Are you frustrated by the sea of papers every time you step into your classroom? Do you find yourself struggling to keep track of important documents and materials amidst the chaos? If so, you’re not alone. Classroom paper clutter is a common challenge for teachers, but the good news is that there are practical tools and solutions available to help you regain control of your space.
In this blog post, we’re going to explore three of my favourite classroom paper organisation and management tools that have been game-changers for me in keeping my classroom clutter-free and organised. These tools have not only helped me streamline my paper storage systems but have also saved me time and stress in the process. Yes please!
Hanging files are a staple in any organised classroom. These versatile tools allow you to categorise and store papers in a way that is both efficient and accessible. Whether you’re sorting handouts, worksheets, or administrative documents, hanging files make it easy to keep everything neatly organised and within reach.
- Why I Love Them: Hanging files are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to suit your specific needs. Whether you prefer to organise papers by subject, topic, or date, hanging files offer a flexible solution that can adapt to your changing classroom needs.
- How They Can Be Used: Hanging files can be used to store a wide range of paper materials, including lesson plans, worksheets, assessments, and more. They can also be used to organise administrative documents such as attendance records, permission slips, and parent communication.
Examples of How I Use Them: If you’ve been around here for a minute, you might be very well aware that one of my favourite organisational systems, The Assessment Box, utilises hanging files as one of its key features. This organisational system has been an absolute game changer for storing students’ assessment tasks, observations, and any other relevant notes or documents.
Divided binders are another essential tool for classroom paper organisation. These binders feature tabs or dividers that allow you to separate and categorise papers within a single binder, keeping everything neatly organised and easily accessible.
- Why I Love Them: Divided binders are perfect for storing and organising papers that you need to access frequently, such as reference materials, student work samples, or teaching resources. The tabs or dividers make it easy to quickly flip to the section you need, saving you time and frustration.
- How They Can Be Used: Divided binders can be used to store a wide range of classroom materials, including curriculum guides, student data, assessment rubrics, and professional development resources. They can also be used to create individualised teacher binders for each subject or grade level.
- Examples of How I Use Them: In my classroom, I use divided binders to store important documents and files that I require in their paper based form. I also tend to prefer to keep a paper based program folder inside a divided binder as I personally find this easier for annotations and notes. I am slowly coming around to the idea of a digital program though!
Rolling carts are a versatile storage solution that can help you maximise space and mobility in your classroom. These carts feature a set of drawers and wheels that allow them to be easily moved from place to place, making them ideal for storing and organising papers that you need to access frequently.
- Why I Love Them: Rolling carts are perfect for storing papers and materials that you need to keep close at hand, such as lesson materials for upcoming units, grading supplies, or student work in progress. The wheels make it easy to move the cart wherever you need it, allowing you to keep your materials organised and accessible no matter where you are in the classroom.
- How They Can Be Used: Rolling carts can be used to store a wide range of classroom materials, including lesson materials, student work, teaching resources, and more. They can also be used to create portable workstations for small group instruction or independent work stations for students.
- Examples of How I Use Them: In my classroom, one of my favourite uses for rolling carts is as subject drawers. I like to store and organise all of the materials and copies for upcoming lessons categorised by subject. I have also seen teachers who then transfer these items into a set of daily drawers for use on a weekly basis. Trial and error to find what works best for you!
By incorporating these three tools into your classroom organisation system, you can take control of your paper clutter and create a more streamlined and functional learning environment for both you and your students.
Ready to Take Your Classroom Organisation to the Next Level?
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending stream of papers in your classroom? Do you dream of stepping into a space that’s organised, efficient, and conducive to learning? If so, I have just the solution for you!
Join me for an exclusive free webinar: “Top 3 Mistakes that Teachers make when it comes to Organising Classroom Paper Clutter”.
During the webinar, you’ll gain valuable insights into the common mistakes teachers make and learn effective strategies to avoid them.
Plus, as a special bonus for webinar attendees, I’ll be sharing exclusive tips, resources, and tools to help you implement the strategies discussed during the session. You’ll leave feeling empowered and inspired to take action on your classroom organisation goals like never before.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to revolutionise your classroom organisation and reclaim control over your space. Reserve your spot now and get ready to work towards your paper clutter-free classroom!
ALL my best,
