What works for me...

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Home : 2007 : June : 30

What works for me...
By Zee

During the day my desk can sometimes look like a tornado came through, but it never takes long to get it back together at the end of the day. I have 1 folder for each day of the week where things I will need for that day
are. If it is something that won't fit in the folder, then I put a sticky note on the front so that I know what I need to get out for that day. I have a small file crate that sits by the computer (behind my desk) to hold the week's folders and I just pull out the day I need. That way I don't have a pile on my desk. I also have a place away from my desk for kids to turn in papers...this

way when I take them from the turn in tray I know I'm ready to "process" them (grade and hand back). When they are ready to be handed back, I place them in a tray right above the mailboxes. As for paper work that needs to be turned in to the office, district, wherever, I try to get it done as soon as possible and sent back out. I know this is easier said than done sometimes, but if I let something sit around, then I forget about it. When I check my mailbox in the office, I go through everything there. Whatever I can trash, I do there that way it doesn't have a chance to get back to my classroom. If it's a quick form, I fill it out there and turn it in, that way it's done. I also file everything once I'm done with it. I keep file folders and labels readily available for things that need a new folder. I try to give everything a "home" and make sure everything is in its "home" before I leave for the day. I try to teach my students about making sure everything has a home in their desk or chair back. This concept has really helped me to teach about organization to some of my most disorganized students.

Well, I've written a lot about what works for me, but the most important thing is to find a system that works for you.