supply teachers can cope when you’re absent.
9) Employ some classroom helpers
Employing classroom helpers helps to give students a sense of responsibly whilst maintaining an organized classroom. You could rotate these helpers so new students are recruited each week, replacing the previous.
10) Make a plan
Whilst it’s the start of the school year, now is the perfect time to jot down your ideas to make your classroom or learning environment more orgainised. Write a list noting down how specific points will help and how you will implement them. Draw up a routine that will keep everything just as it needs to be – only this time, stick to it!