If classroom organization does not come easy to you there is hope! You can begin organizing parts of your classroom without sacrificing your free time. You do not need expensive bins or baskets. Implementing consistency and modeling expectations you want to uphold with your students will help you begin simple classroom organization.
Storage ideas
You do not have to spend tons of money on things to organize your classroom. I began with baskets and bins that my mom was throwing out. I also used the Facebook marketplace to find cheap used shelves. One of my favorite cheap storage options is the book bins from Walmart. I also use simple crates to keep students’ books in. Turning them sideways can make them look cleaner and more organized.
Be consistent
It is so easy to leave at the end of the day with your desk not cleared off. After a rough day, I’ve done it before. Try your best to clean up your desk and teaching area before leaving for the day. You will feel much better when you walk in the next morning and you have space to put your things down and get to work. From the beginning of the year until the end, remain consistent.
Hold your students accountable
This is your students’ classroom too. Your students spend just as much time in your classroom as you do. Having them accountable for their part in the organization is just as important as you create systems. Rewards and praise can go a long way when it comes to following expectations. I explain to my students how important it is that our classroom is organized on the first day of school. We do not leave the room for specials, lunch, or recess with the classroom being a mess. That expectation is clear and I hold them to it, even when I am tired and just don’t plain feel like it! Even at the End of the Year.
No matter where you are in your classroom organization journey, you can start at any time to make your classroom run as you want. Be consistent and hold high expectations. Your students will rise to whatever expectation you set.
