With all the papers and ideas we have in the classroom, finding a place to store them all can be overwhelming! The key to organizing files is to find a system that works for you and stick to it. Train your parent volunteers, student teachers, and classroom helpers how to manage it, and you'll never lose papers again.
A good system that seems to work for me is to start with a stack of plain file folders and plain white 1"x3" mailing labels. Then, I grab my reading series teacher editions and begin making a label on the computer template for each story in the series. When that is complete, print the labels and affix to the file folders. Drop the labeled folders into your hanging files in chronological order in your filing cabinet.
The next step is to start placing any lessons or resources you have that go along with each story into the folders. Trade books, enrichment lessons, spelling, and/or vocabulary cards are also placed in the corresponding files. If you have a resource that could be placed in more than one spot (for example, trade books about nouns or figurative language), make copies of the cover or lessons to place in those multiple locations.
After completing all reading materials files, begin to create folders for each chapter in math, science, social studies, handwriting, writing, etc. In this way, each year as you plan your week, you can pull the file and review quickly what additional resource or enrichment materials you have on hand and in your hand. It's all in the system!
About the author:Charity L. Weber is an author, teacher, parent, trainer, student, and manager. Most importantly, in all of the previously mentioned: she is an educator. The ability to teach someone something new is a gift that few truly appreciate. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SUBSCRIBING TO A FREE CLASSROOM ORGANIZATIONAL E-ZINE AND RECEIVE A FREE BONUS GIFT? You can visit her at http://web.mac.com/charitypreston/iWeb/Master%20Classroom%20Organization/Welcome.html.
Article source: http://www.juicyarticles.net/articles/Classroom-File-Organization-152
Article keywords: classroom, teacher, education, students, easy, simple, display, files, folders, organizing, system
