Organization is Key!

Organization is my friend.  I love everything in it's place.  I love it so, that if something is not in it's place often times my husband has to dumpster dive to find it.  I digress...

In my classroom, the more organized I am, the better the days go.  Duh?!  So I thought I would share some tools of my trade that have made my days run smoothly and keep me organized.

First...

IKEA desk tubs.  Well that's what I use them for.  The smaller, blue tub holds crayons, pencils, scissors, glue sticks, dry erase markers, etc.  The larger green tub holds books, work in progress, white boards, and necessary larger items.

These have kept our desks clean and organized and avoid the black hole of a student desk.  I highly recommend them.  Here is a link if you want to check them out...IKEA boxes.

Another great and helpful tool is these chair pockets from Really Good Stuff.  Those people have some "really good stuff!"  I have used these for years and they are fantastic.  They store the kiddos reward tickets, lunch cards, and Lexia cards in the red zipper pouch.  All the completed work from the day goes in the pocket.  At the end of each day, the kiddos take their work out of the chair pocket and put it into their backpacks.  Brilliant people!  No more mailboxes and filing systems.  Can I get an Amen?!  Check them out HERE.

Now, after my summer reading of first grade blogs, I stumbled upon SIT SPOTS!  I mean change the world people!

They are stuck on that carpet.  Vacuum over them and they stay put.  Can't you hear me saying, "Criss cross, sit on a spot!"  I have them placed for partners to sit together.  You know all that Think, Pair, Share stuff we learned about in college?!  Anywhoo, these little spots are life changing.  No more crowded carpet time.  We all have a spot.  No more sit by my friend and play with her hair.  We all have a spot.  No more crawl under the table while teacher reads.  Nope!  We all have a spot.  And, have I mentioned they are perfect for lining up or games?  I have even considered a behavior strategy of "walking the dots."  Rest easy, I haven't employed that yet.  Yet, I say!  If you want to check them out, do it HERE

I also love these nametag holders and book boxes...

The nametag holders (not holding a nametag in the picture) are from Really Good Stuff.  The book boxes link together to avoid spilling.  They came from Lakeshore Learning.  I didn't use them with the large holder they came with.  I like them center stage in each group so the kiddos can access them all day long.  Just like the tissue box and hand gel...ALL.  DAY.  LONG.  Why do some kids think tissues are great sources of paper to write on?  And hand gel cures every ailment know to 6 year olds.  Once again, I digress.

So there you have it friends.  Just a few of my "must haves" for organization.  I could go on with so many more (larger pencils, special glue bottles, bookmarks, color coding system, etc.) but I think that principal husband of mine is talking to me.  I should act like I'm listening or I'll get in trouble.

Happy days friends!