Tips for Teachers: Starting the year with an organized classroom

Ah, the sweet smell of new pencils, the sight of pristine whiteboards, and the sound of… silence. Enjoy it while it lasts, because in a few weeks, your classroom will be filled with students, questions, and the unmistakable aroma of students coming back from PE. But before the chaos begins, the next few weeks are a perfect time to focus on setting up an organized classroom. After many years in the classroom, here are some tips and tricks I would love to share with you to help you start with an organized classroom.

Tip #1- Confront the Closet of Doom

We all have it—that one storage closet where classroom supplies go to hide. It’s time to open the door, take a deep breath, and dive in. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and ask yourself, “Does this ancient stack of worksheets spark joy?” If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. If you’re feeling extra brave, recruit a friend to help. It’s a known fact that misery loves company, and nothing bonds people like sorting through 12 years of forgotten art supplies.

Tip #2- The Supply Zone Strategy

Creating zones in your classroom for different types of school supplies is like designing a road map for student efficiency. Have a designated area for art supplies, another for writing materials, and a third for things like scissors, glue, and other shared items. This way, students know exactly where to go when they need something, and you won’t have to hear, “Where are the scissors?” for the millionth time. Keep frequently used supplies easily accessible, and store backup materials in labeled bins so you can quickly restock when supplies run low. Bonus points if you can get the kids to keep the zones tidy—hey, it’s worth a shot!

Tip #3- Resist the urge to buy supplies

I know those “back-to-school” sales are calling your name and you can’t pass up the urge to buy a pack of 60 gluesticks for a couple of bucks. But, there is a good chance you already have another 100 gluesticks in your, aforementioned, closet of doom. Don’t allow yourself to buy or order supplies until you have gone through everything in your room and put all like-items with like-items. Once that is done, you can make a list of things you are running low on and then hit the sales. But DO NOT shop before taking inventory of what you already have! This will save you time, money and space…all things in limited supply once school starts!

Tip #4- Label everything

No, seriously—label it all. Bins, drawers, shelves, students (just kidding on that last one). Clear labels make it easier for everyone—students included—to keep things where they belong. It might seem like an unnecessary step, but there is a lot of power in everyone using a room knowing where they can get something and where they can return it when finished!

Once the heavy lifting is done, it’s time for the fun stuff: decorations. Plants, posters, and a few personal touches can transform a sterile classroom into a cozy, inviting space. But don’t go overboard—remember, simplicity is key. You want a classroom that says, “I’m organized and ready,” not “I’ve spent my entire summer decorating, please send help.”

Happy Sprucing!