Oh, and they are super easy to make!

There’s nothing worse than students digging through your perfectly organized classroom library books bins that have painstakingly been labeled with the correct category or level, only to have books tossed back in different bins and have to start all over again.

It makes my organizational heart hurt.

So I needed a way to allow students to peruse the book titles, while still having an easy way for them to also replace the books back into the correct book basket when they were finished.

You might want to check out:

Need some new ideas for building and maintaining your classroom library?  This 41 page digital book has you covered!

Includes 6 ad-free articles from Organized Classroom, including topics such as:

• Super Easy Checkout System
• Teaching Students to Reshelf Their Selections
• Book Gift Idea
• Learning How to Create Book Labels
• A Quick Book Log to Encourage Reading at Home

…and even more!

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

See it HERE.

Fostering Student Responsibility

No matter which system you choose, the most important element is teaching students how to use it and instilling a sense of responsibility for the books. Regular reminders about returning books, demonstrating the check-out process, and discussing why it’s important to take care of shared resources can make a big difference. You might even assign “library helpers” to assist with re-shelving or checking on overdue books. Empowering students in this process not only lightens your load but also teaches valuable life skills.

Involving Students in Maintenance

Students can be excellent library assistants. Encourage them to help straighten shelves, organize books, or identify books that need repair. Perhaps they can even suggest new titles they’d like to see. Having a “library squad” or designated student librarians can foster ownership and teach practical organizational skills. This also lightens your workload and ensures the library remains a space that truly belongs to and serves the students.

Regular Culling and Repairing

Books will inevitably get loved a little too hard. Set aside time each month or quarter to go through your collection. Take out any books that are beyond repair – a few worn pages are charming, but a book falling apart is frustrating. Repair what you can with clear packing tape or book repair tape. This is also a good time to cull books that are no longer relevant, out-of-date, or simply aren’t being read. Don’t be afraid to let go of books that are taking up valuable space if they’re not serving your students.

Book Basket Organization

To make:

1.  Grab some paint sticks from your local home improvement store, or old rulers from your stash of school supplies.  {I used rulers because they were on hand and easy for me to grab.}

2.  Find some washi tape in your classroom decor colors and decorate your sticks however you like.  The possibilities are endless.

3.  Create some toppers.  You can either use a Word processing program , or even go freehand!  Print out on cardstock.  Use a large paper punch to make it uber simple to cut them out.  Laminating is optional.

4.  Attach toppers to your sticks with hot glue or a large piece of clear packing tape.

That’s it!  Did I mention how simple it was?

Students Organizing the Classroom Library on Their Own

Now, students can either grab the library stick with their name or number on it whenever they are searching through your classroom library. 

When they find a book, they place their stick in that basket or lay it down horizontally on the bookshelf where the book was or vertically in a book bin.  When it is time to return the book, the student will know exactly where to place it upon return!  Yay!

Of course, no system works perfectly, but I bet with practice, most students should be able to follow this system easily! 

Drop all the sticks into a large clear container and set it right by the classroom library so the sticks stay presentable and close at hand.

Need some numbered library stick toppers? I have a fun file that includes numbers 1-36 just for you to get started right away!

How do you keep your classroom library organized while students are browsing?  We would love to hear your ideas in the comments below too!

Happy organizing!

~Charity

The post DIY Classroom Library Sticks appeared first on Organized Classroom.

Gives a simple way for small classroom groups to interact with  one another.  All are facing the same common direction.  Parters next to one another or facing partners can also quickly be used at the spur of the moment without rearranging desks.

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: Tri-Squares appeared first on Organized Classroom.

It can be simple.

Figuring out what to put on your teacher desk – a place where you probably spend many, many hours sifting through piles of paper – is an important piece of an organized classroom.

When I was sent to a classroom to observe for my very first education college course eons ago, I had an amazing cooperating teacher that I learned so many valuable lessons from as I was starting my career in education.

I pretty much thought she was the bees knees (and she was).

One vivid day in my memory, I was observing the class as usual (it was my first basic teacher ed level course so I wasn’t there to teach necessarily, but rather just watch) and by this point, I had been in her classroom over 10 times over the course of the semester and knew how she ran most everything.  And the students all knew me well too.

Well this particular day, she wasn’t feeling so hot so after picking the students up from PE, she asked if I would mind giving the spelling test while she took a minute in the teacher’s lounge.

She explained that the spelling test papers were on her desk.

I had seen the spelling test given several times and had even helped grade them in previous weeks, so I knew what the assessment paper looked like.

No problem!

I walked the students back to class and went to grab the stack of blank tests.

Ummmmm – she had piles and piles of paper stacks!

I panicked for a hot minute as this was the first time I had solely been in charge of this classroom and I was already blowing it!

Needless to say after moving around a few stacks here and there, I found them buried under 3 other things and successfully carried out the task.

But I learned a very important-to-me lesson that day:  I never wanted a guest in my classroom to feel like they couldn’t take over if needed because of my organizational style.

And even my teacher desk was an important part of feeling empowered in my profession.

What Should a Teacher Have on Their Desk?

A few must-have ideas of items a teacher might want include:

• large desk calendar
• writing and grading utensils
• paper or binder clips
• stapler
• name plate (depending on the grade level maybe?)
• sticky notes
• Anything else you use on a daily basis multiple times through the day that you will be grabbing a lot

How Do I Organize My Teacher Desk?

After you have compiled everything you want to place on top of your teacher desk, you’ll probably need something to place your loose items in, such as paper clips or writing utensils.

Personally, I love using a cup as my writing utensils supplies holder.  It can be plastic or glass.  A cup or even an old coffee mug.

The best part is that I can personalize it with my name, grade level, monogram, or nothing at all if that fits better.

You could make several and hot glue them together on a lazy susan to make a turntable too!  Be as creative you like.

One of the best parts of having something handmade is that you can have it match your classroom theme decorations and change it up as often as you like.

Now that you have your desk accessories set up, don’t forget the small touches that really make it sparkle!

Use fabric scraps to cover the lampshade.

Or use scrapbook paper to create a welcoming desk decoration.

A welcome pennant banner also adds a nice touch!

Want all the files to make the banner, cup label, and decor fans already done for you?

Check out the Organized Educator Packs ready to print and display right away in a ton of different themes!

Click HERE to see what sets are available now.

Want some more tips on how to utilize all the spaces around and inside your desk effectively?

Sign up for a free on-demand workshop: The Anatomy of a Teacher Desk.  

It includes a FREE teacher desk checklist! Click HERE to register for free now.

What other easy ideas do you have for decorating your teacher desk?  We would love to hear in the comments below!

Would you like the Lemon Theme Welcome Banner? Download it right here for free!

Enjoy!

Click here to email your freebie

~Charity

The post Simple Teacher Desk Decor appeared first on Organized Classroom.

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.