By Jenaya Shaw, Guest Blogger
The beginning of the year can be very hectic, especially the first few days. Organization is a key component to maintaining your sanity and establishing those initial classroom management techniques.
I already have the students desks labeled so they know exactly where to sit. Each name tag has a number on it that tells them where to hang their backpacks on the wall. This techniques really helps that morning madness rush.
Beginning of the Year Organization Made Easy
I always begin by labeling big cardboard boxes with all of the supplies that were on the school supply list. All of the scissors go in one box, glue in another box and so on. This makes a quick and easy assembly line on the first day of school and during registration when parents are dropping off supplies. This will free up time for you to tend to students, answer questions and make sure that everyone has transportation home on the first day of school!
These organizational baskets from Really Good Stuff are great to use for community supplies! I use these baskets so students can get what they need quickly during class. The extra compartments really come in handy. Each group gets a basket and they are color coded so groups never get confused. I include their pencils, markers, glue and anything else they may need for the week. This cuts down on excessive walking during class and noise levels.
I use these baskets the first few days to collect any notes, registration papers, transportation changes etc. I label them so the students know exactly where things go. After the first week when things slow down, we use them to turn in work and I label them by subject. This helps to keep all of the papers organized for me to grade.
Good organization is essential in the beginning of the year. It helps those first few days go smoothly and also puts your students at ease. Establishing a good routine and a great plan will help tremendously!
About the Author
Ms. Shaw or (The Lesson Plan Diva) has been teaching first grade for 4 years in Georgia. Ms. Shaw graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a masters in Elementary Education. She has a talent for creating resources for her classroom for her students to enjoy. You can find her blog at Lessonplandiva.com. Follow her on Facebook and Pinterest.
Jennifer Wright says
I love the idea of the labeled boxes for supplies. This is a great idea because it might give those parents who are reluctant to leave, something to do. It also frees up the kids, mentally, so that they don’t have to worry about where the supplies go. Because I teach in a grade level that switches classes, I can see how this might be a great way to pool supplies. Smart!
Tasha J says
I recently saw some of these boxes wonderd how I could use them in the clasroom.Thanks for the great idea! The students will be buzzing with anticipation of this clever idea.