The Teacher's Breakroom

In addition to the 3R’s, teachers also have the awesome responsibility of teaching children organization skills. In order to be productive and efficient, a nice and tidy work environment is essential. That’s why classroom storage is such an important aspect to consider when it comes to arranging and equipping your classroom.

This is important not only for the students, but for the teachers as well. If your students see that you are unorganized, your supplies and teaching tools are scattered all around the classroom, and they can’t see your desk for all the papers piled on top of it, what kind of example is that?

Of course, the best argument for any organized classroom is that a room free of clutter helps students maintains their focus where it should be – on learning. Here are three organizational tips to consider when creating a positive learning environment.

Storage space for students

Everyone needs their own space, a special place where they can store their belongings. Not only that, when students have there own space, they feel recognized and important. Also, having a personal storage area helps them take responsibility for making sure their items are put away safely.

Most elementary classrooms are equipped with some type of storage solution. However, if that’s not the case its easy for teachers to create their own. The best way to do this is to make student cubbies. Plastic milk crates, storage bins, or manufactured wood units are great for this purpose. The best teachers tend to personalize each child’s space by labeling the cubbies with student’s names and a colorful picture. With personalized cubbies, students always know where to put their backpacks, coats, and lunches when they enter the classroom. Teachers can also put student’s work that needs to be sent home in the cubbies as well.

Storage space for classroom supplies

If your classroom is not equipped with storage cabinets you can find easy and inexpensive solutions for storing classroom supplies. Again, plastic milk crates work very well for this. You can also use plastic storage bins that have removable drawers. For larger items such as games, toys, puzzles and blocks, large rectangular plastic bins that come with a lid are ideal.

Other storage ideas

While most teachers are happy to purchase some items for their classroom, the truth is these purchases can add up quickly. With a little recycling ingenuity teachers can make their own storage bins.

One way to do this is to ask for the containers that file folders come in at discount stores. You can cover them with an attractive contact paper and use them for your important documents, student portfolios, or reference material. Also, empty plastic coffee or baby wipe containers are an inexpensive way to organize art supplies such as crayons and markers, pencils, and craft scissors.

You can check out yard sales for organizational items as well. Stacking letter trays and home office supplies are frequently fantastic yard sale finds. You can use the trays to organize classroom work and homework to be graded.

Another idea is to use a clear plastic shoe holder and store items in the pockets. Hang it on a cabinet door and label each pocket for organization.

With adequate classroom storage, student’s play area and learning environment will be free of clutter. By organizing your classroom, you help students organize their thinking and focus on what’s important. Adequate storage space makes life easier for teachers and students alike.

Of course, if you want to consider it, we carry a large supply of classroom storage supplies.