Let’s face it, we need all the classroom organization ideas we can get. I see you!! In your busy life in the classroom, organization is key to ensuring smooth classroom management and effective learning experiences for students. Special education teachers and behavior analysts understand the importance of a well-organized classroom, where materials are easily accessible, and resources are readily available.
Today I have three classroom organization ideas that will not only save you time and frustration but also enhance productivity and improve learning outcomes. And they will protect your time and money in your teaching tools! Let’s dive in!
Classroom Organization Ideas to Save Your Interactive Books
Interactive books are valuable tools for engaging students and promoting active learning. However, keeping track of all the different components can be a challenge. Here’s a simple yet effective solution. Take the book apart and laminate the pages. Then reassemble using binder rings, a binding coil system or even in a notebook.
This has saved my books a million times from students who are a little too enthusiastic about reading them!
Watch the video for more tips on this.
Classroom Organization Tips #2: Never Lose Pieces to a File Folder Again with This Classroom Organization Idea
File folders are a staple in our classrooms, but I hate it when the pieces go missing!! And so do the students!! That catastrophic reaction to what we think are trivial things can lead to TONS of behavior we don’t need!
I’ve tried tons of ways to keep the pieces with the activity including velcroing in the bag to the file folder (when we put it in bins or close up against other materials, it became unattached). I use Velcro to keep the pieces on the file folder but I really like having the file folder ready to go for independent work or centers without having to take off all the pieces.
To avoid losing the pieces and having to reprint, re-laminate, and recut, this solution is the best I’ve found. Take a ziplock bag and tape it under the zipper with packing tape. This way hands can go in and out of the bag…but the bag doesn’t get separated from the file folder. And there is always a place to put the pieces back.
Get Your Team on the Same Page and Improve Learning with This Free Tool
There are so many moving parts to a classroom and the staff are definitely one of those. These days there is no time for having a conversation with staff when they aren’t working with students (and you aren’t either). And that makes collaboration about instructional goals so much more difficulty.
Try having teaching targets or goals for common activities help EVERYONE to focus on teaching the same goals. If you outline your goals for arrival, for instance, to include greeting others, then all the staff remembers to cue that skill. Watch the video below to see how they work.
Organizing the classroom effectively not only saves time and reduces stress but also creates an environment conducive to learning and growth. By implementing these three innovative classroom organization ideas, you can boost productivity, prevent lost materials, and foster effective teamwork.
I love to remember this quote when thinking about organization:
"Organization isn't about perfection. It's about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time & money & improving your overall quality of life. " -Christina Scalise
While I’m pretty sure that quote was written for organization in your home…the same elements apply in the classroom. Really, it’s not about having a Instagram-perfect classroom (unless it bothers you if you don’t–no judging here!). It’s about how organizing makes life easier, increases student engagement, and helps your staff work together as a team. And in this case it can save some money on printer ink and laminate as well.
Happy organizing!
Grab your free target cards from the Autism Classroom Resources Free Resource Library here.
And you can grab the full product of classroom visuals for staff here.
