End of the Year Classroom Clean Up
Smart Ideas for Organizing and Storing Items in the Classroom
May 4, 2008
Organizing a classroom at the end of the year can seem like a daunting task for a new teacher. The close of the school year is such a busy time. With so many materials and so little time to pack it all away, how does one get it accomplished? The key is to keep simplicity and future use of the materials in mind. Storing teaching supplies so that inventory is easy, items are easily accessible, and materials are organized according to use will translate into a smoother start to the school year.
Zones in the Classroom
Creating classroom zones is the easiest way to have a room packed up so that not much needs to be moved at the start of the next school year. These zones may include: general student supplies, teacher texts, paper files, manipulatives, classroom library, computer center, art supplies, subject specific items, student texts and learning games/centers. These same zones will be in use during the school year.
Items to include in each area include:
- General student supplies: items used by the entire class such as pencils, notebook paper, stencils,glue sticks, tape, rulers, etc. stored in small plastic baskets
- Teacher's texts zone: include all texts used daily, supplemental materials, and read-aloud books, organize according to use in the day
- Paper files: worksheet masters (filed by subject), past lesson plans, curriculum info.,and field trip ideas stored in a portable hanging file crate with a clear lid
- Manipulatives: any item students use hands -on in lessons
- Classroom library: books for independent reading, bookmarks, bookreport ideas
- Computer center: classroom computer on cart, computer discs, sign-in chart for students
- Art supplies: items such as construction paper, glue bottles, paint, markers,etc.
- Subject- specific items: use clear storage containers for items used specifically for certain subjects, such as models of the earth for science, maps for geography and so on
- Student texts: number these texts to keep track for end of the year inventory
- Learning centers and games: put loose game pieces in ziploc bags and number the bags to a matching number written on the game box; store learning activities in colored folders according to subject area
Inventory and Covering of Materials
Make an inventory of everything that is being stored. The inventory is useful during the year to see what quantity is being used and also for reordering purposes. The easiest method to protect each classroom zone over the summer is to drape disposable clear plastic drop cloths over each area These are available at hardware stores in the paint section.
When the new school year begins, everything will be dust -free and already organized in an efficient manner and ready for use by the students. Putting things back into corresponding zones during the school year will make clean-up easier. Students can learn to take pride in their classroom by being assigned specific areas to keep organized. Older students can even be taught how to inventory supplies and report what needs to be replaced. Keeping things organized is now a class act.
