Hey teaching friends! I don’t know about you, but sometimes I wonder if all these centers printables with elaborate activities and millions of pieces that have to be printed are increasing the learning – or will some basic supplies do the trick just as well? I think both are wonderful, but if you are like […]
Classroom DIY
Classroom decor ideas for all classroom teachers. Includes ideas for storage, managing mailboxes, easy center stations, word walls, organized desks, and more! Have fun exploring!
2-in-1 Technology Organization Option
Now that you have a classroom full of 2-in-1 devices, you are left to figure out how in the world you will get them organized so that they are passed out and returned in a neat and orderly manner. Having the piece of mind that the technology is being taken care of properly so […]
Simple Teacher Desk Decor
Classroom organization isn’t just about where to put all the manipulatives that come crashing out of the cupboards when you open them. Or how to organize a classroom library so students can actually find an interesting book on their own reading level. It can be simple. Figuring out what to put on your teacher desk […]
Repurpose That Old Filing Cabinet!
Hey teaching friends! I hope everyone is fabulous! I have noticed throughout various media outlets that many teachers are beginning the process of scanning hard files into computers and archiving them that way. While it does take some time, it certainly also takes up far less space in your classroom! If you are one of […]
Block Learning DIY Style!
Check out my newest idea: Block Learning! It’s pretty simple really, just grab some blocks of wood and some stickers – that’s it! Now, I have to tell you I went to the craft store to grab my blocks of wood, and THOUGHT I was getting a deal. Turns out they cost WAY more than […]
Easy Center Sign Holders
Centers are pretty much a given in most elementary classrooms, and I even think upper level classrooms should also be able to implement centers if done in a “non-babyish” way. Centers are wonderful for allowing small group time to work with students on a specific skill, they teach students how to time-manage and work semi-independently, […]
Slider Baggie Counting
Need something new (and concrete) for those students that are struggling with math counting? Having something physical to see the adding and subtracting of items as they move the manipulative can really assist in children’s understanding of basic math skills. How about a fun video idea? I recorded a little something new today for you. […]
DIY Printed Classroom Posters
Do you love the look and functionality of classroom posters, but dislike the fact all your big company manufactured posters are mix-and-match and don’t really gel with your current classroom theme? I have always felt that way and for years, I always ONLY purchased classroom decor items that were solid primary colors so that way […]
Fact Family Funhouse
Teaching a fact family lesson is one of my favorite topics! I love watching students light up when they realize how they can easily figure out how to subtract without using fingers. Like any other math concept for young students, you will want to start by using concrete models and then eventually moving to […]
Keeping Tabs on your PD Materials
Hey teaching friends! So, I was looking for a PD resource book the other day for an idea and I realized that I had loaned the book to a friend and it still has not yet been returned! While the person who borrowed it, did not mean to have forgotten about it, it is still […]
Serving Up Place Value with Straws
Teaching place value is certainly a building block of math instruction and using items such as place value charts, simple manipulatives, and printables can help to create a deeper understanding so that when decimals are introduced in later grades, students can easily add their prior knowledge. What is place value and how do you teach […]
Flipping for Assessment
Keeping with the video theme this week, today’s idea is an oldie but a goodie that I imagine a lot of veteran teachers still use to this day. Assessment is part of being a good teacher and while many think the only way to assess is through a paper and pencil test, I am here […]
Having A Ball With Vocabulary – DIY Style
Teaching vocabulary is super important for background knowledge and understanding context clues within new reading passages, math story problems, and other nonfiction subject area resources, like geography and science. Finding teaching techniques that work fast and effectively to broaden all different types of vocabulary lists can feel daunting at times. When students show up on […]
Quiet Dice Solution
Hi there fans and followers of The Organized Classroom Blog! Today, I created another video! Whoo hoo! This one is from a tip from Janice! I mentioned how the sounds of 15 sets of dice hitting the table (or mainly the floor as they were being whipped about), was almost unbearable without carpeting. Janice’s idea was […]
Winter Craft Paper Plate Fun!
Need a new fun winter craft for students? This class craft is easy and perfect even for older kids! When choosing winter arts and crafts for kids, I like to to find things that can be done inside, yet incorporate winter activities for kids outside in nature as well. It helps if they are less […]
DIY Countdown Calendar
Ok, you are heading into the Winter Break homestretch! Yay! But many of the students seem to believe that Santa is coming tomorrow! No! And their excitement is bubbling over into your lessons making it a tad difficult to get teaching across. How about an idea to at least keep them reminded of the days […]
Marker Mug Magic
Hey teaching friends! It has been a crazy last couple of months for me to say the least! I hope your life is way more calm. Today I wanted to share a fun and inexpensive gift idea for your colleagues. Seriously – it is so simple and fun! I don’t know what you all like […]
Learning with Washi Feathers!
As I was thinking about US Thanksgiving, I thought about how I learned about Thanksgiving when I was in school. What I don’t remember learning a lot about was Native American culture throughout that process. {Keep in mind, this was a great many years ago.} So, while I was doing a little research, I did […]
Concealing the Clutter
Does a cluttered classroom make your head hurt? Or do you just accept it as inevitable and go with the flow? The classroom environment does play an important role in student learning, but with budgets that are small (or more likely nonexistent), it is tough to get rid of anything. With that said, the visual […]
Classroom Job Organization
Hey teaching friends! Today I have a fun and EASY way to set up a classroom jobs chart in your classroom using a few basic supplies that you can easily change out from year to year! First up: Grab some scrapbook paper, cardstock, washi tape, and magnetic tape – all in the colors of your […]