Optimum Organization & Just in Case!

Hey bloggers! You're in for 2 linkies today...because I love them so much :)

First up, a Just In Case Linky with First Grade Blue Skies!

First, my phone case! I love pink...& I love polka dots!

This is my iPad case (again, some pink with a zebra/chevron pattern)!

And finally, my lap top case (polka dots, anyone?)!

I'm also joining Ladybug's Teacher Files for a Summer Organization Linky Party!

I just completed my third year of teaching 1st grade...and each year, I try to become more organized! When I first got my classroom, the library that was left for me was an absolute DISASTER. The library bins were all different and didn't seem to have any kind of labels/organization. Since I was hired 2 weeks before school started, I did the best that I could in the time that I had and made small changes through that first year when I had the time/money. Now, I'm pretty happy with my library! Last year, I ordered new large tubs from Really Good Stuff and found some smaller tubs at Dollar Tree & Target. I have tried to organize by color and by creating some of my own labels!

Here is the most recent picture I have of my library. I want to put labels over the non-fiction and fiction sections still but other than that, I like it and it works well for the kids! The non-fiction books are organized by topic (plants, space, animals, sea life, etc). The leveled fiction books are in green, yellow, and red tubs. I have a chart that tells the students which of these tubs they can choose from (based on reading assessments). And then some of my fiction books are organized by series (Junie B, Clifford, Magic School Bus, etc).

I also spent a lot of time last summer making organizational items. These first ones I created for behind my desk. They hold any papers or read aloud books that I need for each day {more explanation here}.

I also made the popular "teacher toolbox" last summer {more explanation here}. Actually, I made two of them because I loved it so much! The first one that I made holds my desk materials.

The second one that I made holds small craft items (googly eyes, popsicle sticks, sequins, buttons, etc). The containers of markers next to them are the "team" markers. My kids don't bring their own markers so I keep a few sets for each group of desks. There are stickers on top that tell which team should use them.

Along with organization of small craft items, I also found some bins to organize my construction paper! I made some cute labels and now it looks SO much nicer (& easier to get paper when I need it)!

I also made crate seats last year! These are wonderful. I store all kinds of things in these...napkins, plates, cups, spoons, paper towels, kleenex, etc! Whenever someone needs something like that, the kids know right where to go to get it!

I guess you could say that I've become quite an organization freak...but it just makes life so much easier! This is a picture of my Meet the Teacher Day. For the past few years, my school has purchased supplies for the students. Then, the parents make a "donation" for the supplies. This is a picture of the tubs on my table...the kids take their supplies from the tubs and then choose their desk!

Do you have any organizational ideas that you really love??