7 Organizational Tricks that Keep Educational Materials Orderly and Accessible

When you have as much material and resources as I have collected over the past 20 years acting as a learning specialist, it can be easy to overlook some great options or even have trouble finding the needed materials. A number of years ago, I decided to tackle this problem head on.

Clearing your clutter and organizing your materials can be a great way to make your home and practice manageable, comfortable, and efficient. What’s more, it makes your space look more attractive and you won’t waste time locating the needed materials. Here are a number of strategies that have helped me organize my space:

1. Use well labeled, color coded filing cabinets, storage carts, colorful boxes and even old pill bottles to organize materials.
2. Once a year go through your materials and clear the clutter. Give away or get rid of outdated books, technology, and other resources that you are not using.
3. Shred and recycle old student files and outdated materials.
4. Place loose materials and printouts into well labeled and color-coded binders.
5. Make sure you have enough shelving to accommodate all your books and binders.
6. Organize your technology by placing apps and files into labeled folders.
7. Schedule a weekly time to clear your workspace and your computer’s desktop.

I would have to say that my favorite organizers are my four 10 drawer carts that are featured in this blog's title image. They come with wheels, but I decided not to use them to improve stability. Each bin offers enough space that can house things like math manipulatives, games, dry erase boards/pockets, index cards, paper, balloons and more. It didn’t take me long to fill all 40 drawers, and even my parents and students have expressed appreciation for setting a great example. In fact, I may get a couple more. ;) If you would like to get some too, CLICK HERE or on the image to the right.

Although it takes some time to create your system, I can promise you, that it is well worth it!

Helping Your Student's or Children Get Organized:

If you would like to learn more about how I get my students organized, consider looking at my publications, Executive Functioning: Cognitive Remedial Bundle or Planning, Time Management and Organization for Success or The Ultimate, Mindful and Editable Planner/Agenda