Does your desk look like chaos at the end of the day? Do you struggle to locate materials for tomorrow’s lesson plan? Keep reading to discover strategies for math classroom organization.
#1 – Where to Start: Storage Space
A. Math Classroom Organization: Bookshelves and Cabinets
First, let’s consider storage space for math classroom organization. My first love includes book and binder cabinets with doors! It is so satisfying to close the doors of my cabinets. White cabinets are my favorite, as they tend to blend into the wall color. Line each shelf with non-slip material. This helps keep books and binders from sliding.
B. Cabinet Resources
Second, if you do not have cabinets consider the following options:
- 1. Create a white curtain over existing open shelves or book cases
- 2. Check with friends, family, or other teachers. Let them know you are looking for cabinet storage.
- 3. Look for sales on sites such as Ebay.
- 4. Visit second-hand stores before purchasing from a traditional store.
- 5. Do you have a carpenter in your family? Create your own cabinet to meet the specificatons of your needs!
C. Math Classroom Organization with Cabinets
Furthermore, determine what each cabinet will hold.
For example, one of my cabinets contain Algebra 1 materials. This cabinet stores all of my Algebra 1 notes, anchor charts, and worksheets for each Algebra section taught. Another cabinet holds math maniplatives and dry-erase graphs.
#2 – Binders
In addition, binders are my go-to for organizng multple pre-printed or un-used worksheets for specific Algebra topics. I recommend using black binders and white labels with titles printed in different colors, organized by topic, content or lesson section. Images drawn on labels are also helpful.
Likewise, if the label reads Graphing Perpendicular Lines, I will add a quick sketch of an example represented by the words. This helps me find the binder at a quicker rate, as I can quickly spot an image, vs. scanning endless words. Stickers also serve this purpose.
On the other hand, I have also used different colored binders for different classes, such as pink for Biology, red for Chemistry and blue for Algebra 1. Below are black binders with colored tabs. The options are endless.
#3 – Tab Dividers and Different Shades of Paper
After labeling and organizing binders, include tab dividers within each binder. To save time, use numbered tabs. Decide what each number will represent.
For example, see the numbers and titles listed below.
- Tab 1 = Introduction
Tab 2 = Guided Practice
Tab 3 = Independent Practice
Tab 4 = Homework
Tab 5 = Quiz
Tab 6 = Test
On the other hand, you may prefer to use different shades of paper to differentiate between each part. Or, you may choose to mix it up by numbering and using various shades of paper.
For example, see below.
Tab 1 = Introduction
Tab 2 = Guided Practice
Tab 3 = Independent Practice
Tab 4 = Homework
Pink = Quiz
Yellow = Test
#4 – Come Up with a Plan
Lastly, determine what type of strategy will work best for your classroom.
Next, sketch out a specific design for the cabinet placement and specific binders and books for each shelf. How would you like to label the binders? What type of tab system will you use?
Now look over your lists and sketches. Based on what you have, what do you need? How might you obtain those desired items? Friends? Family? Ebay?
Yes, it will take time, though consider the time spent locating resources for the next day’s lesson plan. Trust me, the time it takes to get organized will be worth it!
Conclusion
In conclusion, math classroom organization increases effective time management when lesson planning. Who wouldn’t want more time?
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