Classroom Organization #SpedChatSaturday

Yesterday a dear friend of mine and a fabulous teacher shared her AMAZING organization skills. Check out her blog post HERE. :)

Since my classroom is still in the works, I don't have too many fun organization pictures. I'm a strange mix of a Type A/B teacher. I am organized where it matters, but I also survive off sticky notes and throwing papers in a random file drawer. Everything is organized in my head but not-so-much to someone looking from the outside. Here's my big advice:



It's easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing. If you're not a super organized teacher, then that's cool if that works for you! Pick and choose what you need to do to make your classroom practical for your teaching style.

Moving on to some tips and tricks I really want to share a few strategies that have worked for me and might work for your as well.



Behavior Tracking with Post-it Notes: Since I am focused mostly on behaviors all day, I like to assign each student a color and then document or tally specific behaviors I am monitoring. I can then input the observations into my spreadsheet/log online and shred the sticky notes at the end of the day. It only takes about 5-10 minutes since I'm a fast typer. ;) The form itself is laminated, so I just replace the Post-it's every day. I provide one for my support staff as well. Mine is on a mini clipboard from Wal-mart, but this can work with a larger one as well with larger Post-its. I am still modifying the behavior tracking forms, so I don't have these ready to share, but once I do I will let you know. It is still an idea you can run with though.

The plan, copy, prep, paperwork form is pretty self-explanatory. It can be downloaded HERE, if you are interested in using it. There are a couple options as well for those who need a space for grading over paperwork. It's an easy way to keep track of what you need to do. This form is also laminated, so I just replace the stickies as needed.

TODAY AT A GLANCE 

Something that took me awhile to figure out was how I wanted to keep an outline of what I was teaching for the day. These pages are lifesavers when it comes to organization AND simplicity. These are available in my Teachers Pay Teachers store (also editable and there are a couple options for colors). You can write on them with a pen OR laminate and write on with a sharpie. It's easy to wipe off with a cleaning wipe (Clorox, Lysol etc.)

SUBJECT TUBS 

This works so well because of my small class size. I'm able to place notebooks and folders in them as well as copies and activities for each subject area. Also self-explanatory but it keeps piles of worksheets off my desk which is what I basically did the last few years. 

What tips do you have for classroom organization?! Don't forget to share on your blog or Instagram using this template! & hashtag #SpedChatSaturday 

Proactive Classroom Management Plan [FREEBIE]

As we approach the new school year, it's important to remember that there are aspects to classroom management that go beyond rules, procedures, and reward systems (although you will want ALL of that as well!). Use this guide to help you plan for how you will create and maintain classroom community, relationships, a culturally responsive classroom, foster growth mindset, and what classroom management models you really want to focus on (Positive Discipline, Assertive Discipline, Conscious Discipline, Character Education). There are many to look at and determine which might work best for you and your students. On the second page, outline your expectations, procedures and social skills you will need to teach at the beginning of the year, your reinforcement system (whole class and/or individual), how you will communicate with parents consistently, and what your redirection to problem behavior plan will be and what consequences you will need to utilize. This, of course, is after you have taught expectations and skills the student may not have and while implementing a reinforcement plan. Consider what privileges a student might need to lose or what unfavorable consequences you might need to implement. Use the last page to reflect on what has worked and what may need to be changed or implemented differently.

[Click HERE to access this FREE file for printing] 

Happy Planning!