As we count down to the end of the school year, make your time as productive as possible by doing a little bit of prep each week. We’ve got a few ideas and resources to help you get started so your classroom will be spotless and ready for next year in no time.
Paring Down
The first step in any big organizing project is to trim down the amount of “stuff” you have to store. If you have supplies that you haven’t used in a couple years and don’t have any solid plans to use in the near future, consider donating them to another teacher or organizing a supply swap.
You can also use surplus odds and ends as parting gifts for your students. Where possible, reduce paper clutter by scanning documents into digital format.
Organizing
There are dozens of methods for organizing classroom supplies. The trick is finding what works best for you. Some teachers swear by a color-coding system, while others prefer labeled folders and crates. Don’t forget to use vertical space with shelves, stackable trays, and hanging organizers. Check out our 16 teacher-tested organization methods for more ideas.
Storage
Having dedicated storage for various supplies is one of the best ways to ensure you can find something when needed. Clear storage totes are perfect for supplies because you can see what’s inside and whether you need to restock. You can subdivide inside larger bins with sandwich bags, dividers, or small containers such as pencil cases.
Cleaning Up
If possible, enlist some help from your students to clean and organize on the last day of school before break. Provide non-toxic surface cleaner and rags or paper towels and turn them loose to clean desks, shelves, and other cleaning tasks as needed.
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