When they are done reading, if they forgot where the book belongs, they simply look for where they left their clothespin to return the book to the proper bin. When a student picks out a book to read, they should leave their clothespin on the book bin. However you decide to organize your books, make sure the book bins are clearly labeled.įinally, Taylor has the ultimate tool to keep your classroom library organized: clothespins! Put each child's name on a clothespin and keep them in a basket near the books. Many teachers keep their libraries in book bins that are organized by genre, topic, and level. The books should be easily accessible and organized so that students spend less time digging around and more time reading.įirst, you need to decide how you want to organize your books.
To have a successful reading program, you need a successful classroom library. At the end of the week, clear out and re-file any remaining materials, and you’ll be ready for next Monday by end-of-day Friday. In your work area, keep a set of baskets labeled by day and store the materials you need in the appropriate bin. This is a big timesaver for teachers! Before the week begins, set aside all the materials you will need for each day of the week. It will take extra work to organize your binders the first year you use them, but by the next school year, you’ll be ready to go with minimal effort. Shoebox-sized plastic boxes are ideal for storing larger craft samples. You can organize binders for various monthly themes and topics and can even store small craft samples.
Instead of file folders, try using binders to store lessons and activities. Rarely used materials can be stored out of the way and only pulled out when necessary. Make sure frequently used items are easy to access and clearly labeled with words and pictures. These will work great for storing manipulatives. This will help them learn to take turns and collaborate!Īt the beginning of the school year, invest in Scholastic tubs, bins, baskets, and small storage boxes-or get creative and use empty coffee cans, jugs, and baby wipe containers. Store frequently used items in shower caddies at each table for students to share. You can also raise funds for your classroom with a ClassroomsCount™ campaign.īy doing this, you eliminate the need to track which items belong to which students. Below, veteran teacher Sharon Taylor shares her best tips on classroom organization.ĭon't let crayons, glue, and pencils take over your classroom! Instead of requiring each student to bring individual supplies, ask parents to contribute to the community collection if it’s possible for them. So how can you feel confident and in control of your space from the first day of school to the last? By organizing your classroom in a way that keeps clutter to a minimum and helps your students function independently. Every teacher knows that an incredible amount of material accumulates during the school year, and classrooms can quickly become unmanageable.