Short & Sweet

I'll make this weekend post short&sweet.

Being organized can really make your life a bit easier.  Two tricks I use in my classroom with my middle-schoolers include file organizers and binder clips.

1) Stackable file organizers - I created a file organizer for each of classes.  I labeled them, and I ONLY put papers for each class in the proper section.  If a student turns something in to me (late work, signed papers, etc), I put them in the proper organizer.  If a student is absent, I put their make-up work in the organizer.  One of the most important things to remember is to FILE RIGHT AWAY!.  Don't put in on your desk thinking "I'll do this after class".  If I do it right away, I know exactly where any paperwork for a specific class can be located at all times.  It saves me from a mess on  my desk and from searching around the room.

2) Labeled Binder Clips - this has been one of the BEST organizing tricks I have discovered.  Labeling your binder clips can be such a life saver!  Here is one way I have labeled some of my clips - by class periods:

Another way I use them is to organize by subject.  I also have a few labeled "grade", "copy", "send home", and "homework".  It is such a simple idea but it saves so much time.  I used to attach a Post-It note to a stack of papers so I wouldn't forget what I was supposed to do with it.  Now all I need is to put on the right labeled binder clip, and voilà!

Short & sweet but SO helpful.  I'm glad I put these tricks into use and have already seen a difference.  Give it a shot, I know you'll love it!

Emily :)