| As a teacher, you likely understand that the manner in | | | | These easily stack in a corner for out of the way |
| which you organize your classroom is very important. | | | | storage and can put an end to the clutter in your |
| Your classroom organization should foster an | | | | classroom. |
| environment that promotes learning. A well-organized | | | | - Throw away materials that are not going to be used, |
| classroom will be a constant reminder to your students | | | | or donate them to another teacher. New teachers are |
| about your commitment to teaching. Consideration, | | | | usually struggling to come up with their own supplies in |
| pride in accomplishments, respect for others, security in | | | | districts with limited budgets. |
| knowing how, what, where and when to do things are | | | | - Have a file folder with each child's name on it, filed |
| all the positive elements that are found in a | | | | away for portfolio assignments and other must-keep |
| well-organized classroom. Students need a predictable, | | | | paperwork. |
| orderly, and safe environment to excel, which is why | | | | - Get the students involved in keeping their classroom |
| improving your classroom organization can make you | | | | looking good and staying organized by assigning jobs |
| a more effective teacher. An organized classroom | | | | to each child for the week. For example, one child's job |
| can provide you with positive benefits as well, the | | | | might be to clean the white board, while another might |
| most obvious of which are improved efficiency and | | | | straighten up the class library. Kids love to help - and |
| less wasted time. The goals of organizing your | | | | be sure to praise them for a job well-done. |
| classroom are to create a safe and positive | | | | Organizing Students |
| environment for the student that will maximize learning | | | | Students are the most important part of any |
| while minimizing behavioral problems among students. | | | | classroom, and organizing your classroom involves |
| These organizational tips for your classroom will | | | | organizing your students as well. Here are some ways |
| improve your student's ability to learn. | | | | to help students keep up with their class work and |
| Desk Arrangements | | | | homework: |
| - Arrange the classroom so that the desks are either | | | | - Make sure students get organized from the beginning |
| in half-circles with a front row and back row, in groups | | | | of the year by giving them a classroom syllabus. This |
| of four or five, or with the chairs lined up, one behind | | | | will let them know what to plan on. Also include a list of |
| the other. | | | | classroom rules for them to follow, but make the list |
| - Your classroom desks should be lined up so that you | | | | brief so that they can understand them better and |
| can make eye contact with your students, all of your | | | | remember them. |
| students. | | | | - Have each child purchase specific supplies at the |
| - Seat the students in your classroom so that they can | | | | beginning of each year, such as green folders for |
| see the whiteboard, chalkboard, or other visuals. Make | | | | science, blue folders for math, and so on. Label each |
| a seating chart, and subtly move all of the taller kids to | | | | folder on the outside - and on the inside, use one side |
| the back rows, shorter kids in the front rows so that | | | | for homework, the other side for returned |
| everyone can see without obstruction. | | | | assignments. |
| - Do not place desks facing windows; this provides | | | | - Give each student a calendar with assignments on a |
| distraction and also makes a glare that can cause kids | | | | weekly or monthly basis. |
| not to see the board as well. | | | | - Use the old-fashioned reward stickers and reward |
| - Note where areas of high traffic in the classroom | | | | chart for homework assignments and good behavior. |
| are, and keep these areas free from clutter and | | | | When your student accumulates enough stars, he or |
| obstruction. | | | | she can choose from various prizes, including |
| - Your desk should be in front of the class, but not in | | | | homework passes, treats, etc. |
| front of the whiteboard or chalkboard. | | | | By following this short list of tips you will be able to |
| Classroom Materials | | | | keep your classroom and students more organized, |
| - Purchase inexpensive plastic totes when you run out | | | | which should help make you teach more efficiently and |
| of filing cabinet space to store materials for each unit. | | | | effectively. |