Ready, Set, Organize!
Teaching Pre K-8

Some classroom management tips from a member of the Organizationally Challenged Society

Many teachers are naturally well-organized, with immaculate desks and steel-trap minds. As a certified member of the Organizationally Challenged Society, however, I must work constantly to keep my classroom together. For those of you who can empathize, here are some strategies I use to stay sane.

Keep a notebook nearby at all times

I used to scribble on various scraps of paper that I left everywhere or accidentally threw out. A day planner was no better, since I often left it in other classrooms or at home. The solution: a pocket-sized notebook and a pocket-sized calendar. They go with me everywhere and contain all of the valuable bits of information my brain refuses to store.

Purge old stuff

Yes, I know you're killing trees, but don't try to save all those extra copies of last year's math test. Recycle them instead. You'll probably change the test next year anyway. The same thing goes for that binder of language arts lessons, circa 1983. Pull out what might be useful and throw the rest away. Trust me, you won't miss it.

Get a USB flash drive