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