Three groups of two desks each are the focus of this seating chart example.  The groups them become teams in which to collaborate and work together.   This arrangement is not useful if you do a lot of independent style work as the students ill all be facing one another.

How else could you use this seating arrangement in your classroom?  Feel free to share in the comments below!

You might want to check out:

Want an AD-FREE resource book of all seating charts in one easy-to-print format?  188 pages in total!  Now available in our Bookstore!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Grab a printable handout of this seating chart!

Click here to email your freebie

~Charity

See ALL the Seating Chart options HERE.

The post Classroom Seating Chart: Seashells appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Building the Foundational Blocks of Counting

Getting the basics right is crucial when teaching young children to count. This means focusing on the core elements that make up early numerical understanding.

The Power of One-to-One Correspondence

This is perhaps the most critical step in early counting. It’s the understanding that each object counted represents one number. Without this, children might just be reciting a sequence of words.

Making it Tangible with Objects

Encourage children to touch each item as they count it. Whether it’s blocks, grapes, or toy cars, having them physically interact with the objects while counting helps solidify this connection. You can start with small groups of objects and gradually increase the number as they gain confidence.

Counting Everyday Items

Integrate counting into daily routines. Count the steps as you walk, the spoons at the table, or the buttons on their shirt. This makes the practice relevant and reinforces the idea that numbers are all around them.

Understanding Number Sequence and Rote Counting

While one-to-one correspondence is key, children also need to learn the correct order of numbers.

Singing Counting Songs and Chants

Songs like “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” or “Five Little Monkeys” are fantastic for teaching the number sequence in a fun and memorable way. The rhythm and repetition help with memorization.

Using Number Rhymes and Stories

Many children’s books introduce numbers through engaging stories. These narratives can often incorporate counting elements, further reinforcing the sequence.

The Crucial Role of Manipulatives and Visual Aids

For young children, abstract mathematical concepts are best understood when they can see and touch them.

Need something new (and concrete) for those students that are struggling with math counting? Having something physical to see the adding and subtracting of items as they move the manipulative can really assist in children’s understanding of basic math skills.

How about a fun video idea?  

I recorded a little something new today for you. 

The best part is that it will cost less than the price of a daily coffee stop to have a while class set for each student!

Just grab a worksheet, baggie, sharpie, and dry erase marker!   Simple and inexpensive enough for an entire class counting set!

Prefer to read the transcript? No problem!

“Hello, Charity Preston here from Organized Classroom.

I want to share with you today a fun little tip for probably your smaller students. I’m thinking kindergarten, even maybe up to first grade where they’re just learning to add and subtract.

And I have a really cool, easy, super inexpensive way for them to practice even at a center at their seats.

These are so inexpensive that you could actually make an entire class set and it doesn’t really matter if they get ripped because you can just make another one.

So what I did was I took a gallon Ziploc bag that has the slider on the top.

That would be the important part here.

Okay. See my slider.

Got it going on. Okay.

And then all I did was take a Sharpie marker and I basically just put it a number line on it.

The best part about this is you can slide in a worksheet.

You might also enjoy:

Math Games Bundle

6 math products that will be perfect for students in grades K-6!

See it HERE.

If you want to put a regular sized worksheet in there, you just might need to chop off a little bit at the top or the bottom. And the thing I like about this is then it is reusable if they use a dry erase marker.

So the students could actually sit at their own seats and work on their own problems.

Example: if they see two minus one, this is how it works. Let me teach them to start at two. And we’re going to go back one. Now what number are we at? Two minus one equals one.

They get there little dry erasemarker out.

They write one on the baggie and then they can finish the whole rest of the sheet and bring it to you then to check.

Or you can be walking around assessing as it goes to see who is understanding the concept and who isn’t.

Of course my number line is a little bit bigger so it only goes to 10, but you could probably get up to 20 on there if you write smaller numbers,

That would be up to you as to what you needed (even a differentiation idea).

You could even do zero to five. If you’re working with even smaller kids or students that aren’t quite ready to get all the way to 10.

It’s just a fun way to work on their addition and subtraction facts.

I hope you’ve enjoyed that fun little tip and I would love to see pictures of yours in action.

All right, talk to you soon. Bye.”

Do you think this would work for helping counting in your classroom?  We would love to hear in the comments below!

Need a quick worksheet to put in your baggie – with an included number line? I’ve got you covered!

Click here to email your freebie

~Charity

The post Slider Baggie Counting appeared first on Organized Classroom.

I know it is hard when you know your students might not be reading as much in the summer as you would like.  Or worry that your incoming students will also suffer from the “summer slump” before returning to school in the fall.

Well, how about a fun little incentive that you could use to enforce the idea that reading is actually F-U-N??

Check out my Rocket Reader Summer Reading BINGO Card!

For those of you who are just finishing up the school year, this would be perfect (if all your current grade level teachers are on board with it) to hand out to all the students in the grade prior to yours who will be with you for next year. 

For example, if you are a 4th grade teacher, the 4th grade team would pass this along to the 3rd graders before leaving for the summer. 

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for your end of the school year routine?  This 70 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 10 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Printable Award Certificates
• How To Pack Up Your Classroom Faster Than Ever
• Fun Summer Reading Challenge for Students
• DIY Unique Award Ceremony Ribbons
• Planning Your EOY Party in a Snap
• Super Cute Tag for EOY Student Gift

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price! 

See it HERE.

When they return as 4th graders in the fall, they would come to you for their prizes.

OR

If you just want to encourage your current students to read, send home with them, and then they will return to you in the fall to redeem for a prize.

OR

If your students have already gone for the summer, if you are lucky enough to have a list of the students’ addresses that will be returning to you in the fall, you could mail it to them – and they would complete and bring back to you after the break as well.

Or you could do whatever you like.  Those are just some ideas to get your wheels turning.

Grab the ultimate end of the school year resource guide for teachers!

Wrapping Up the School Year in Just 3 Days!  27 page guidebook with checklists and a plan of action so you can enjoy the last week of school with your students – rather than feeling overwhelmed with your task list!  Click HERE to download it now!

What about prizes?

Do some yard sale shipping this summer for small toys and prizes that you can toss in a basket to allow students to choose from – you can find them super cheap and they will be fabulous for reading rewards! Have students that complete one line (or more) to select from this basket.

For the students who complete the whole card, allow them a choice from the basket as well, and then check with local companies to see if you can find some that would be willing to donate prizes and/or small gift cards. 

Perhaps a local McDonald’s might donate $5 gift cards or a coupon?  Maybe the movie theater would offer up a free child’s ticket?  Even the local bank might have some pens, notebooks, or coloring books. 

Put together a little prize pack for those students who have worked hard over the summer – and hopefully they will have gained much more than just the prizes.

What other ideas can you add?  Feel free to leave them in the comments below.

Happy summer reading,

~Charity

The post Summer Reading Rockets – BINGO Style! appeared first on Organized Classroom.

The Impact on Your Teaching

When you’re constantly running on empty, your patience wears thin, your creativity plummets, and your ability to connect with students suffers. Burnout isn’t just a feeling of being tired; it can lead to cynicism, detachment, and a general loss of passion for what you do. Prioritizing balance actually makes you a better, more engaged educator. It allows you to bring your best self to school each day, which directly benefits your students.

Beyond the Classroom: Your Personal Life

Your life outside of school deserves attention too. Whether it’s family, friends, hobbies, or simply time to rest and recharge, these aspects of your life are crucial for your overall happiness and mental health. Neglecting them can lead to feelings of resentment, isolation, and a sense that your life is entirely defined by your job. When you have a healthy balance, you have the energy and headspace to invest in the relationships and activities that truly matter to you.

Getting a Grip on Your Time in the Classroom

Time management in teaching often feels like a myth. There’s always more to do than hours in the day, and the bell is always ringing. But developing some efficient strategies can make a surprisingly big difference, even in the midst of lesson planning and grading.

Streamlining Daily Tasks

Think about the recurring tasks you do each day. Are there ways to make them more efficient? This could involve pre-preparing certain materials, organizing your desk and classroom for quick access to supplies, or using digital tools for communication that save time compared to individual emails or notes. Even small adjustments can free up valuable minutes.

• Lesson Preparation: Instead of crafting every single lesson from scratch on a Sunday night, try batching your planning. Dedicate specific blocks of time to plan a week or even two weeks of lessons at once. Look for opportunities to reuse or adapt successful lesson plans from previous years.
• Grading and Feedback: Consider how you provide feedback. Can you use rubrics consistently? Are there specific types of assignments where you can offer more general feedback to the whole class rather than individualized comments on every single one? Peer feedback can also be a valuable tool once students have developed the skills to assess each other’s work constructively.
• Classroom Management: Establishing clear routines and expectations from the beginning of the school year can significantly reduce the time spent managing behavior. Students thrive on predictability, and well-understood procedures mean less time spent redirecting and more time spent on learning.

Want to know more about time management strategies for classroom teachers?

Check out Teacher Life Balance Academy HERE!

Drawing a Line: Setting Boundaries

This is often the hardest part for teachers. We’re naturally inclined to go the extra mile, but without clear boundaries, that extra mile can quickly turn into a marathon you can’t finish. Setting boundaries isn’t about being unhelpful; it’s about protecting your energy so you can be effective for longer.

Defining Your Work Hours

It might seem obvious, but clearly defining when your workday starts and ends is crucial. This includes both the time spent at school and the time you’re mentally engaged with work.

• At School: Try to resist the urge to be the last one to leave every single night, especially if it’s not absolutely necessary. If you find yourself regularly staying late, examine why. Is it for lesson planning? Grading? Or just a feeling of needing to be seen working? See if you can reallocate those tasks to more efficient times.
• Evening and Weekend Work: This is where boundaries are most critical. Decide on specific times, if any, you’ll dedicate to work outside of school hours. For example, you might choose one evening a week for grading, or a block on Saturday morning. Stick to these times and resist the temptation to check emails or grading from your phone outside of those windows. Communicate these boundaries to your students and parents where appropriate, so they understand your availability.

Protecting Your Personal Time

Your personal time is just as important as your professional time. It’s where you recharge, connect with loved ones, and pursue activities that bring you joy.

• Saying “No”: This is a superpower for boundary setting. You don’t have to volunteer for every committee, chaperone every event, or take on every extra responsibility. Learn to assess requests based on your capacity and your priorities. It’s okay to politely decline if something will overextend you.
• Unplugging: Make a conscious effort to disconnect from work-related communications during your personal time. Turn off email notifications on your phone. If you’re tempted to check, remind yourself of the importance of stepping away to truly rest. This allows your mind to switch off from the demands of the classroom.

How Do You Balance Home and Work Life?

That is the question that was posed on Organized Classroom’s Facebook Fan Page yesterday, and there were lots of great answers from fellow educators!

Balancing the two is tough because once you finish at school (if you are ever really finished), you go home to your family and are expected to do a lot of it there as well!

I even found some great new tips from the suggestions given in the eBook!

Click here to email your freebie

Thanks so much to all contributors!

~Charity

The post How Do You Balance Home and Work Life? appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Three rows of connecting desks make for an easy way to teach with direct instruction, while yet breaking free of the typical column and row lecture style.

How else could you use this seating arrangement in your classroom?  Feel free to share in the comments below!

You might want to check out:

Want an AD-FREE resource book of all seating charts in one easy-to-print format?  188 pages in total!  Now available in our Bookstore!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

Grab a printable handout of this seating chart!

~Charity

See ALL the Seating Chart options HERE.

The post Classroom Seating Chart: Stripes appeared first on Organized Classroom.

She was feeling pretty great actually.  

Lesson plans and copies for the week were done on Friday, grading is caught up and entered, and she is excited about a new novel the class will be starting today.

Janelle greets her students as they enter and they get started working on their morning work until the bell rings.  

Everything is going great until mid-morning, when Janelle suddenly feels a HUGE headache coming on.  By the end of the day, it is pounding, and she spends Monday evening in a dark, quiet room trying to get it to subside.  

So much for starting out the workweek feeling productive.

Does this sound like your typical Monday?

There have been some lengthy discussions on the Organized Classroom Facebook page about how the fluorescent lights in your classroom could actually be causing headaches.  Not only for you, but for your students too.

I am certainly not a doctor, nor claim to be one in any way, so take this suggestion simply as a suggestion:  many teachers are trying out light filters in the classroom and are having good results.

After seeing many discussions about light filters on our FB page, Educational Insights sent me over a pack of 3 Pete the Cat filters to check them out for myself.

How adorable are these?

They are super lightweight fabric which has magnets around the edges – so they are super easy to attach over the metal lights along the grid!

The covers don’t completely darken the room at all, and all that horrible white blaring light is no longer shining and reflecting off every classroom surface.

I do know some of you are not able to use light covers due to fire code regulations.  For anyone wondering, according to the packaging, the fabric contains a flame retardant coating.  Not sure if that will help you to “sell your case” to your fire marshal, but it might be worth a shot if they have been banned in the past.

Check out my lights before:

And after:

Here is another image from the EI website:

You can check out these Pete the Cat Decorative Light Filters HERE if you need a solution ASAP.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for organizing your classroom environment?  This 108 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 16 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Easy DIY Projects for Making Mundane Office Supplies Cute Again
• New Ways to Use Old Supplies
• A Quick Tech Tutorial that Will Save You Money on Classroom Decor
• Unique Ways to Use Binder Rings
• Student Desk Straightening Tips

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price!  

See it HERE.

If you have used light filters in your classroom, let us know in the comments how they worked for you.

Want to try them and need a template to ask parents for a donation?

Download the file below and add your own info via Microsoft Powerpoint or Google Slides. One form just asks for monetary donations, which the other form has a spot for an Amazon wishlist link instead.

Click here to email your freebie

~Charity

The post Minimizing Classroom Migraine appeared first on Organized Classroom.

1. DIY Travel Coloring Cases – Personally, I would maybe even try index card or soap boxes which you might have leftover from school supplies.

2.  Road Trip Scavenger Hunt –  I like this one for the littles in the family as the images are super clear to pick up and can easily be spotted when in the car.  Even if you are just going across town to the grocery store.

3.  Teen Road Trip Survival Box –  Even the older students would love something to keep them busy if they are going on a family vacation – or just to a local family picnic.  You could pick and choose a few printables that are brain teasers to mix it up a bit!

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for your end of the school year routine?  This 70 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 10 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Printable Award Certificates
• How To Pack Up Your Classroom Faster Than Ever
• Fun Summer Reading Challenge for Students
• DIY Unique Award Ceremony Ribbons
• Planning Your EOY Party in a Snap
• Super Cute Tag for EOY Student Gift

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price! 

See it HERE.

4.  Camping Scavenger Hunt Cards

5.  DIY Road Trip I Spy –  The cutest part about this option?  The “markers” are food so little ones won’t be in danger with small pieces.

6.  Road Trip Hypothesis Worksheet –  Science and summer together equals awesome!

7.  Kids Travel Kit Binder –  I love that everything fits inside the binder to make it easy to grab and go!  And you might even have the students repurpose their own binders from the school year for this project!

8.  Bottle Cap Checkers –  I think this is super fun for students to play in the summer!  Grab a bag of bottle caps at the craft store and have students make their own as an end of the school year craftivity!  Print off a free checkerboard pattern on cardstock, laminate, and you have a perfect send off to summer gift from you!

9. My Teacher’s Summer Break Book – Have each student do the specific summer break templates you choose and bind them together to give to the staff member who is mentioned on that template!

10.  Activity Bag Ideas –  While this idea shows the bags to be used as road trip activities, another idea would be to “meet” students weekly at the library to “trade” in their bag for another.  If they don’t show up for 2 weeks, that’s ok.  They will just trade their bag when they come in.  If they never show up, they keep the bag they were given on the last day of school.  Would even be a great way to connect with new students and their parents if you are lucky enough to already have a class roster before the next school year begins.

11.  Summer Reading Rockets – BINGO Style!  – You just can’t end a summer learning post without mentioning reading.  This one is super fun though and I bet students would be more than eager to get some reading in over the break.

12 – DIY Class Yearbook! This fun printable will be a great end of the year activity for those very last days of school before summer break. Simply download and print the file below.

Fill in the year. Print your page double-sided and have the students mix randomly to draw a picture of something they remember from the school year on one of the “photos” and write a message to the recipient.

A really fun memento from the year!

Click here to email your freebie

What other ideas would you add to the list that is useful and keeps students thinking throughout the summer?  We would love to hear your ideas in the comments below too!

~Charity

The post Fun Summer Ideas for Your Students appeared first on Organized Classroom.

While you may already have finished up – or even have the rest of the year planned, if you are someone who still has some time left to fill, I just created a fun new activity that you can also easily recreate on your own!

As the school year comes to a close, it’s important to consider how to keep kids engaged and learning during the summer break.

One effective way to achieve this is by using end of school year worksheets that review and reinforce the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the year. These worksheets can cover a wide range of subjects, from math and language arts to science, social studies, art, music, physical education, and more.

By incorporating these worksheets into summer learning, parents and educators can help prevent the “summer slide” and ensure that students are ready to hit the ground running when the new school year begins.

Or just do an activity for “fun” that includes creative writing and drawing skills – yay!

Your students will love it, parents will get a chuckle, and you will think it’s hilarious {or NOT}!

End of Year Writing Prompts and Creative Writing Activities

Creative writing is a valuable tool for self-expression and language development. End of year writing prompts and creative writing activities can inspire kids to write during the summer by providing them with engaging and thought-provoking prompts.

These activities can include writing a short story, composing a poem, or keeping a journal of their summer experiences. By engaging in creative writing, students can enhance their writing skills and explore their creativity in new and exciting ways.

My Teacher’s Summer Break Book is a fun activity to wrap up the school year that doesn’t involve technology, outside activities, or cooperative learning groups.

I can see students coming up with sentences like:

• I think my teacher will read a book by the pool while doing laundry over Summer Break.
• I think my teacher will go to Disneyworld every day over Summer Break.
• I think my teacher will eat chocolate over Summer Break.
• I think my teacher will not wear shoes at all over Summer Break.
• I think my teacher will sleep the entire time over Summer Break.
• I think my teacher will be shopping for cake over Summer Break.

Last Days of School Book Activity

Of course, it’s really easy to recreate your own template if you don’t want to use the one I have provided. Choices are the best!

Here is how to make your own:

1.  Grab some blank paper, pass out to the students.

2.  Ask them to write the following sentence:  “I think my teacher ____________ over summer break.”

3.  Have them fill in the blank with their own answer.

4.  Draw and color in a matching image on the rest of the paper.

When all students have finished, either scan the pages and use for an end of the year slideshow or just share and send home.  If you choose to scan the papers, make sure to save the hard copies and bind together for a memento of your own of this year’s class!  Fun!

Grab the ultimate end of the school year resource guide for teachers!

Wrapping Up the School Year in Just 3 Days!  27 page guidebook with checklists and a plan of action so you can enjoy the last week of school with your students – rather than feeling overwhelmed with your task list!  Click HERE to download it now!

Celebrate Other School Staff Members Too

Now, if you want templates already made, I have templates created which also include 17 other options for the sentence. 

There is one for the principal, specials teachers, cafeteria staff, and more! 

And each template is available in full color and grayscale!  Click HERE to see some examples of the templates!

End of the year staff appreciation gifts for the specials teachers, office, cafeteria, or custodial staff

You could have each student do the specific templates you choose and then bind them together to give to the staff member who is mentioned on that template – or take pictures of those particularly memorable and then bind the rest for the students to take home as a gift for the end of the year!

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for your end of the school year routine?  This 70 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 10 articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Printable Award Certificates
• How To Pack Up Your Classroom Faster Than Ever
• Fun Summer Reading Challenge for Students
• DIY Unique Award Ceremony Ribbons
• Planning Your EOY Party in a Snap
• Super Cute Tag for EOY Student Gift

…and even more!

Now available in our Shop!  And the second copy to share with a friend is half price! 

See it HERE.

The choice is up to you, but either way, I am sure the responses will certainly bring on some chuckles!

Math Review Worksheets to Keep Skills Sharp

Math is a subject that requires continuous practice to maintain proficiency. Over the summer, it’s easy for kids to forget the math skills they’ve learned during the school year. That’s why math review worksheets are essential for keeping these skills sharp.

These worksheets can cover a variety of topics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions.

For example, a worksheet might include a series of addition and subtraction problems that gradually increase in difficulty, or a set of multiplication and division problems that require students to use their knowledge of times tables. By regularly practicing these skills, students can prevent learning loss and be better prepared for the next grade level.

Science and Social Studies Worksheets for Summer Learning

Science and social studies are subjects that provide valuable knowledge about the world around us. To continue exploring these topics during the summer, worksheets can cover a wide range of subjects, including animals, plants, geography, and history.

For example, a science worksheet might include questions about the life cycle of a butterfly, while a social studies worksheet might ask students to identify different countries on a map. By engaging with these subjects over the summer, students can expand their knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Fun and Engaging Art and Music Worksheets for the End of School Year

Art and music are essential for fostering creativity and self-expression. End of school year art and music worksheets can include drawing prompts that encourage students to explore different artistic techniques, music theory exercises that teach the fundamentals of rhythm and melody, and art history activities that introduce students to famous artists and their work. By incorporating these worksheets into summer learning, students can continue to develop their artistic and musical abilities while having fun and expressing themselves in new and exciting ways.

Physical Education and Health Worksheets to Stay Active and Healthy

Staying active and healthy is important for overall well-being, and summer is the perfect time to focus on physical education and health.

Worksheets can promote exercise, nutrition, and wellness by including activities such as creating a weekly exercise plan, tracking daily physical activity, and learning about the importance of eating a balanced diet. By engaging with these worksheets, students can develop healthy habits that will benefit them for years to come.

End of Year Reflection and Goal Setting Worksheets

Reflecting on the past school year and setting goals for the summer and upcoming school year is a valuable exercise for students. Reflection and goal setting worksheets can encourage self-assessment and planning by prompting students to think about their achievements, challenges, and aspirations.

By setting goals for the summer, such as reading a certain number of books or learning a new skill, students can stay motivated and focused on their personal and academic growth.

Summer Reading Lists and Comprehension Worksheets

Summer reading is essential for preventing the “summer slide” and improving literacy skills.

To support this, parents and educators can provide recommended summer reading lists for different age groups, along with comprehension worksheets that accompany the books.

These worksheets can include questions that test students’ understanding of the text, as well as activities that encourage critical thinking and analysis. By engaging with these materials, students can develop a love for reading and improve their comprehension skills.

STEM Activities to Keep Kids Engaged and Learning

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities are essential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. End of school year STEM activities and worksheets can cover a wide range of topics, including coding, engineering challenges, and scientific experiments.

For example, a coding activity might ask students to create a simple computer program, while an engineering challenge might require them to build a structure using only toothpicks and marshmallows. By engaging with these activities, students can continue to develop their STEM skills and explore new and exciting concepts.

End of Year Celebrations and Memory Making Worksheets

Celebrating the end of the school year and creating lasting memories is an important part of the summer experience. End of year celebration activities and memory making worksheets can include creating a memory book that highlights favorite moments from the school year, reflecting on personal achievements, and setting intentions for the upcoming summer. By engaging in these activities, students can celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to new experiences in the months ahead.

Whether it’s math, language arts, science, art, music, physical education, or any other subject, there are endless opportunities for students to explore, learn, and grow during the summer months. I encourage parents and educators to utilize these worksheets to provide a fun and enriching summer learning experience for students of all ages.

Need a freebie page to get things rolling? Grab it below!

Have fun and enjoy the end of the school year without getting too crazed!

~Charity

The post My Teacher’s Summer Break Book appeared first on Organized Classroom.