As educators, we must have passion and dedication for teaching and learning. Without a strong foundation of organization skills, however, we will only be well-intentioned but ultimately ineffective as teachers. Having routines and procedures in place helps set the tone for a positive and productive classroom environment. Also, maintaining a consistent organization routine reduces stress for teachers and students alike. Although getting organized requires an upfront investment of time, the plans you lay before and during the first month of school will have a long-lasting effect. In our more than 25 years of practical experience in a K–4 setting, we have found the following organization tips to be at the core of an effective classroom.
Take the Angst Out of Anecdotal Record-Keeping
In our work with and as classroom teachers, we have found that the biggest organization nightmare is maintaining anecdotal records. As much as we would like to believe that we can remember everything, the truth is that we cannot. Luckily, two easy organization tools can help you stay on top of anecdotal note collection. Figures 1 and 2 show a basic word-processing document with multiple boxes. This template can serve a variety of purposes and is easily adjustable. We use this template to track academic and behavioral notes most frequently. This template is also a convenient means for tracking important documents or as a parent contact log. Save this document to your desktop for quick access to adding new notes.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate another way to keep anecdotal notes without the use of a template. To create this do-it-yourself organization tool, all you need is a clipboard, transparent adhesive tape, and index cards. This tool makes it easy to take notes on individual students without losing track of sticky notes or juggling multiple notebooks or binders. We have used this tool to record everything from general observations to monitoring behavior and academics. Both of these anecdotal note catchers offer the dual benefits of portability and quick, easy access to pertinent student information.
Figure 1 illustrates an example of using the template for checking student acquisition of print concepts. Figure 2 illustrates the template being used to track which students have returned their report cards.
Figure 3 shows an example of the how anecdotal records are kept using the index cards and clipboard. Figure 4 illustrates anecdotal notes that have been written for a student. Index cards include the date and a brief observation.
Don't Snub the Sub Tub
Taking the time to create a substitute teacher tub in the beginning of the year will save energy and effort when expected and unexpected absences occur. Useful sub tub items include the class roster, class schedule, student urgent medical information, and generic open-ended sub plans for emergencies and dismissal procedures. It is important to inform the students and other teachers where the sub tub is kept. The sub tub should be clearly labeled and be in a visible and easily accessible location.
Be Ready and Able at Your Small-Group Table
As elementary educators, a majority of our time is spent at the small-group table. One of the best tips for making this instructional setting successful is to anticipate the items you need and frequently use—like white boards, dry-erase markers and erasers, sticky notes, staplers, and five or six sets of crayons—and make sure they are readily available. A simple caddy can hold all the office supplies you regularly use at the small-group table and will prevent you from constantly getting up and going to your desk. We have found that this simple strategy minimizes student distractions, eases clean up and transitions between groups, and maximizes your small-group time.
Create a Turn-It-In Territory
A final classroom organization essential is to designate an area apart from your desk for students to turn in classwork, homework, and parent notes. We find that organizing these items chronologically, rather than thematically, makes it easier to quickly reference any items. We use weekly file folders to archive worksheets, lesson plans, and activities. This will save you space and help facilitate planning the following year.
To gain more useful organization tips, we suggest visiting your colleagues' classrooms, keeping in mind that what works for others may or may not work for you. Year by year, you can acquire organization tips and convert them to fit your own unique style. Over time, attention to organization, especially these common challenges in the elementary classroom, will create an environment where your passion and dedication for teaching and learning can thrive.
