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Do you ever feel as though you’re buried under a pile of never ending papers in your classroom? As a teacher, managing and organising classroom paper clutter can be a daunting task. The piles of papers, stacks of handouts, and overflowing filing cabinets can quickly become overwhelming, making it difficult to find what you need when you need it.
In this post, we’re going to explore three golden rules for effectively managing and organising classroom paper clutter. By following these simple yet powerful guidelines, you can create a more streamlined and functional learning environment for both you and your students. So let’s dive in and reclaim control over that paper chaos!
The first golden rule of managing classroom paper clutter is to declutter first. Before you can effectively organise your papers, you need to declutter and get rid of anything that is unnecessary or no longer serves a purpose. This includes outdated handouts, unused worksheets, old notices, and any other papers that are taking up valuable space in your classroom. By decluttering first, you’ll create a clean slate and make it easier to organise the papers that you do need to keep.
The second golden rule is to have a home for everything. Once you’ve decluttered your classroom, it’s important to establish designated spaces for storing and organising your papers. This could include filing cabinets, folders, binders, or even digital storage solutions. The key is to have a system in place where every paper has a designated place to go. This will not only make it easier to find what you need when you need it but will also help prevent paper clutter from building up in the future.
The third golden rule is to leave ample breathing room. It’s tempting to try and cram as much information as possible into your classroom space, but overcrowding can actually contribute to paper clutter. Leave plenty of space between desks, shelves, and storage areas to allow for easy movement and access to papers. This will not only make your classroom feel more open and inviting but will also make it easier to maintain an organised environment.
So, how do these three golden rules work together? Decluttering first allows you to create a clean slate and identify the papers that you truly need to keep. Having a home for everything ensures that each paper has a designated place to go, making it easier to find and access when needed. And leaving ample breathing room helps prevent paper clutter from building up in the future, creating a more functional and organised learning environment for both you and your students.
Ready to tackle your classroom paper clutter? Download our free guide and checklist listing 51 types of papers to immediately declutter from your classroom. With actionable tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to creating a more organised, streamlined, and functional space for both you and your students.
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