I searched high and low for ideas and a plan of action that would work for me.
I read blogs, checked pinterest, and ended up back where I started 30 years ago when I first realized that my kindergarten stuff wasn't fitting very well in file folders. I kept my samples in paper boxes (have your custodian save them for you) and labeled them by months.
In the mean time....my stuff has expanded and the boxes are gone (three schools, and two states ago).
True confessions....Do you have a mess like me? Maybe not this bad, but teachers are notorious. We save things because we might need them. You never know....projects, grade level changes, and just the money invested.
That is why I came up with this Plan of Action!! Join me on this journey (it is not over yet).
It is hard. I am not going to lie, this is not easy on me emotionally. I have a lot invested. I am afraid of changing grade levels. I am afraid of not having something I need (or want). But speaking those fears out loud, make them seem not so scary. I am already getting psyched for this journey!! I can do this!
Don't take too long on this step. Don't think too much, there is more sorting to come.
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| Label your boxes with sticky notes. It will make it easier to change things up and you can make it better looking and more permanent when you are done. |
My thought is one tub for each month (right now my stuff is scattered in lots of different tubs and all mixed up), but I may need to add one for holidays that have lots of stuff (like Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and Thanksgiving). I may also designate a tub for math and reading, so I can store things that do not fit a month or theme. My tubs must fit along my garage wall, and I will bring them to school as I need them. I do have a craft closet at home and my supplies will have to fit in there. My space available will determine my limits.
Now comes the hard part.
Keep getting rid of those NOs
There in a nutshell is my plan of action.
Join me on this journey by following me on facebook or here on my blog. I will be posting pictures of my progress. Now that you all know my troubles.....I don't think I can quit. I have someone watching me. I can do this.
I am linking up with a fabulous group of more than 80 bloggers with amazing ideas to brighten up your life, your classroom and your teaching. Check them out below. There are lots more wonderful and BRIGHT ideas!
I need to do this at my house!!! =) I joke with my husband I want to take everything and put it in the front yard and put it all back in. =) My classroom I feel like I do a good job with though.. people would never believe my closets at home based on my classroom!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Jennifer
Simply Kinder
This could not have been better timed. I was told by my principal this week that I don't need any more books in my classroom. She said, "You must have over 2,000 in here. I am a bibliophile, too, but there is no reason for this!" Boo! My classroom, my life. I admit to stacks of papers, stacks of center activities, stacks of stacks, but NOBODY tells me I can't bring more books into my classroom, so I know I have to figure out a way where I can organize my room and take the focus away from the mess. A friend just gave me two 48 slot mail sorters from her office. I know these are going to be a huge help in the Do I REALLY Need This organization step. Thanks for the kick in the pants to help get me started.
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