Another project I have been working on recently (in my scramble to get as much as possible done for August 27th!!!) is setting up a system for keeping MYSELF organized. Classroom procedures are a big part of that, but I am a firm believer that the way to stay organized and clutter-free is to create a space for everything. Each paper or piece of clutter needs to have a place where it belongs. Teaching involves a LOT of paperwork. Where should it all go? Somewhere that you'll be able to find it, certainly!! You don't want to be scrambling to find your pumpkin addition activity during October and just get so frustrated that you end up wasting time just make or finding a new activity. You loved that one you had! Why re-invent the wheel? If you have to stay organized, I say you may as well make it cute! I have set up a monthly binder system for all of my activities, handouts, and parent letters to sleep when I'm not using them! The binder covers are for sale in my store if you like them :)



I also picked up some cheap (and ugly, I might add) magazine boxes which I plan to use for Monday-Friday boxes for storing my materials for lessons. Bought them at staples...and unfortunately, they only came in this 80's acid wash jeans type pattern. Believe it or not, this was the better of the two patterns! The other was cardboard meant to look like 70's wood veneer. However, not a problem! I spray painted them, stuck some pretty card stock on the front of each, and modge podged over the paper. I also added printed chalkboard labels that say Mon-Fri. They were only $6.00 for a pack of 2, so I was able to get 3 extra for a Grade, File, and Copy system as well!

Before....



 Ugly, right??!

 And after!
 

Much better :)

Hi blogging friends! I apologize, I haven't posted anything in a while. I have been crazy getting ready to go back to school! What I have been working on lately has been laying out a solid classroom routine. Since this will be my first year in the classroom (and my first year coming up with my OWN classroom procedures and routines), I was excited about this. Prior to this year, I have been a substitute for 3 YEARS! The only good thing about that is that I have had the opportunity to observe(and try) hundreds of set-ups. I've seen what works, what doesn't work, what I hate, what I LOVE, and what I'd like to try in my own class! Based on all this (and per the advice of Jody of the ClutterFreeClassroom Blog...Thanks!) I have laid out a manual for my classroom (I know what you're thinking...a little OCD...don't lie I know you're OCD too). But seriously, I could not agree more with Jody's advice that a classroom with a consistent, planned, and practiced routine makes your life so much easier. Even more importantly than that...it creates a learning environment with minimum distractions for your little honey bees. In a class where children have a consistent and clear set of routines, the class basically runs itself! I know first hand by seeing many classrooms WITH a great routine (and many with little consistency). Of course, the best time to establish a consistent routine is the first day of school! So get over to Clutterfreeclassroom.blogspot.com and get some inspiration! :)


Clutter-Free Classroom: PLAN OUT EVERY PROCEDURE & ROUTINE {Teacher Tip #6...