Teacher organization is a hidden secret to a successful school year. So if you want to up your teacher organization skills, I’ve got you covered with ten tips to help you slay the year.
Staying organized is essential for a successful and stress-free school year. With the start of a new academic term just around the corner, it’s crucial to prioritize teacher organization. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten essential preparations to help you establish a well-organized classroom environment. From creating subject-specific teacher binders to designing efficient classroom setups, let’s delve into each item to ensure a smooth and productive start to the school year.
Subject-Specific Teacher Binders:
Kickstart your teacher organization journey by creating individual binders for each subject you teach. These binders will serve as your central resource hub, storing lesson plans, worksheets, assessments, and teaching materials.
These Editable Teacher Binder Covers make it so simple.
Teacher Organization of Teacher Binders:
Set up separate sections within each binder for units or topics. Label and organize the materials according to the order in which you plan to teach them. This structure will streamline your planning process and provide easy access to relevant resources.
Teacher Resource Compilation & Student Writing Folders:
Fill your teacher binders and Student Writing Folders with a wide array of paper resources, such as graphic organizers, templates, handouts, and reference materials. These resources will come in handy during classroom activities, discussions, and assessments, reinforcing key concepts and supporting student learning.
Example:
Create student desk folders dedicated to graphic organizers, ensuring you have various types readily available. Consider including templates for each writing structure, graphic organizers, word banks, and writing checklists.
You may even choose to create a smaller version of the writing folder resource pages to keep in a writing center or at your small instruction table for easy reference. I like to keep each page on a large ring and add tabs to various sections to quickly identify the writing genre section I need to reference with the students.
Digital Teacher Organization:
Incorporate digital resources into your organizational system. Compile a collection of digital materials, including presentations, videos, interactive websites, and online quizzes, and organize them in folders on your computer or cloud storage platforms.
Example:
Create subject-specific folders on your computer, naming them accordingly. Within each folder, create subfolders to further categorize resources by topic or skill. This digital organization will enable easy retrieval and integration of digital materials during lessons.
Efficient Student Folders:
Guide your students in establishing their own organizational systems with well-structured folders. Encourage them to have designated folders for each subject, allowing them to keep track of assignments, handouts, and other important documents.
Example:
Provide students with folders and notebooks of different colors for each subject. Teach them how to label and organize their folders, emphasizing the importance of regularly cleaning them out to maintain order. Consider using stickers or symbols to indicate different types of materials (e.g., homework, reading notes).
Personalized Covers and Labels:
Engage your students by providing an editable binder and folder cover pages. These customizable templates allow students to personalize their organizational tools, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their academic materials.
Teacher Organization Example of Personalized Covers:
Design editable cover pages for binders and folders, incorporating spaces for students to add their names, drawings, or favorite quotes. Encourage them to decorate the covers using art supplies or printables, creating a sense of individuality and investment in their organization.
Streamlined Classroom Procedures & Schedules:
Develop clear and efficient procedures to streamline daily classroom schedules. Establish consistent expectations for transitions, handing in assignments, and accessing materials, allowing for smoother classroom management and maximizing instructional time.
Example:
Create visual step-by-step guides or posters illustrating classroom procedures and rules. Include clear instructions for turning in assignments, seeking permission to speak, and locating materials. Review these procedures with your students and practice them until they become second nature.
Comprehensive Lesson Plans and Outlines:
Prepare comprehensive lesson plans and outlines for each subject, ensuring a well-structured curriculum. Outline the objectives, activities, assessments, and resources for each lesson to guide your instructional journey.
Teacher Organization Example for Lesson Planning:
Utilize a lesson plan template that includes sections for objectives, standards, materials, and assessment methods. Include details such as instructional strategies, differentiation approaches, and suggested resources. Use these plans as a roadmap to maintain organization and stay focused during instruction.
Here is a link to the Rose Gold Editable Lesson Plan Templates that I use in my own classroom.
Classroom Supplies for Teacher Organization:
Establish an efficient system for organizing and managing classroom supplies. Allocate designated areas or containers for materials, stationery, and other resources to ensure easy access for both you and your students.
Example:
Set up labeled bins or drawers to store supplies such as pencils, markers, rulers, and glue sticks. Consider implementing a supply request system or creating a supply station where students can independently access and return materials as needed.
Effective Communication Tools:
Implement effective communication tools to keep parents and guardians informed and engaged. Utilize digital platforms, parent-teacher communication apps, or newsletters to provide updates, share important information, and encourage parental involvement.
Example:
Utilize a classroom management system or a dedicated email address to communicate with parents. Send regular newsletters highlighting upcoming events, curriculum updates, and ways for parents to support their child’s learning. Encourage parents to reach out with any questions or concerns.
Thoughtful Classroom Setup for Teacher Organization:
Devote time to setting up your classroom in a way that optimizes learning and organization. Consider the layout of desks or seating areas, create designated spaces for materials and student work, and incorporate elements that support various learning preferences. Displaying essential classroom posters with academic sentence stems, such as the Accountable Talk Posters, is a key element in my own classroom.
You can read more about the academic discourse posters here.
Example:
Arrange desks in a way that promotes collaboration and allows for easy movement. Designate areas for classroom libraries, anchor charts, and displays of student work. Consider adding storage solutions, such as labeled bins or shelves, to maintain a tidy and organized learning environment.
As an elementary teacher, taking proactive steps to enhance your teacher organization skills before the school year begins is crucial. By implementing these ten essential preparations, you’ll establish a well-organized and efficient classroom environment. From subject-specific teacher binders to student folder systems and streamlined procedures, these strategies will help you create an optimal learning experience for both you and your students. Embrace the power of organization and set the stage for a successful and rewarding academic journey!
-Melissa
If you’re looking for more ideas on creating a writing routine that works for your elementary-aged students, be sure to check out my Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays: Oh, my! E-book. You’ll love the tips, tricks, and activities to excite your students about writing!
-Melissa
