The words children and organization are not two things you see together often, but there are so many important reasons to have organization in a classroom. Productivity and efficiency are certainly at the top of the list. That’s why encouraging these elements through fun activities in the classroom is a good idea. Here are 23 ideas to give a try!
1. Assignment Space and Date
Routine is a huge part of an organization. Kids should never feel confused about the homework assignment and when it is due. That’s why teachers can keep the handouts recorded in the same space on the whiteboard/blackboard daily.
Learn More: Learning in Wonderland
2. Organization Drawers
Make organization easier by giving students the tools and kits to do so. Provide dividers for locker space and desks that have cubbies. This will help students keep things where they are meant to be.
Learn More: BHG
3. Laminating Worksheets
Having too many papers can become an issue for students. Laminate worksheets that can be reused for different answers based on the question or prompt. All you need is dry-erase markers that can be wiped down.
Learn More: Prodigy Game
4. Storage Clipboards
When working with certain assignments that require individuals to have their own tools or pieces, use a clipboard to contain them. This may be unit measures during counting or paper clips etc. Place them in labeled Ziploc bags and clip them to the board.
Learn More: Prodigy Game
5. Color Code Everything You Can
There are so many different areas that can use color coding. It works whether it is to label the subjects being taught or just different types of books in the classroom library. Color coding is a great visual organizer that helps students locate things faster.
Learn More: All About Planners
6. PlayDough Coffee Carousel
This one is for the teachers because it is too good not to share! Keurig coffee carousels are actually the perfect holders for playdough. It’s better than letting the kids shuffle through boxes and misplacing them, taking each one out as needed.
Learn More: Instagram
7. Birthday Board
Birthdays are important, so you should keep track of them! Recording everyone’s birthday on a fun board makes things easier. You can use a picture for each month, such as balloons, suns, etc., and fill in the kids’ names.
Learn More: Prodigy Game
8. Weekly Cleanouts
Why save a cleanout for the end of the year, as that’s when things seem to be most out of control? You can keep kids on top of things by dedicating weekly cleanouts. One week can be dedicated to the desk, the next to the backpack, and the last to the locker. Rotating them keeps it efficient and fun.
Learn More: Clip Ground
9. Goal Setting
As kids age, work with them to set educational goals in the classroom. This can be a number of books they’re aiming to read, passing a reading level, etc. Goal setting is great for teaching kids the bigger picture and organizing smaller steps that are needed to reach bigger ambitions.
Learn More: Andrea Knight Teacher Author
10. Beginning of The Year Walk Through
Sometimes, it’s easy to assume that kids will put things where they find them. That’s why doing a walk-through at the beginning of the year can be helpful. Show kids where things go and why it makes sense to put them there. You can even ask kids to think about whether there is a better place for some things.
Learn More: Learning in Wonderland
11. Morning Cart Pick Up
This activity helps learners keep a tidy desk space. Keep supplies in a cart at the front of the classroom. When kids enter in the morning, they can be instructed to pick up the items they need for the day and will be instructed to place them back in the appropriate bins once the day has finished.
Learn More: Glitter in Third
12. The Magnet Schedule
It’s important to display the date with the day, month, and year for all kids to be able to see. Using magnets is a great way to do this. It’s also fun for the kids to get involved and change the date every day. Choose someone new each day to change the date.
Learn More: Pinterest
13. Routines
Some teachers believe in instilling morning routines to get the day off to a good start. Others believe that a mid-day break is a good way to help boost awareness and have learners re-focus.
Learn More: Maneuvering The Middle
14. Label Makers
Letting kids use a label maker is a good way to get them to enjoy organization. Instead of labeling their basics, let them be a little creative and call their items something different than normal. Markers can be markadoras for example- as long as they know what it is, all is good.
Learn More: Posh in Progress
15. Checklists
Print out checklists that students can use. Make them fun so they are excited to check something off. You can use stickers or let them draw something next to the item they are checking off. Whether it is a good behavior checklist or one for homework completion, incorporate these into your routine to make organization enjoyable.
Learn More: Posh in Progress
16. Planners
Some kids may come to school with a planner, but not everyone does. Making sure that kids have planners is the best way for them to get used to having some responsibility. Let them write down their dates and assignments in the appropriate spaces.
Learn More: School Mate
17. Folder Filing
Keeping subject matter together is important. That’s why different folders are good for keeping subjects together. This can be difficult when many papers arise, so use separate binder sections in this case.
Learn More: Amazon
18. Chores Chart
Having a chart showing who is responsible for certain chores is a good idea. Things like cleaning the whiteboard, organizing the library, and so on are all ideas you can use. Use checklists as a bonus!
Learn More: TPT
19. Questions Box
Sometimes kids don’t know when to ask a question at the right time. Or other times, they are too shy. Having a question box where kids can submit a question to the teacher is the perfect way to organize and address questions throughout the year.
Learn More: HuffPost
20. Over the Door Organizers
When a clipboard system is too small, you can create little pockets for students with an over-the-door hanger. Label each one with the kids’ names. Or use it for supplies and label the pockets for pens, pencils, markers, etc.
Learn More: A Bowl Full of Lemons
21. Water Holders
Water bottles can take up a big piece of real estate on a desk! Reaching down under the desk when your learner wants water is also distracting. Just like beach chairs or bikes have water holders, attach them to the side of the desk for your kids.
Learn More: Amazon
22. Marble Fun
You can easily make color coding a good way to introduce organizational activities for the little ones. Give kids a bag of marbles each. Allow them to organize into groups of color, then pattern, and then size.
Learn More: Amazon
23. Follow Directions
Whether you are organizing the marbles or doing another activity, incorporating direction-giving is an important organizational skill. See how many directions kids can follow before they start to lose focus. This helps them develop longer attention spans as well.
Learn More: Autism Adventures
Learning From Mistakes: 22 Guiding Activities For Learners Of All Ages