Elementary classrooms have SO many things in the classroom that it can sometimes be overwhelming! Do you know how there’s always random stuff in your classroom just lying around? I’m sharing some easy classroom organization ideas that I use in my classroom every year.
Classroom organization is one of my favorite things to talk about, to shop for, and to dream about! It is my jam! See here’s my Pinterest board dedicated only to classroom organization! I wish there was a job for a professional classroom organizer!!
bandages, mints, and nurse passes
Do you know how one sick child can lead to half your class needing to go to the nurse?
Well, I came up with this little system a few years back and it really helped to cut down on the frequent visits to the school nurse.
It’s just a small, 3 drawer container that I picked up at Walmart. I added bandages, mints, and nurse passes to each drawer. The sign on top helps students walk through how to take care of themselves if they aren’t feeling well. I really like how this gives students responsibility for managing themselves. We have many discussions about when we actually need a bandaid, mint, or even a nurse pass. Now if a student was really feeling bad, they’d fill out a pass and I’d send them right away, but this has cut down on the frequent flyers! ;) You can grab the chart for free here.
Teacher Drawers
These drawers have kept my desk so much neater since I’ve started using them! They really help keep papers off my desks and it really easier to figure out where things go. One thing I’ve learned is that if I don’t have a place for it, it’ll just sit on my desk. So I try to find a place for everything.
Teacher Markers
This bucket keeps all MY dry erase markers! That way the students know they are off-limits!
Teacher Tip: Store them upside down to keep the ink fresh!
Missing Parts Bucket
This bucket is for pieces to centers, or math manipulatives, or game pieces. It’s inevitable that as soon as you put it all away, someone brings you a cube or something! I put it in this bucket and then the next time we pull out the centers, I can put the missing parts away. The pick me sticks are just popsicle sticks with student numbers on them. This allows me to choose students at random.
This picture itself makes me super happy!
Yay more organizational help!
Anisa @ Creative Undertakings
I love your drawer labels! Do you sell them on TPT or can I find them somewhere else?
I love your idea, but I am not sure about including bandages. My kiddos go through a ton of bandages even when I am in control of the bandages. I used to use a poster of what to do if you had a soar throat, feel hot, itchy eyes, etc. I have to make a new poster now that I teach 6th grade.
I didn’t actually made the ones in this picture, but I did end up making my own when I was ready for a new look. You can find them here: teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Editable-Three-Drawer-Labels-4746272
Yes, I have had some groups of students who couldn't handle free access to bandages. We just adjust according to our students. I like the poster idea!