How to Organize Teaching Supplies

It pays to stay organized, especially if you are a school teacher and your teaching supplies are scattered all over your classroom. With a simple plan, a few folders, and a some shelf space you can easily put all of your supplies in order. No longer does your classroom have to look like a tornado came bustling through. If you are one of those teachers whose classroom got out of hand, and you are looking for a few organizing techniques, read through the following steps to learn how you can clean up your classroom and have a little peace of mind.

Things You'll Need

• Small plastic baskets Book shelf Hanging file box with folders Stackable storage containers Textbook shelves Colored folders Ziploc bags

Instructions

1. Purchase small plastic baskets to store general student supplies. In these baskets, place pencils, glue, scissors, rulers, stencils, tape and erasers.

2. Organize all your teacher's books on a book shelf near your desk. Include read aloud books, all student dictionaries, encyclopedias and any other type of teaching text you use on a regular basis.

3. Buy a portable hanging file box with folders to store and organize all of your paper files. Include curriculum information, lesson plans, worksheet master copies, newsletters and all other subject ideas.

4. Place in stackable storage containers all materials per subject, such as, earth models for science, geography maps and art supplies.

5. Make a class library corner where all independent reading books are kept. Include student textbooks. Either place a portable book shelf in a corner or build wall shelves, depending on how much space is available.

6. Label colored folders with the name of different learning activities. Use Ziploc baggies to store loose game pieces. Secure puzzle pieces in their boxes or bags.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a list of all teaching supplies and where they are stored. It will help in the future when you are trying to locate an item.