Organizing the classroom can have an indirect impact upon student test scores. The more organized the teacher and classroom are, the more effective and smooth the learning activities will be, resulting in greater learning and thus improved test scores. Here are some simple ways that even the most disorganized teacher can utilize to improve their classroom organization.
Steps for Organizing the Classroom
The number one rule for organization is to have a designated place for each item in the classroom. Paper, pencils, rulers, math manipulatives, books, curricula and craft supplies each need to have their own special place to live in the classroom. If this is a weakness in your classroom, consider the following steps to help organize materials:
- Make a list of each material in the classroom. Leave nothing out, even the paper clips need a place to live!
- In a column next to the list of materials, write the most common location in the classroom where the supply is used. For example, paper clips are most likely used at the teacher’s desk while blank paper is most commonly used at student’s desks.
- Organize the easy materials first. Chalk should go at the chalk board, curricula near the teacher’s desk, etc. This will narrow the list of things to organize.
- For each additional item on the list, stand in the classroom where the item is most commonly used and think through the most effective storage solutions. This might mean clear plastic bins on low shelves for math manipulatives for students to easily reach or a paper station in a clear area of the room to minimize student traffic jams when going for paper.
Label Containers for Ease of Use
Organizing classroom materials in containers is a great way to keep things neat and easy to grab. In order for this organization to be effective, though, every student in the classroom should be able to know what it is in each container as well as any classroom helpers, parent helpers and administrative staff.
For elementary classrooms, it is best to have both the word and the picture of the object in the container. This way any student who is not proficient at reading or any parent who is not familiar with English can identify each item independently. Clipart can be helpful or websites like eichild or do2learn might have helpful images that you can print for labeling classroom containers.
A disorganized classroom is a disservice to both the students and the teacher. With even some basic organization, teachers will be able to plan more effectively, students to study more effectively and classroom management will even be more effective.
Related Information:
Classroom Organization for New Teachers – Learn how to organize each area of the classroom.
Organizing the Teacher's Desk – Tips for keeping lesson planning, grades and other important papers organized.
Classroom Organization Ideas – A collection of ideas to get and stay organized in the classroom.
Organization and Time Management for Teachers – Tips for staying organized and managing your time.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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