Why Organization- Blog Hop

I am not naturally organized. I had to train myself to be in order to function in the world. I have ADHD. Lists and organization saved my life. Here are a few of my organization tips!

#1 Keep a Planner

Just like I tell my kiddos, it is so important to write down what you need to do in a planner. It keeps things organized. Not to mention, it feels fantastic when you can cross it off the list! If I didn't write things down, I would be so lost. I have to write everything down! :)

#2 Binders!

I keep everything in binders! Some examples include: Lesson Plans, Data, Novel Studies, Interactive Notebooks, Graphic Organizers, Writing Prompts etc.

#3 Hanging Files

I use crates to organize my students' work by class period. They are color coded by class. Homeroom is red. Second period is yellow. Third is blue.

#4 Tubs

I use tubs and other boxes to store supplies. The students have blue tubs in each group that have all the necessary supplies for the day (high lighters, dry erase markers, erasers, think pads, etc).

#5 Folders

These folders are for students who missed work. As you can see they are also color coordinated like the crates. :)

#6 Turn-In Trays

I'm waiting on this fabulousness to arrive in the mail in 3 days! I ordered these hanging "turn-in" trays. They are going to be perfect for my different class periods! The colors will match each class period! I'll take a picture after it arrives! I'll be adding cute labels with Melonheadz like my folders above! :)

Five for Friday!

During Kagan training, we talked a lot about positive gambits for students to use to practice social skills. Children often have a hard time agreeing politely or knowing what to say in certain social situations. It is important for kids to practice different greetings, partings, thank your, and so forth. A great way to achieve that is to use the Kagan structures. I decided to make some posters during one of my training days that have some positive gambits for my students. This way, I can remind students of some options while we are using the structures. 

So as most of you know I am very organized and a little OCD. I created a bunch of binders this year to help me stay organized and keep my "hamster wheel" from turning in my brain. haha Here are a some pics of just a few of my binders. You can find the binder covers for FREE here and here! 

On Monday my friend Nikki and I are going to the Whole Brain Training in Alexandria. I am super pumped! I have already done some research on Whole Brain and went ahead and created these rule posters based on the Whole Brain rules! :) If anyone wants copies of these, let me know! I can recreate them and sell them on TPT.

Check out this management tip! One of my awesome professors from college taught me this tip! Dr. H had us write our names, phone numbers, and any other important info she needed on index cards and kept them in an organized box by classes. I am going to use this tip next year so I have quick access to my students' phone numbers. I will also have them include if they have access to a computer with Internet and if they are allergic to anything. :)

Today I went with Nikki wedding dress shopping! I am so excited, because she found the most beautiful dress! I am so very honored to be her bridesmaid! I love her, and she has been an amazing friend and support. I am so blessed to have a fabulous teacher as a close friend! Here is a picture of Nikki and her fiancé with me from my wedding.