Is your teacher mailbox constantly overflowing with magazines, notes, and forms? These are the most challenging pieces of paper. They are the ones that come at you and require you do something. However, they can also be the most important papers and, therefore, it is necessary that you establish a procedure for handling them. I struggled with this influx of papers until I researched classroom paper organization ideas and created a simple system for how to organize them. Learn all about that system below!
How to Organize Classroom Papers
1. Recycle
Stop as many papers from coming into the classroom as possible. If you have a recycling bin near your teacher mailbox I suggest sorting your mail before leaving the area. Recycle anything you don’t need so it doesn’t end up in your classroom needed sorting later.
2. Establish an Inbox Organization System
Get yourself an inbox to temporarily hold all of these papers that come at you. A basket, bin, folder or box is a perfect until you can give them the proper attention. You want to avoid walking into your room and dropping them on your desk. I love using accordion folders. I love this system because it makes my action papers portable. I can take the folder to the copier to go through while the machine is printing or easily slip it into my bag.
3. Pick a Time
Establish set times to address these papers. Begin by designating a time to sort through the papers in your inbox and divide them into the following categories: read, file, respond. Then structure a specific time during the day to address the individual categories. I find that sorting at lunch time and addressing them just after dismissal works well.
4. Utilize an Outbox Organization System
Create an “outbox” for the forms you’ve filled out and papers you need to pass along to someone else. A file tote that fits in your school bag may be a good option for you. This will allow you to drop off completed papers on your way out of school in the afternoon or when you come in the next morning.
In closing, we hope you found these classroom paper organization ideas helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:
