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Friday, June 13, 2014

Clean It Out & Clear It Out

Do you have over-flowing files, extra school supplies, and containers of craft supplies? Hopefully this blog post will help you want to get a jump start on cleaning out your classroom and clearing out the old! That is exactly what I plan on doing this Summer. 

My colleagues know how OCD I am and they think my school closet is very organized.  However, I knew it could look better and it drove me nuts that I had so many mixed matched containers. I had a variety of tubs with extra school supplies and many containers for my craft supplies. So, I bought these shoebox containers at Target 5/$5.39. I have started making a container for each item (tape, markers, velcro, yarn, chalk, etc.) Then, I'm going to add a label to the front of each container with velcro. 

I also have oodles and oodles of files that I had previously organized by month. After having to dig back and forth through files to find materials when I want to review, I've decided to organize everything by skill. I bought 16 big containers at Target and I am going to label each tub by skill. Next, I plan on putting all my paper files into binders. Then, I'm going to put all my games related to that skill, along with the binder, into 1 container. Finally, I'll add a label to the front so it'll be easy to identify the skill one I'll be able to house everything I need in 1 container. Here is what my "before" picture is. Hopefully it won't take too long until I can take an "after" picture. :) 
                                                  
Below are the labels that I am putting on the front of all of my containers. They go along with my polka dot themed classroom. :) You can grab these FREE labels by becoming a Facebook follower. Just click on the picture below. 


As you are going through your files, think about the clothing rule: If you haven't used it in a year or two, get rid of it! At least that's my motto since I can't handle clutter. Do you have any other suggestions about how to keep your files and materials organized?





8 comments:

  1. You're right- it's much better organized by skill. I also had my files organized by month but with new programs that taught skills in different orders, it was hard to find what I was looking for sometimes. So much easier to find a skill folder. Thanks for the cute labels. Good luck with your organizing!

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    1. I feel by skill is easier so no matter what program you teach, it'll be easier to find files instead of digging through each month's folder.

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  2. The link for the labels doesn't seem to be working. =(

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    1. Try it now, I got a new phone and it transferred all my blog photos to my phone. I deleted them not knowing it would delete from my blog too. :( I re-uploaded the pics and links. If it doesn't work, I'll upload the file into Google Drive.

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  3. Cute labels!! And great ideas. I am definitely guilty of having way to many supplies and this will be a big help to me! Thank you :)

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    1. You're welcome! You should see my floor right now! I have containers and files everywhere, but I'm really pleased with how organized the few are that I have done.

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  4. Thanks so much for this set of labels! I am on a mission to organize my materials this summer!
    ~Jennifer

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