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3 Amazing Classroom Organization Hacks

May 8, 2020 By Rachel

Classroom organization is a big part of managing a classroom. Classroom organization for elementary teachers is even more essential because of all the materials needed to teach multiple subjects.  I’m sharing some of my best classroom organization hacks down below.  

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One of the biggest compliments I get when teachers enter my room is usually my classroom organization. I’m honestly not so sure how this came to be, because as a little girl…my bedroom was a disaster!  Both my parents are organized people, so they continued to teach and model that for me.  I can vividly remember my mom saying…everything needs a place.  It’s something to take that saying seriously in my classroom organizing.

We have SO many things we have to organize in the classroom!

  • teacher supplies
  • Student supplies
  • Papers
  • Books
  • Lesson materials
  • Center materials
  • And the list could go on and on

I wanted to share some more of my classroom organizational hacks so that you can find everything you need.  This is actually not my first post on classroom organization.  I have a post on organizing your classroom library here and a post on organizing some of the random things in your classroom here.

Classroom Organization Hack #1: Drawers

One system that I really like using is drawers for many things, but all the paper is the best for drawers.  I use them to store all kinds of papers that would just sit on my desk, but now they all have a place to go.

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Editable 3 Drawer Labels

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Colorful Drawer Labels

 

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As you can see, I’ve collected a lot of drawers over the years.  I didn’t have these all at once, but it’s definitely a good investment.  Having them clearly labeled is also good for you to find and put things away, but also for your students to help you or as a substitute.  I have put all the cart drawers or similar ones on my Amazon page, however, these are not the best prices.  I would highly recommend you shop around at Walmart, Target, Big Lots, etc. for cheaper prices.

 

 

Classroom Organization Hack #2: Baskets & Containers

Another thing I like to use a lot of is baskets and containers.  They are a great way to put things together so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for in the middle of class.  In my closet, I use a lot of the Sterlite snap lid containers because they are flat on top and you can stack them on top of each other.  I keep a lot of my seasonal books in these, but also units and resources throughout the year.

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In my cabinets, I’ve used these colorful baskets from Really Good Stuff.  I originally bought them to use in my class library, but they weren’t sturdy enough to last after students use them.  But they’re perfect for craft items.

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I also use the same Sterlite snap lid containers for extra office supplies

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I use the big Sterilite bins for seasonal items.  These are great for on top of cabinets, but I also keep a few inside my big long cabinet.

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I have a big basket behind my desk that isn’t very see-through.  It’s the black basket on the third shelf.  I purchased this from Big Lots during back to school season.  They usually sell them every year just in different colors.  This basket is my catch-all basket.  It has random things that I either don’t know where to put them or don’t want to put away.  I like it because it makes it look like things are nice and orderly.  My goal is always to hide the visual clutter!

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I use the same kind of bin to hold all our clipboards and lap desks.

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These containers were also purchased from Big Lots.  I think they’re called magazine holders but they are perfect for teacher editions and things I need frequently.  Again…it hides the visual clutter.

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I have also put all the organizational bins and tubs or similar ones on my Amazon page.  Amazon is a good place if you’re wanting to buy in bulk, but again, I would shop around at Walmart, Target, Big Lots, etc. for cheaper prices on smaller amounts of bins.

 

Classroom Organization Hack #3: Teacher Desk

Everything I’ve already talked about helps with the clutter on my desk, but I’ve also found that just having fewer items helps too.  I only keep things I use frequently throughout the day.  This is all I keep on my desk beside my computer, calendar, and drink.  Everything else goes in a drawer…eventually! 🙂 The stripped container came from Target years ago.  I want another one but haven’t found it since.  The apple post-it holder I spray painted pink to match my room.

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I keep my stapler and tape in a drawer instead of on top.  I use baskets to keep my drawers semi-organized. Using baskets and bins to keep drawers from getting cluttered is helpful!

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This toolbox helps with all the little things that teachers need at a moment’s notice.  I created it several years ago and it’s perfect for all the little office supplies.  This also keeps my desk drawers less junky.

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Toolbox Labels
The toolbox listed on my Amazon page is a great price!  I actually might have to get another one! 
 
Keep in mind that I’ve collected these organizational items over several years.  I do think investing in quality classroom organizational pieces is totally worth it! 

  • Rachel
  • Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: organization

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. JanCT says

      May 9, 2020 at 1:13 PM

      Thanks for this! Like everyone else, I'm teaching from home. Next week, I am going to start cleaning my classroom. Usually I don't do that until after the students leave in June. I appreciate the inspiration! My room will be organized WHEN we return in the fall. (You'll notice I did NOT say "if".)
      Take Care, Jan
      Laughter and Consistency

      • Rachel Vincent says

        June 17, 2020 at 6:20 PM

        Yes! I love your positive thinking!!!

    2. Amanda says

      July 23, 2021 at 10:08 AM

      Do you know where you got the labels for your Really Useful Storage Container drawers?

      • Rachel Vincent says

        July 23, 2021 at 11:40 AM

        Yes! They are in my TPT store! Here’s the link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Three-Drawer-Labels-4746272

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    Rachel | 4th Grade Teacher
    How long is your students’ attention spans? I o How long is your students’ attention spans?
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1️⃣ Think Time - giving your students time to think about the answer keeps your over achievers from answering all the questions 
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3️⃣ Turn & Talk - Everyone shares their answer with a partner
4️⃣ Hand Signals - Perfect for multiple choice questions
5️⃣ Think-Pair-Share - Combines the think time with turn & talk 
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1️⃣ Instructional Goal - How are you improving your instruction?
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4️⃣ Non Instructional Goal - What other area are you trying to improve?
Here’s my 4 goals!
1. Vocabulary Instruction 
2. 2 Positive Notes a Week
3. Leave by 3:00 3 out 5 days
4. Clean off back counter once a week
What are your goals?
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Less teacher talk 🗣
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1️⃣ Give your students time to catch up with each other. Even adults like to chit chat about what we did during break!
2️⃣ Review procedures by playing a fun game. Charades is a great way to act out procedures to see if other students can guess what they’re doing!
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