Handout - The Ultimate Organized Classroom and New Teacher Advice

The Ultimate Organized Classroom 

A well-organized classroom that can practically run itself is easy to achieve. A classroom where files, supplies, and forms can be easily found, where you can easily identify and access student records, and where a substitute teacher can come in and pick up where you left off without any hitches. Just follow our easy steps to create the ultimate organized classroom. 

Step One: Organize resources and materials. Every teacher gets buried in paperwork from time to time. But there are painless ways to reduce clutter and confusion. 

Here are a few tips: 

Color code everything. Use the same color for all materials for each subject or unit. If you can, color code assignments and handouts by using colored copy paper. If you don't have access to colored paper, then use colored labels. Use colored labels on resource books for students so they'll return articles to the right notebook. Use different colors for student records in each class. 

Put everything in binders. Place your teacher resource books in three-ring binders using plastic sleeves. Once again, color code these binders according to subject. Use binders to store articles that you'd like to keep. Store items in boxes. 

Use plastic tubs or cardboard file boxes to store holiday projects, art projects, special books, and supplies. Be sure to label these boxes with the name of each project or unit. 

Step Two: Organize student records. As soon as you get your student list, set up a system that will allow you to access student records quickly and easily. 

Here are a few suggestions: 

Assign numbers to students. Assign the same number to each student that you used in your grade book. Have each student write his or her number on every assignment. Use corresponding student numbers to label all student materials, including mailboxes. 

Use an online grade book. Online grade books allow you to automatically give out online assignments and record grades. 

Make labels with each student's name. Have your students write their names and numbers on labels, which you can peel off and use for all folders, notebooks, and other materials that need student identification, including forms. T

Be prepared for new students. Have packets of information for new students prepared ahead of time so that when a new student enters your class in the middle of a lesson, you're ready. 

Create a seating chart. As soon as your class list is final, create a seating chart from your perspective at the front of the class. This should help you learn students' names and help keep some order in the classroom. Create an assignment basket or tray. 

Use a basket or tray for students to turn in assignments. You can have a different basket or tray for each class or subject. Then train your students to turn in assignments in these places. 

Step Three: Train your students. When your students know and understand class rules and procedures, they'll help you maintain order in the classroom throughout the school year. 

Here are a few key points: 

Establish classroom rules and policies. During the first week of school ask your students to suggest class rules. Chances are, the rules that they suggest will be similar to those you have in mind. If not, you can guide them. ("Should we have rules for getting ready for lunch? What should they be?") 

Include general classroom standards such as cooperation and routines, including restroom use, assignment turn-in, and work standards. Go over district rules with students. These might include suspension and school behavior codes. 

Explain class organization to students. Tell students where they will find supplies and how they should put supplies and materials back. Give them rewards or credits for following directions. 

Step Four: Prepare for extracurricular events. Preparing for activities in addition to the everyday routine can be a lot of work. If you plan ahead, you'll minimize the amount of stress that these events can produce. 

Plan field trips in advance. Take a large envelope (10" x 13"), glue a checklist to the front, and laminate it. On the checklist, include the following: group list directions consent forms emergency treatment forms name tags anything else that you might find necessary. On the day of the field trip use a wipe-off pen to check off which items are inside. Enclose what you need for the field trip and place the envelope on a table so the volunteer drivers can pick it up as they come inside. 

Make Back-to-School Night packets. On the day of Back-to-School Night, have your students create a packet for their families. Include the following: a welcome letter the school calendar your homework policy a copy of your daily/weekly schedule important phone numbers enrichment activities for parents to do with their children at home a calendar outline of your curriculum for the upcoming school year On Back-to-School Night, have all sign-up sheets for the entire school year out on one table. Include field-trip volunteers, room parents, classroom volunteers, etc. 

Step Five: Be prepared for absences. If you've organized your classroom well enough, a substitute teacher should have no problem working in your class when you're out with the flu. 

Here are a few tips that should help you be prepared for a substitute teacher at any time: 

Create a substitute teacher folder or binder early in the year. Use it to file class lists, fire drill rules, seating charts, times and schedule change information, and a general plan for the day for substitutes to follow. You might also include the names and numbers of teachers' aides, helpful teachers, office procedures, and classroom rules and policies. 

Provide substitutes with class subject information. Include notes on students to assist in certain areas. 

Label your cabinets. Itemize the contents of each cabinet so that substitutes can easily find any supplies or materials they need.

Advice for new teachers 

 

Take Charge – have a clear management plan with well-defined rewards and consequences. Explain it to the students, send it home to the parents, and ask for signatures on the plan from both students and parents. 

Keep students busy and engaged – have a number of potential class activities available. Bored kids get into trouble, busy kids stay out of trouble. 

Get peer support – if you are not assigned an official mentor, find an unofficial one. 

Get parental support – from extra supplies to celebration plans, parents are a hidden teacher resource but only if they are pulled into class activities. 

Organize yourself – develop a system that will keep you organized. There is a lot going on in teaching, grading, and monitoring children each day. 

Organize your students – teach students how to organize homework, notebooks, etc. 

Write and reflect – keep a journal to help you reflect on your first year and become a stronger teacher your second year. Have fun – teaching is not only stressful but joyful!!