Whether it’s back-to-school or the start of second semester, refreshing and organizing your PE storage space will make it easier to get back into the swing of things. Don’t start the semester with a mess on your hands. Use these tips to get your PE learning space ready to take on whatever the new semester has in store.
3 Tactics for Updating & Refreshing Your PE Storage Space
Lesson plans and learning objectives are made easier and more fun with an organized system for PE equipment storage. You might not have the budget to buy all-new storage supplies, but these strategies will make it easier to find what you need quickly:
Design a Simple Labeling System
Not only will you have to be able to read and use your labeling system on a daily basis, but you’ll want to make it simple enough to explain to a substitute where things are and where they go once they’ve been used. There are two factors that go into the creation of a simple and useful labeling system:
- A Standardized Code: Whether you choose to use numbers, colors, or letters, the code for your PE storage space should be standard and uncomplicated.
- Easy to Read: Whether you create handwritten labels or Post-it Extreme notes to attach to your bins and baskets, it’s important that they are neat and easy to read from a distance.
Emphasize Ease of Access
The equipment you use the most often should be easy to get to, and that seems like common knowledge. However, you might be more likely to try a new lesson plan or creative activity with some of your less commonly used equipment if it’s easy to access. Try and find a way to maximize your storage space and label equipment bins and baskets in a way that makes it easy to quickly grab and use all of your supplies.
- Storage Shelving: Use all the vertical shelving available to you to maximize your space. Label bins and stack them on shelves — keep a stepping stool nearby to safety take bins and baskets off taller shelves.
- Mobile Storage: For those equipment items (balls, pinnies, cones, etc), focus on finding mobile storage. Whether it’s a wheeled basket of volleyballs, or a scooter that holds a stack of cones, mobile storage will make it easier for you to pull out equipment and for your students to help you put it away at the end of class.
- Temperature Control: Consider the temperature of the storage space for certain equipment items like balls. If your storage space experiences extreme changes in temperature, you may need to replace or inflate balls more often. You might also notice that cold weather can make plastic equipment brittle and more likely to crack.
Straighten Up Your Repair Station
No matter how carefully you store the equipment, wear and tear will happen and maintenance will be necessary. An efficient repair station will help to keep your equipment in the game for as long as possible.
- Keep Basic Repair Tools in Working Condition: From your air pump to your duct tape, you’ll want to make sure you are stocked and ready to take on quick repairs throughout the busy week.
- Organized for Efficiency: Keep your most frequently used repair and maintenance tools within reach and not tucked away in a box. When you have a spare 30 seconds to take a look at that flat volleyball or torn pinnie, you won’t want to have to spend time searching.
More PE Environment Tips & Inspiration
If you’re looking for more ways to take the new semester or school year to the next level, be sure to check out all the inspiration on the blog. You’ll find lesson plan ideas and more tips and tricks for PE and classroom teachers alike. Also be sure to visit the online store to view the latest deals and new PE equipment to keep your students engaged and active.
