As teachers, we all know that a well-organized classroom can make a world of difference. Whether it’s keeping student work sorted or ensuring supplies are readily available, organization helps create an effective learning environment. In this blog post, I’ll share ten essential tips and tricks to help you keep your elementary classroom organized.
1. Color-Coding for Clarity
One of the easiest ways to keep your materials organized is by using color-coding. Assign different colors to various subjects or types of work. For example, use blue folders for math, green for science, and red for reading. This simple visual aid helps students find their materials easily and reinforces the organization. Color code the folders in your (and their) Google Drive to match. Each of my students has their own cubby with a colored bin. This helps with classroom management and adds and easy system for choosing groups or scheduled times to work around the room. For example, my students with a red bin can read around the room on Mondays. It’s easy to spot who is allowed to be where and other kids can help out too!
2. Implement a Work Station System
Set up designated workstations in your classroom for different activities. You don’t need designated tables. Try what I call lap desks and scoop chairs, the kids love them! Whether it’s a reading corner, a math station, or a craft area, having specific spots for specific tasks can help keep student work and materials focused. Many math curriculums have math games incorporated with them. I like these game bins to organize the games and hold all the manipulatives. My teacher desk is my “bubble space” and kids can’t go to the window sill behind my desk. This is where I keep my lesson planner, current curriculum units, daily papers, and office supplies. I use two paper organizers for the daily worksheets and curriculum and a work bench organizer for my paper clips, staples, etc. No work space is complete without little buckets! I use these for so many things it’s hard to name them. They are cheap, cute, and an easy way or organize various supplies. I use these cute chalkboard labels so they are easily interchangeable. My chiropractor recommended elevating my laptop to help with my posture, so the laptop stand you see on my desk is a must in my classroom setup!
3. Use Bins and Labels
Storage bins are your best friends! Here are my favorite 6 quart and 12 quart clear locking bins. I like the crayon and colored pencil bins for smaller things like the dice in the picture above. Invest in clear bins for supplies and label them clearly. For example, you might label one bin ‘art supplies’ and another ‘math manipulatives.’ (See my designated post for how to organize math manipulatives.) This not only helps you find what you need quickly but also teaches students responsibility in returning items to their proper place. Need to label fabric? No problem! Use this iron on tape that prints directly from my favorite label maker! I label EVERYTHING in my classroom and at home with my own kids.
4. Keep a Weekly Cleaning Schedule
Establishing a routine for cleaning and organizing can instill good habits in your students. Dedicate a few minutes each week for students to tidy up their desks and the classroom. We have tables at my school so I have community supply caddies to house pencils, sharpeners, and dry erase supplies. This not only keeps your workspace clean but also gives students ownership of their classroom environment. My 3rd graders always clean best when we play ‘Magic Scrap’. I secretly pick a scrap and watch to see who picks it up. Only after the room is clean, do I declare the winner. The only reward is the fun of the competition and the floor is spotless! Works every time. 
5. Organize Student Work Efficiently
To manage student work effectively, create folders or files for each student where they can submit their assignments. Consider a ‘turn in’ and ‘pass back’ tray setup with these label clips for baskets. This will help you quickly see who has submitted their work and who needs reminders. Classroom mailboxes for students and for me is a must. These are definitely worth the investment! I use the mailboxes as most teachers do but also have my own student file cart. I use this for conferences so I can easily access the saved work I’ve compiled for the meeting.
6. Digital Organization Tools
In today’s digital age, harness the power of technology. Use apps or platforms like Google Drive for organizing resources and assignments. Sharing documents and collaborating with students online can save time and minimize paper clutter.
One of my favorite online tools is Avery Labels. You can use their designs for free and print them on just regular paper to cut and tape. I always buy their address labels to label folders, notebooks, and cubbies. They have so many cute designs to pick from and it’s free!
While doing things digitally can decrease paper clutter, you need a way to keep devices organized. I am lucky to work in a school with provided devices complete with charging carts. I needed to get creative to organize their over the ear headphones. I use a shoe organizer to keep the cords contained and the iron on labels to put their numbers on them. You could also use this plastic shoe organizer if you don’t want to iron on labels. I have a lot of windows and glass doors so my go to hook are these heavy duty suction cups. The kids really pull on the items hanging (like the headphones) and they don’t come loose!
7. Routine Supply Checks
Regularly checking your supplies ensures that you and your students have what you need for lessons. Schedule a monthly inventory check; involve your students in the process. They will learn responsibility and it adds an element of teamwork to your classroom. I have an extra set of heavy duty plastic folders on hand each year to replace the cheap paper ones that inevitably rip the first week!
8. Create a Classroom Layout Map
A classroom layout map is a fantastic tool for organization. It can help students know where to find items and where to return them. Post this map in a prominent area of your classroom to aid navigation. I also place velcro dots on the carpet so they always know where their table should be. I also use these for carpet spots to keep them in their own space.
9. Encourage Teamwork in Organization
Encouraging students to help each other in organizing their work builds a sense of community. Group work can extend beyond assignments—have students work together to maintain their classroom, promoting collaboration and accountability. I use transitions and clean up time as a teachable moment. I teach responsibility and awareness during these moments. Everyone has their strengths and I make sure to point them out!
10. Reflect and Adjust
Finally, remember that what works might change over time. Regularly assess your organizational strategies and see if any adjustments are needed. One of my favorite things to do is tour other classrooms and get ideas from my amazing colleagues. Inviting fellow teachers to your space for a fresh perspective is always beneficial too. Gathering feedback from your students can also provide insights into what’s working and what would help them learn better.
Conclusion
Keeping your elementary classroom organized doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By implementing these tips and being proactive, you can ensure a smooth and productive learning environment. Feel free to email me at beckylynn@teachandthrivelearning.com for ideas with your specific space! Happy organizing!
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