Up to this point, I has been saving my materials by week. As I have started preparing to review past units, I struggled to find my hands-on activities. (i.e. What week did we introduce text structures???), and knew I needed to start storing my materials by topic. I keep all of my exit slips, packets, homework materials in binders, but task cards, games, sorts didn’t fit easily in a binder.
To label the containers, I chose 9 largest units that we cover in 5th grade reading, plus 2 general ‘fiction’ and ‘nonfiction’ containers as catch-alls. In these more general containers, I keep general comprehension activities, character trait task cards, and prerequisite-skill activities that don’t fit into other categories (i.e. cause and effect).
Inside of each container, I’ve included the materials, so they’re ready-to-go into our literacy center or small group bins. That means answer keys are attached, there is a rubber band holding everything together, and step-by-step directions included.
I love the way these containers turned out and really like having easy access to the activities my kids love {hands-on activities!}. Since I  know we definitely need to review theme soon, I can just grab the box and quickly make a game plan or see where we’ve already been. I know this is such a silly milestone, but it is one that makes me feel a little more like a real teacher. 🙂 Plus, the organization-goodness makes my obsessive-heart happy!
How do you store your hands-on materials? Do you have a favorite storage container? If so, I’d love to hear about it!
nice! Great ideas's I am super impressed with all you have done in your fist year!
I enjoy organizing supplies just as much as you do! These are great! Definitely a summer to-do list with all my new literacy centers. Thanks for sharing!
Kelli
Love this idea! I definitely need to do some more organizing. Thanks for the great idea!
Alison
Rockin' and Lovin' Learnin'
LOVE this idea! You've inspired me to do this when I go back to having my own classroom next year!
Angela
Southern Fried Teachin’
I know the exact same feeling! Its been a crazy first year in a new school and grade level. I taught kindergarten for mid-year last year, but 4th is SO different. Many milestones from my first full year of teaching. I hope you're enjoying it too 🙂
Leanna
lilismilee.blogspot.com
Isn't it awesome, Leanna?! I have loved all of the milestones. It makes for so many small victories throughout the year. 🙂
I know some will think I'm crazy for this, but I never keep my task cards or other manipulatives like this because I've changed classrooms SO many times, it's just easier to be electronic. So yes, I re-print them every year. That being said, I don't worry about making them all cutesy or laminating them since I only use them for a short time. It works for me!
I love those bins! I currently have my things organized in milk crates, and I hate it! Your bins look fabulous and are easy to use! Excellent!
Passion in Portable land
I could SO use your organization skills! They look so nice!! My materials are all thrown into my two filing cabinets- some in folders, some not. Maybe this summer…
Go, Deb go! I have one filing cabinet and use it to store dictionaries – ha….maybe I should work on that this summer. 🙂
Looks great!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue SKies
I love these storage boxes! I bought several this summer to store my guided reading books! Aren't they the best!! Congrats on reaching another first year milestone!
Rachel
A Tall Drink of Water
Thank you for this post! Your organization looks amazing!
Courtney
ramonarecommends.com
This is awesome! I wish I'd had the presence of mind to do this when I started, heck even now, lol. Gotta look into those bins, they are the perfect size!
Hi Darnee! Hahaha – we'll organization is kind of my compulsion. Plus, I can never say no to an attractive storage bin 😉
I love this idea!!!! I am new to 5th grade this year, and I have a tremendous pile of literacy center stuff shoved in bags, in drawers, and in cabinets. After seeing your organization system, my mouth started to water. I bought some bins, and I also purchased your Organization packet. However, I did not find these AWESOME bin labels. Did you add them to the pack? Is there a way to get them? THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING YOUR IDEAS!!!!
What other bins do you use. You stated to put the materials into your small group bins as you need them.
I love how organized you are. I am a first year 3rd grade teacher and I started off being organized and then fell off because everything was so overwhelming. I was able to work in my classroom one day for the whole day and got so ahead. I want to be organized like you though because I can tell it makes things easier. Please keep sharing your ideas. Thank you for allowing everyone a glimpse into your classroom.
LOVE THIS!! Being a 2nd year teacher for 5th & 6th, I am always looking for ideas. Could you share where you found all your task cards/center activities? Are they all in your TPT shop??
Thank you!!
What have you found is the best way to attach these? Do you mount them inside or outside of the tubs?
Hey Shelley! I laminate them and then, attach them on the front of the bins with glue dots. They stay all year!
Could you recommend a brand of plastic dry-erase pocket sleeve that fits in the Sterilite bins? Thanks!
The only ones I have found are the ones from the Target Dollar Spot and Dollar Tree!
Thanks for sharing this amazing and informative post. keep sharing with us.
I’m definitely book marking this for the future when I rebrand! A really helpful post thank you!
I know firsthand how tough it can be to keep everything organized, especially when you have a lot of different supplies. It’s all about finding the right balance between functionality and accessibility. I had a similar struggle with organizing my own learning materials, and The Doers Way reviews really helped me find some great strategies and tools. It’s always helpful to hear what’s worked for others in the education field, and their feedback gave me new ideas for staying organized and efficient!
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