DIY Classroom Organization Ideas: Creative Tips To Keep Your Classroom Neat and Organized

1. Use Book Bins

Book bins are a great way to keep your classroom library organized. Label each bin with different genres or reading levels to make it easy for students to find the books they are interested in. You can also use color-coded labels for added visual appeal.

2. Store Papers in Library Pockets

Tired of loose papers cluttering your desk? Store them in library pockets! Attach library pockets to a bulletin board or a designated wall space in your classroom. You can label each pocket with different subjects or use them to collect completed assignments.

3. Laminate Worksheets and Reuse Them

Save paper and money by laminating worksheets and using dry-erase markers. This way, you can reuse worksheets multiple times and reduce waste in your classroom. It’s a win-win for both the environment and your budget!

4. Color-Code Your Books

Create a visually appealing and organized classroom by color-coding your books. Assign different colors to different subjects or reading levels. You can use colored stickers or book bands to easily identify books and keep them in their designated spots.

5. Store Extra Anchor Charts in a Laundry Hamper

Anchor charts are a valuable resource in the classroom, but they can take up a lot of space. Use a laundry hamper to store extra anchor charts. This way, you can easily rotate them based on the topics you are covering without cluttering your walls.

6. Replace Paper with Dry Erase Placemats

Instead of using paper for individual student work, consider using dry-erase placemats. These placemats can be wiped clean after each use, saving paper and providing a more interactive learning experience for your students.

7. Use Storage Clipboards for Individual Students

Keep your students’ work organized with storage clipboards. These clipboards have built-in storage compartments where students can keep their pencils, erasers, and other small supplies. It’s a convenient way to ensure that each student has their own designated storage space.

8. Color-Code Your Electronics

If you have multiple electronic devices in your classroom, such as tablets or laptops, consider color-coding them. Assign a different color to each device and use corresponding colored labels or stickers. This will make it easy for students to identify their assigned devices and keep everything organized.

9. Make a Designated Supply Station

Create a designated supply station in your classroom where students can easily access and return supplies. Use containers, bins, or caddies to store and organize pencils, pens, markers, scissors, glue sticks, and other essential materials. Encourage students to take responsibility for keeping the supply station tidy.

10. Decorate Your Classroom with a Teacher Toolbox

A teacher toolbox is not only a practical organizational tool but also a fun and decorative element in your classroom. Use a small plastic toolbox with compartments to store and organize your own supplies. You can personalize it with labels or stickers to make it unique to your classroom.

11. Label Your Lids

If you use plastic storage containers in your classroom, make it easy to find what you need by labeling the lids. Use adhesive labels or write directly on the lids with a permanent marker. This simple hack will save you time and frustration when searching for specific items.

12. Store Pencils in Toothbrush Cases

Keep your pencils organized and easily accessible by storing them in toothbrush cases. These cases are compact and have individual compartments for each pencil. You can even assign a case to each student to promote responsibility and prevent pencil mishaps.

13. Create a DIY Medical Kit

Prepare for minor emergencies by creating a DIY medical kit in your classroom. Include essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tissues, and disposable gloves. Store the kit in a labeled box or container and make sure it is easily accessible to both you and your students.

14. Think Outside the Storage Box

When it comes to classroom organization, don’t limit yourself to traditional storage solutions. Think outside the box and repurpose everyday items to create unique storage solutions. For example, you can use shoe organizers, shower caddies, or even hanging shoe racks to store and organize various classroom supplies.

15. Promote Desk Organization

Help your students keep their desks neat and organized by providing desk organizers. These can be small trays, bins, or even DIY cardboard dividers. Teach your students how to use the organizers effectively and encourage regular desk cleanouts to maintain a clutter-free workspace.

16. Turn Chairs into Storage Spaces

If your classroom has chairs with built-in storage compartments, make the most of them! Encourage students to use the storage compartments to store their books, notebooks, or other personal belongings. This will free up space in their desks and promote a more organized learning environment.

17. Keep an Emergency Supply

Be prepared for unexpected situations by keeping an emergency supply in your classroom. Include items like extra pencils, erasers, tissues, hand sanitizer, and even a small first aid kit. This way, you’ll always have essential supplies on hand when you need them the most.

18. Use Lanyard Lists for Essential Info

Keep important information easily accessible by creating lanyard lists. Attach small laminated cards with essential information, such as student names, allergies, or emergency contact numbers, to lanyards. Wear the lanyards around your neck for quick reference during the school day.

19. Make a Systematic Student Data Binder

Create a systematic student data binder to keep track of individual student progress. Include sections for assessments, attendance records, behavior logs, and parent communication. This binder will help you stay organized and have all the necessary information readily available for parent-teacher conferences or meetings.

20. Make a Yearly Birthday Board

Celebrate your students’ birthdays and keep track of upcoming birthdays with a yearly birthday board. Create a visually appealing display with each student’s name and birthdate. You can use a bulletin board, a wall space, or even a dedicated corner in your classroom to showcase this special board.

21. Track Patterns with an Attendance Record Book

Keep a detailed attendance record book to track student attendance patterns. This will help you identify trends or patterns and address any attendance-related issues promptly. Use a designated notebook or binder for this purpose and update it regularly.

22. DIY Hall Passes

Create personalized and unique hall passes for your students. Use laminated cards, lanyards, or even small clipboards with attached passes. Make them visually appealing and include important information like the student’s name, destination, and time of departure.

23. Keep a Morning Cart by Your Classroom Door

Streamline your morning routine by keeping a morning cart near your classroom door. Include essentials like attendance sheets, lunch count forms, and any other paperwork or supplies you need to collect from your students each morning. This way, you won’t waste valuable instructional time searching for necessary materials.

24. Use a Hanging Calendar

Stay organized and keep track of important dates with a hanging calendar. Hang it on a wall in your classroom where it is easily visible to both you and your students. Use different colors for different types of events or activities to make it visually appealing.

25. Display the Daily Schedule with Magnets

Create a dynamic and easily changeable daily schedule by using magnets. Write different subjects or activities on individual magnets and display them on a magnetic board. This way, you can easily rearrange the schedule as needed without disrupting the flow of your classroom.

26. Make a Sub Tub

Prepare for substitute teachers by creating a sub tub. Include important information like lesson plans, emergency procedures, and class lists. Label the tub clearly and keep it in a designated spot that is easily accessible to substitute teachers.

27. Plan Lessons with a Digital Rotation Chart

Streamline your lesson planning process by using a digital rotation chart. Create a spreadsheet or use online tools to plan and organize your lessons. This way, you can easily make changes or adjustments and have all your materials and resources in one place.

28. Set Boundaries for Yourself

Lastly, set boundaries for yourself when it comes to classroom organization. Create a system that works for you and establish clear expectations for yourself and your students. This will help you maintain an organized classroom environment and ensure that everything runs smoothly throughout the school year.

With these DIY classroom organization ideas, you can create a neat and inspiring learning space for your students. Remember to involve your students in the organization process and encourage them to take responsibility for keeping the classroom tidy. By implementing these creative tips, you’ll not only create a more organized environment but also promote a sense of ownership and pride among your students.