As we approach the beginning of the new school year, it’s not just a time for the fresh packs of stationery and putting up your new classroom decor; it’s an opportunity to revolutionise your organisational approach and set yourself (and your classroom!) up for success in 2024. The foundation of effective classroom organisation is comprised of habits and practices that become essential parts of your daily, weekly, and termly classroom routines. In this week’s post, we’re diving into 5 organisational habits that you can take into 2024 to have your most organised year yet. Let’s go!

1. Prioritise

2024 energy is all about prioritising what is most important – and this applies to your professional life, too! It can be all too easy to get caught up in all the trends of classroom setup, decor, cute activities… but by prioritising what is most important and essential, you can shift focus to what is best for you and your students. Prioritisation becomes your compass, steering you away from distractions towards impactful decisions that make the most of your time, effort, and energy.

Consider prioritisation as a tool for shaping your professional identity. What sets you apart as an educator? How do your priorities reflect your values? Prioritisation is not just a habit; it’s a deliberate act that molds your professional image, showcasing a purposeful teacher who navigates the academic terrain with intentionality.

2. Digitise

I shared a lot about reducing unnecessary paper clutter in 2023 – and for good reason! Digitising where possible not only helps to reduce the physical clutter in your space, but also helps to make locating and organising documents far easier. Making the shift to a digital-centric approach doesn’t require a complete overhaul. It’s about integrating user-friendly tools seamlessly into your routine. Explore platforms that align with your teaching style, whether it’s for lesson planning, grading, or communication. The goal is to enhance efficiency without overwhelming your workflow.

Embracing digitisation might come with a learning curve, but the investment pays off in long-term efficiency. Take small steps, gradually incorporating digital tools into your routine. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a cautious adopter, finding a balance that suits your comfort level is crucial for a successful transition. Embrace the shift towards a paperless, digitally efficient classroom not just as a modern convenience but as a strategic move to declutter, organise, and future-proof your teaching space.

3. Delegate

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that managing your classroom single-handedly is the simpler route. However, the reality is that your classroom is a shared space, and embracing this notion can revolutionise the efficiency of its operation. Delegation isn’t about relinquishing control; it’s about distributing responsibilities strategically among the various contributors in the room.

Enter those little hands (and heads!)—untapped resources that can significantly contribute to the smooth functioning of your classroom. Delegating age-appropriate tasks to your students not only lightens your workload but also instills a sense of responsibility and ownership among them. It’s a win-win scenario where students feel empowered, and you benefit from shared organisational efforts.

By entrusting responsibilities to your students, you communicate that their contributions matter. This sense of purpose extends beyond the immediate organisational benefits and becomes a lasting lesson in personal responsibility and self-efficacy.

4. Label

In the world of organisation, the mantra is simple: label everything. Establishing a designated home for every item not only streamlines your organisational efforts but also empowers your students with a sense of independence and responsibility. Clear labels provide visual cues, enabling students to easily locate and return items to their designated spots. This intentional organisation fosters a sense of autonomy, encouraging students to take charge of their learning environment. It’s a small shift that yields significant results in promoting responsibility.

Labeling isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a practical strategy that streamlines everyday classroom tasks. Imagine the efficiency of students effortlessly finding and returning materials without the need for constant guidance. The time saved on organisational logistics can be redirected towards meaningful learning experiences, creating a more productive and focused educational atmosphere.

5. Declutter

While the end-of-year purge is a staple, the magic lies in regular, intentional decluttering. This habit isn’t about merely tidying up; it’s a commitment to maintaining an environment that fosters focus, creativity, and calmness—elements essential for a thriving learning space.

The end of each term brings with it the perfect opportunity to declutter with intention. Rather than waiting for a colossal end-of-year task, break it down into manageable chunks. Intentional decluttering at the term’s end not only reduces overwhelm but also ensures that your space remains organised and conducive to learning throughout the academic year.

Taking decluttering a step further involves not just minimising what you have but also being mindful of what you bring into your classroom in 2024. Embrace intentionality and purpose in every addition, whether it’s a resource, item, or decoration—big or small. This thoughtful approach serves a dual purpose: reducing waste and preventing unnecessary accumulation while simplifying future decluttering endeavours.

A clutter-free space allows for clearer thinking, reduced stress, and increased focus. As you intentionally curate your classroom, you set the stage for purposeful learning experiences and create a positive atmosphere for both you as the teacher and for your students.

Classroom Organisation Boost

Ready to explore more ways to elevate your organisational game in 2024? I’ve created a free download that will guide you through 10 of my favourite tried and true strategies to boost your classroom organisation this year.

These are simple, actionable strategies that you can put in place to help make 2024 your most organised year in the classroom yet.

Get your free copy of this guide by clicking on the image→

2024 invites us to prioritise, digitise, delegate, label, and declutter—all with the intention of making this school year the most organised yet. Each habit is a building block, contributing to a classroom culture that fosters responsibility, independence, and purposeful learning.

Commit to key organisational habits, download your free guide, and get ready to make 2024 your most organised year yet.