Sunday, July 8, 2012

Organization in The Classroom


photo of: Classroom Organization of Materials brought to you by RainbowsWithinReach

Back to school? Did someone whisper BACK TO SCHOOL? Shhhhhh: Back to school. 
Are you thinking about the beginning of a new school year? 
For me, when the Fourth of July sparklers are extinguished my mind begins to think BTS. In an effort to do my part to contribute to the well being of your new year, I've gathered up OODLES of images to share from lots of my previous Author Illustrator School Visits. 

This is the second installment in my 'organizational' mini-series. My #1 viewed article here addressed this same topic last spring. So I KNOW this topic is of importance to readers everywhere! 
Let's get organized!!! Knowing how others manage their materials is such a boost to getting a grip on our own layout. Let's start with baskets, bins and buckets!


photo of: Classroom Materials Organized by type

photo of: Containers for Classroom Organization


photo of: Art Supplies Organized for Classroom Use

A lot of 'organization' has to do with the proper containers for all of your stuff goodies materials. These containers are available all over the place. Getting the proper number to fit your available shelving is one of the first steps to getting things into order. 

photo of: Systems for Classroom Organization of Art Supplies

Let's take a look at getting all of those art supplies into order. Here are several different versions on the theme: Art-on-a-Cart. From my perspective as a former elementary Art teacher, I'm always drawn to seeing what Art supplies are available in the classroom. 

photo of: Art on a Cart Supplies Organized

photo of: Art on a Cart Supplies Organized for Preschool

photo of: Art on a Cart Supplies Organized for Preschool

photo of: Organize Classroom Art Supplies

photo of: Classroom Art Supplies on Shelves

photo of: Organizing Art Supplies

photo of: Art Materials Organization

Let's look at something as simple as 'crayons.' I'm not here to tell you that there's a right and a wrong way to do anything when it comes to organizing. I am excited to share some of the many possibilities that are possible -- the ones that I've seen. I think that there's wisdom in the concept, "Create a System and then Stick with it!"

photo of: Organize your Crayons: crayon caddies of all types


photo of: Crayon Caddie for Organization of Materials

Take a look at these next crayons!!! I'd know a 'recycled icing container' anywhere. Save your containers. Then just wrap the icing container in the appropriate colored construction paper and label. VOILA!! Crayons by COLOR(!!!) and at no expense for the DIY'er!! 


photo of: DIY Crayon Bins from recycled icing containers, wrapped in construction paper and labeled


photo of: DIY Crayon buckets by color using recycled 'icing' containers

photo of: Organizing Crayons by Color in the Classroom
Think of all of the awesome 'sorting' practice as children put their crayons away!

photo of: DIY Organization System for Presenting Crayons to Preschoolers

photo of: Art Supplies Organized into Clear Bins and Labeled with Photos of Supplies

photo of: Drawers to keep beads organized

Do you just LUV LUV LUV the re-purposing in this next photo of an old 'veggie' tray? A great way to present your materials for creative projects!! All the children at the table can have easy access to all of the necessary supplies. Save these containers from your family reunion later this summer and put them to good use next fall! 


photo of: Craft Supplies presented on an 'up-cycled' veggie tray

photo of: Bin Storage for Art Materials onto Shelving System

Next up. Several different 'table' supply containers that are used in Kindergarten rooms near and far -- where the students are sitting at tables. As you will see they come in all shapes and sizes. Teachers have differing ideas of what to 'house' in these community supply containers. It's fun to see what each teacher considers an essential element. Crayons are apparently the number one common denominator. 

photo of: Classroom Community Supplies organized on Kindergarten Table Top


photo of: Classroom Community Supplies organized on Kindergarten Table Top (includes books within materials)

photo of: Classroom Table top Community Supplies

photo of: Community Supplies in Kindergarten, Table Top Container of Shared Materials

photo of: Classroom Supplies housed for Community Distribution

photo of: Organization within the Classroom Setting

Here's a couple of images of housing 'like' materials in one container. 

photo of: Classroom Supply Organization

photo of: Clipboards for "Write Around the Room" Activities (stored in create)

This series of puzzle racks make them look so inviting. I LUV how each puzzle is 'labeled' on the edge. Having such a wide assortment of puzzles, it's really necessary to have them easily accessible. Did you notice that the shelf itself is 'labeled' as well? 

photo of: Puzzles Stored on Puzzle Rack and Marked with 'title' of Puzzles

All righty then! On to all of those 'manipulative materials' that are the hallmark of every classroom for young children. There are so many. They come in every possible size. What's a teacher to do? Look at all of these bright math manipulative materials... all housed together on the same set of shelves. COUNTING!! I see lots of opportunities to count with these bits and bobs.

photo of: Math Manipulatives Organized for Classroom Usage

And now for some 'building' materials. Those take up some serious real estate.

photo of: Fine Motor Manipulative Materials -- Organized in Bins

photo of: Fine Motor Manipulative Materials -- Organized in Bins

photo of: Fine Motor Manipulative Materials -- Organized in Bins

photo of: Building Materials, Fine Motor Manipulative Materials -- Organized in Bins


photo of: Building Materials stored on Shelves with room for making projects

photo of: Organization in Preschool Classroom: Toys in Bins and Labeled

Now let's look at several different methods for using storage buckets. First up there's one that has been labeled with photos for the elements housed in each bucket. 


Now let's take a look at the way classroom libraries have been organized using buckets.

photo of: Classroom 'Library' Organization Strategies

photo of: Book Bins in Kindergarten, Organized by Topic

I LUV LUV LUV that children have written the labels for their book categories in this next photo! I'm wild about children's fine motor development and have an ongoing series entitled Fine Motor Friday: "Fine Motor Leads to Fine Arts." A couple of those first 21 installments are in my Top 10 list on the left side bar. 

[I bet #10 on the list today, Fine Motor Sign-In-Systems, will be replaced with this organizational article in time. Here's that link directly before it gets buried forever. It's a keeper for sure!]

photo of: Book Bins in Kindergarten, Organized by Topic

photo of: Book Bins in Kindergarten, Organized for Group Use

photo of: Book Bins in Kindergarten, Organized by Topic

Take a look at these 'classic book' bins. They are labeled with the photo of the cover of the book. Inside each bin are housed the 'manipulative' puppets and props that bring the book to LIFE!! This was seriously an A.MAZ.ING set of materials. Brilliant presentation. As a picture book author + illustrator I am in LUV with this concept for sure!

Photo of: Book Bins in Kindergarten, Organized for Use with Manipulatives + Puppets

I took the lid off of this bin so that you could see what was hiding inside. Book and plush toy. SURPRISE!! What an incredible way to support young soon-to-be readers!! KUDOS!!!

photo of: Classic Books Organized into Bins with their Manipulative Materials and Plush

photo of: Classroom Library Organization into Bins by Topic

photo of: Organization in Kindergarten Classroom


photo of: Classroom Bins (Organization in the Classroom)

photo of: Classroom Bins for Topic (Organization in the Classroom)


photo of: Use of Folders for Organization in Kindergarten

photo of: Classroom Routine Poster (Organize your Day)

photo of: Homework Chart System in Kindergarten

photo of: Magnetic Letter Center in Kindergarten

photo of: Classroom Reading Library in First Grade Classroom (Organization)

Here are several different manners where individual children have a 'spot' for their work to collect. 

photo of: Individual Student Bins for Classroom Organization

photo of: Individual Student Bins for Classroom Organization

photo of: Classroom Bins for Individual Students (Organization in the Classroom)
photo of: Individual Student Bins for Classroom Organization

photo of: Individual Student Bins for Classroom Organization

photo of: Daily Organization in Classroom
I wonder what is inside the 'Saturday' drawer? I didn't have time to peek!

photo of: Game Parts Organization tray

photo of: Closet of Organized Materials in Tubs and Bins

Last but not least. I've saved the cream-de-la-cream for the BIG ENDING. Those of you who are familiar with my original songs for children know that I'm BIG on BIG ENDINGS!!! I like to leave my audience, whether bright eyed preschoolers or mature 2nd graders with an exclamation mark!!! It's my favorite punctuation mark!!!
photo of: Organize your Anchor Charts by Hanging them on Hangers

In all my travels I had never seen this form of organizing one's teacher 'ANCHOR CHARTS.' This brilliant K teacher had each song and fingerplay laminated and hanging from a hanger!!! There was a free-standing display, dress-bar -- the kind you would see at a store displaying their new 'back-to-school' clothes to keep all of the charts ready and at hand. 

photo of: Anchor Chart Organization System: Hangers

[***Time machine update. Want to see what a teaching space looks like where the teacher has coordinated EVERYTHING in her room? The anchor charts match her color scheme. INSPIRATIONAL, I tell ya. Purely inspirational! Click here to see tomorrow's post.] 

OK folks. That was a LOT of pictures! Even for me!! I think the most photos and collages I've ever posted in one article. Is there an award for most photos in one post? I hope that you've been inspired and have at least one new idea to tackle an area of concern in your room. 

If this is your first time here, I invite you to explore further. I'd suggest starting with the 'about me' section in the tab at the top. I go where I get invited for school visits across the country -- with my camera in hand! 

Here's the link to that first article on organization.
photo of: Classroom Organization Vignettes (RoundUP via RainbowsWIthinReach)
Part 3: Organization
I also have a 'follow-up' article on organization. Click here for Part 3. 


photo of: You Know You're a Teacher When: Getting Organized with RainbowsWithinReach

NOTE FROM THE FUTURE!!!! 

I transport ALL of the organizational ideas into 
{Just click the picture! For hundreds of ideas} 




Now. I have a favor to ask. Would you please pin your favorite suggestion? Thanks a gazillion. Now happy planning as your return to your room gets ever closer! 

I am now an Amazon Affiliate. I've already searched for some goodies for you. When you click through from here you will be supporting my retirement fund!! Thanks for your support. Here are some direct links to help you tackle one step of the organization challenge. 





Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth - TeachersPayTeachers.com

Editors note from the future!
I am now on Teacher-Pay-Teachers and have opened a store there to offer my original songs for children in a digital download format -- with supplementary materials I'm creating. There's a FREEBIE Mp3 over there to introduce you to my work, entitled "Going to the Library." 


photo of: Classroom Organization of Materials brought to you by RainbowsWithinReach
<div align="center"><a href="http://rainbowswithinreach.blogspot.com/2012/07/organization-in-classroom.html" title="Rainbows Within Reach"><img src="http://s284.photobucket.com/albums/ll28/faithandfifty/?action=view¤t=OrganizeYourClassroom-1.jpg" alt="Rainbows Within Reach" style="border:none;" /></a></div>




32 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness...you are one MIGHTY organized chicky! I need to get my own self in gear and work on this for this next school year!!!!

    Holly
    Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Holly, I won't even tell you how long I've been working on this post. I know I took pictures specifically with the intent of writing this article over a three month period of time.

      Thanks so much for your supportive comment. I am most grateful to have some feedback after investing this amount of time. <3

      Debbie

      Delete
  2. It's like you read my mind with this post! Organization galore & I love it!! I'm pinning these ideas for sure! :)
    Lisa
    Learning Is Something to Treasure

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mind reading has never been one of my developed skills, but I'm working on it! Thanks so much for pinning and I'm especially grateful for your kindness in taking the time to leave a comment.

      Debbie

      Delete
  3. This is perfect in thinking about the year ahead! So many ideas... Mahalo for linking up!!

    Aloha,
    Corinna
    Surfin' Through Second

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Corinna, I thank you for the opportunity to link-up! Thanks for hosting. I can already see traffic hopping over from your site! I LUV the bloghop concept. Thanks again.

      Debbie

      Delete
  4. I love how organized you are! Thank you for sharing all of those pictures!!

    Misty
    Think, Wonder, & Teach

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As you can imagine, Misty. It was a labor of love! I'm just so thrilled that readers have already 'found' it and responded. SUCH an excitement on my part. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.

      Debbie

      Delete
  5. Wow! I linked to this post through Pinterest and I'm amazed. I'm moving from 3rd to Kindergarten--which is a whole different world. I've been spending my summer surfing through blogs and getting ideas. This by far is the best! Thank you for all the wonderful photos! I have gotten so many new ideas by 'peeking'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl!!! You just made everything worthwhile! I am so glad that you've appreciated your 'peeking.' I hope this helps makes your transition to K fruitful from an organizational stand-point. I am so grateful for your enthusiasm. Those are going to be lucky kinders!!

      Debbie

      Delete
  6. omg if only my class was this organized...i wish!! im your newest follower...drop by =)


    Just Wild About Teaching

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It all looks great in a picture -- doesn't it? Thanks so much for the follow, I'll need to hop over to your place, next. Do you have any articles from your blog that you could link up?

      Debbie

      Delete
  7. I love it! Bins, bins and more bins is the way to get organized. Plus adding a picture of what's in those bins really helps the kids put the materials away in the correct spot. Everything has a spot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Tanya. It seems to be a matter of bins and then how they are 'used.' Having the right sized containers seems to go a l-o-n-g way to setting up a successful system to keeping on top of things.

      Debbie

      Getting the kids to know where things belong, seems like more than half the battle!

      Delete
  8. Awesome! Thank you! You answered a couple organization questions for me this coming year: Individual student standing files to use for "Portfolio Fodder" and the hangers I can use on some large posters that my class uses for history. Sweet. Thanks so much. I pinned the two ideas as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary I am so grateful for your pinning your favorites. The greatest bulk of my traffic comes from Pinterest and as you know every extra pin creates its own ripple.

      Glad to be of help and thanks for leaving encouragement in the form of a comment!

      Debbie

      Delete
  9. OMG! The art supplies on a rolling cart is great. I hate dragging supplies out and forgetting something. This will be a huge timesaver. Now to find a cart...

    Thanks for the idea!

    Greg
    Smedley's Smorgasboard of Kindergarten

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy cart shopping, Greg!! Glad that sharing the idea sparks your creative imagination. Let's make our lives easier!! I'm betting that having easier access to your art supplies will be that much better an invitation to creativity!!! YEAH Team!

      Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! Offers me support to continue!!

      Delete
  10. That was awesome...I keep telling myself I am a pre-school teacher with a nurses hat. I have been gazing in my own needy office of late and I know these great ideas will help me get organized today. Have a great school year wherever you roam.
    Ms. Dawn, aka The Singing Nurse
    PS I've been trying to figure out where I belong and looking for a blog hop. I am artsy, musical, educational, healthy and inspirational, I love encouraging creativity, recycling, literacy, making healthy choices, singing an educational songs etc. I was hoping you might offer some suggestions. Thanks again Debbie for all your hard work in preparing this post. I know the time that goes into it all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwwwwwwwwwwwww, Dawn! Thanks so much for stopping in. I'm so grateful for your continued support. We are something of 'round pegs' in a square hole sorta world, aren't we?

      Keep plugging away. I am finally getting some traction thanks to Pinterest and having folks actually reading what I can pull together is such a thrill!

      Debbie

      Delete
  11. Thanks for including those recycled containers! Love repurposed stuff. Just redid our area and wish I'd found your post first,
    http://motherofdiscussion.blogspot.com/2012/07/transforming-art-cart-to-art-cupboard.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LUV LUV LUV the repurposed stuff myself. Please share this with others!

      Debbie

      Delete
  12. This is so great Debbie! I added a blog post to the hop. I'm going to add the hop button in the sidebar of my blog toward the top for about a month to give this very helpful hop more exposure. My blog readers are mostly parents, so I'm not going to make a specific post about it. I hope that's okay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Michelle. What a great way to help 'share' the ideas. Thanks so much for your creative idea!

      Debbie

      Delete
  13. Hi Debbie! I love teachers and all their ideas. Linked up an amazing classroom :)
    Lina @ Fancy Frugal Life
    (new follower)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lina!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to follow and also leave a comment. I'm so appreciative of support in both avenues.

      Debbie

      Delete
  14. What fantastic ideas! Thank you for taking the time to share them!

    ~Kristen
    http://kinderpillars.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome, Kristen. I know how fortunate I am to get to visit so many amazing classrooms -- all across the country. You're right, it does take time to share them, so I appreciate your kindness and support.

      Debbie

      Delete
  15. I love your system of organization. A question I have is, how did you attach the charts to the clothes hangers?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right Dottie. I should have taken a picture of the back of the clothes hangers to show that detail. The laminated anchor charts were attached to the hangers with wide, clear plastic 'mailing tape.' Keep in mind, I only 'report' what I see. That's all the credit I can accept in this case.

      Debbie

      Delete
  16. I love the green tabletop community supplies organizer - it looks like 4 triangle sections joined together??? Do you know where I can get one of those???? Wonderful ideas on the whoe page but that and the hanging anchor charts are my favorites!!! Repinned :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for all you great organization ideas. I particularly love your anchor chart hangers. can you explain how you made them, thanks!

    ReplyDelete

I LUV to hear from you! Please leave your thoughts so we can interact!!

Thanks for your support! I am so appreciative of your pins!

Thanks for your support! I am so appreciative of your pins!
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