Friday, May 24, 2013

Optimum Organization

Organization?!  Did someone say organization?!  I'm pretty sure that is my middle name.  My mother may beg to differ.  Actually she probably wouldn't.  So when I heard Ladybug's Teacher Files and Fun in Room 4B were hosting an organizational linky party, I got all sorts of giddy!


I know Kristen shared her Teacher Toolbox as well, but, man this thing is genius!  It is the best thing I have ever made.  It has a little drawer for every small teacher supply imaginable!  I purchased the toolbox from Lowe's and prettied it up!  I always have my supplies right at my fingertips, without having to dig through a messy drawer to find the exact thing I need.  



You can find a template over at Elizabeth's blog, if you want to make your own!

Another of my favorite organizational items came about after I discovered Teachers Pay Teachers.  I had lots of cards and game materials for my Guided Reading groups, but no way to organize them.  Okay, okay, technically I had elastic bands around them.  Um, boring!

That's when I discovered these small accordion files...



...and these bins that they fit perfectly into!

Score one for the Dollar Spot at Target.  I kept some of the accordion folders intact, which lets me sort the cards if I need to.  In the others, I cut out the insides, so it is just one large pocket.

My last organizational items are a work in progress.  I really like the concept of them, however, I need something slightly different.  These bins have helped immensely in keeping paper clutter off my desk.  When I make copies or choose books to read, I place them in the bin that represents the day of the week I plan to use them.


The only downside is that the paper doesn't stay standing in the bins, but curls up instead.  Maybe plastic drawers or trays would work better?  I'm on the hunt for something that works well for me.

Go link up with one of these lovely ladies, so I can learn more organizational tips!




9 comments:

  1. I'm glad I found your blog and enjoyed this post! I always need help with organization, and I'll be teaching second grade next year, so this will help when I'm getting my classroom ready! :)

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  2. I couldn't live without my teacher toolbox, either :) Thanks for linking up!
    Elizabeth
    Fun in Room 4B

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  3. I have a junk drawer in my classroom that I use for all of my stuff. After seeing your neat toolbox, I'm tempted to make one! I'll have to add it to my summer "to do" list!

    Karen
    anappleadayinfirstgrade.blogspot.com

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  4. My teacher toolbox was my favorite "Monday Made It" project from last summer! I love the idea of using the small accordion folders to place math games and cards. I need to purchase some of those this summer.

    Krista
    Stellar-Students

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  5. Hey Sara! I love your toolbox, it is so pretty!! I still can't get over how helpful that little guy is! Thanks so much for linking up with us :)

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  6. Love the accordion folder idea---thank you!!

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  7. Oh my gosh, the accordion folders for the games! Why have I never thought of this!! Thanks so much, that is going on my summer to do list!? :)

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  8. I have those same accordion folders... and the same green bin to put them in. Target addicts, unite! :)

    Looks like you have some GREAT ideas!

    Jenny
    Luckeyfrog's Lilypad

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  9. I bought 5 plastic dish pans from Walmart -- one for each day of the week, to hold the papers/books/etc. for the day. I like it because they are deep and large enough so I can lay books/paper inside without it curling up.

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