Our assignment this week was to establish a plan. Last week I mentioned how I emailed my staff and had a FREEBIE Friday in the hallway outside my classroom door. This was a great way to purge unneeded items and put them into the hands of teachers that could use the materials. I will definitely do this again!
SORT and GROUP! I find that I have materials spread out around the room. For example, there are math items in my closet, in the cabinet, in my tall cabinet, and in an shelving unit in the room. I want to sort through these items first (to see what can be added to Freebie Friday) and then group the things I need in one location. Whenever I think about this, I have a strong visual from the beginning of Debbie Diller’s Math Work Stations where she helps a teacher sort through all her stuff!!
I know where I keep all these items in the room, but my assistant doesn’t always know– and I want her to be able to easily locate everything (especially if there’s a sub). Which brings me to the next part of my plan…
CONTAINERIZE! As you can see I “unofficially” have stock in Sterilite–and I want to better utilize the tubs and drawers I already have.
And, finally, my favorite… LABEL the newly organized tubs and drawers! This one is easy–I LOVE to label!! It helps the kiddos to know where to find (and return) everything… and I know it will help so much with having 2 teachers in the room (so my TA will know where to find things too).
So the plan is:
1. SORT and GROUP
2. CONTAINERIZE
3. LABEL
4. FREEBIE Fridays
This week I continued on my mission:
OPERATION CLEAN CLOSET!!
I’m sure I don’t need to remind you… but, in case you didn’t see my closet disaster…..
OPERATION CLEAN CLOSET!!
I’m sure I don’t need to remind you… but, in case you didn’t see my closet disaster…..
(yes, that IS an empty shelf to the right–ready for my re-organized materials!!)
I’m REALLY excited about the transformation already!! I still need to label–but I am very happy with all I accomplished this week. :o) Don’t forget to link up so you can join in the fun too!!
12 Comments
I now understand how I see these uncluttered classrooms- they have closets to stash things in! My classroom doesn't have one, and I'm quite jealous of yours! Love your organization! I am trying to work on mine too.
Wow! Your closet has come such a long way! It looks fantastic! I can't wait to see when it is finished!
I am going to be reading Math Work Stations this semester and I can't wait to dig in! When I read the story about the teacher sorting through her stuff I will think of you while reading!
ThePolishedTeacher
Wow! I'm so impressed with your organization…you've inspired me! 🙂
HA HA!! That's what I'm working on…. making it less of a stash! :o)
Thanks so much!!! You're going to love that book… I LOVE all her stuff!
Thanks so much, Kady!
Wow…. Great job… Jealous of that closet…. I'm waiting on shelves…. I had to move everything home & still trying to get it all back to my room… Keep up the good work
Your closet is looking amazing! Keep up the great work!
Oh how I wish I had a storage closet like that! I'm in an older school. All we have is two small closets and a wall lined with open faced shelves. It makes it challenging to store anything big.
Your closet looks awesome. I loved your Freebie Friday idea. I might implement that on the next Teacher Duty Day. I have quite a pile of items to giveaway as well.
And I love your stock in Sterlite. I own stock as well. 🙂
Ann
Mrs. Greene's Kindergarten Korner
Wow! Looks great. I think I might join that great challenge. Goodness knows- my room could use it! Thanks for the cleaning-out inspiration!!!
Amy
Nice job! I'm sure you realize how lucky you are with a large closset. I still have storage boxes in the garage from retiring. When I visit Autumn, we are always trying to consolidate more of her materials. Thanks for sharing your plan.
Wow! I am lucky to share an office with my neighbor teacher (only the kindergarten rooms get one) but your big giant closet is amazing! Wish I had one of those all to myself! The organization looks great!
–Caitlin
thekindergarden.blogspot.com