Since this will be my very first year as a classroom teacher, I am just starting to gather together all the resources and planning materials I will need for this year. Needless to say I am overwhelmed with how to organize everything and I have noticed that some of you use binders for everything while some file everything into folders.
What in your opinion is the best way to organize all the "stuff"? I will have a tall filing cabinet in my classroom. What are the pros and cons of both, and what do you file where?
Thanks!
Congratulations first year teacher! Everyone has their own preference...the important thing is to save a copy of everything as you go.
In my file cabinets I keep all Math, Reading, Language Arts, and Morning Work.
I keep all my extras in large binders. I fill them with page protectors and index separaters--The first section is labeled BACK TO SCHOOL--I include all notes, copies to be made etc. I make a list of things to do to get ready-then when the time comes I simply cross them off! I also jot down notes to my self such as get goody bag contents and postcards to send to new students. Then I have sections for Themes and Holidays-which include samples of the activities. I can make copies through the protector, so they don't get dirty--being in the protector, I know it goes back in the binder.
Sorry this is so long, hope it helps...
I used to use file folders for everything and ended up getting annoyed when bringing them home. I kept catching the ends of the hanging files on everything.
Soooo, I have a binder for all my Spelling, one for my Reading, and one for my Writing/Language Arts. My Science/Social Studies files are in file folders still. My Math files are in smaller binders. One for each topic. This works for me. I keep all my monthly ideas in files and have a binder for my bulletin board ideas and a binder for craft ideas.
I think you end up just working out what works best for you after a few years. Good Luck!
A lot of people on here use binders, and I know a lot of teachers who do, but file folders are easier for me. I have drawers for different subjects, and I have a folder for each unit of study. It's easier to transport them home with me if I need to work away from school. In the folders I keep a copy of everything I used for that unit. They're not always organized in the folders, but it's all there.
I do use a binder to keep a copy of all of my lesson plans, though.
First, I had everything in binders...that didnt work for me. I moved everything out to file folders. Then when a file folder gets too big I will put it in a binder (if i cant split it up in an organized fashion)! GOOD LUCK!
I use a combo of files and binders, but really prefer the binders. I use pocket folders inside the binders sometimes, too. I simply punch holes in the pocket folders and put them into the binders.
What would work better for you? Since you already have a file drawer, you could easily start files and go to binders later.
I am an unusually organized person, but my first year teaching I used my filing cabinet as a landing spot. Anything I taught, I threw a copy into a drawer! I was always shuffling through papers to find what I needed. That summer I made the switch to binders and got rid of the filing cabinet. My friends still laugh about that today. But I was so overwhelmed, I needed to focus elsewhere. So whatever you do, make sure it's easy for you!
I too do a combo. I keep cool worksheets I find, novel unit ideas, mangagement tips, parent communication, newsletters and such in file folders in ABC order. In binders I keep transparencies and Teacher's Edition resources. The transparency binders are stored on my overhead projector cart.... "Point of use"
Many years ago I read this tip, and still use it. Draw a red circle in the upper right hand corner of your originals. That way you will never accidently discard them, nor will the kids take your last copy.
Congrats on your new job! Welcome to the profession.
I keep all my master copies in files by skill and subject in a file cabinet. My binders are where my working copies are--the copies of things that I actually use every year. I will pull from my master files if I have a special need, such as a low level student who needs something easier, or a higher level student who needs enrichment or I just get bored with what I am doing.. I also use pocket dividers like another poster mentioned. I have a binder for each week of the school year, but most people I know that use the binders have one for each month.
I use both as well. I have all of my seasonal stuff in binders. A binder for each month. (Well, some are doubled) Everything else is in file folders or hanging folders. I am in the process of color coding all my files. So my Reading is blue, writing - yellow, math - blue...you get the idea. Again, try both and see which one works for you.
I have binder that is just for the astronomy unit I teach, another for our weather unit, physics, etc. I like having everything together. I do use files for the misc. stuff that doesnt have an entire unit but I like to include during the year (women in science, black history, careers in science) My filing cabinet locks so I keep files on each student that has a parent contact log, any discipline forms, etc. I also use it to lock up my timer and calculators and the stuff I don't want "walking off" I keep a file for certification stuff--PD forms, evaluations, copy of my certificate.
I am constantly working on becoming more organized. Watch others around you this year. You will pick up great tips and also see the things that just don't work. Try not to get bogged down trying to be perfect. Enjoy this first year and learn everything you can. Best of luck to you.
I use both with success. When I taught primary grades, I found that using binders for themes was very helpful. I would divide the theme binder into sections according to subjects. Now that I have moved to upper grade, I found that I use both. I have a binder for myself that includes current lessons, previous lessons (for the current quarter), student information, memos, and other important info. I also have a binder for our Open Court reading series. The rest of the stuff is put into file folders and keep in a bg file cabinet. I am currently planning on reorganizing this file cabinet to make things easier to find.
Good luck.
I agree with KAN. I use both. I use binders for the big units. I have files for the little things... extra ideas for different skills, Columbus Day, MLK day, career day, etc. I find it works well IF I remember to file the original papers back after I've taken them to photocopy. Otherwise, I sit at home and watch a movie while I reorganize. The only time binders can be a problem is when I'm at the end of one unit but starting a new one so I need to take two binders home to plan. It's a pain, but for me, it's better then sitting in school for hours because I'm not taking a file cabinet home! Good luck deciding what works best for you.
This has been my first year teaching. I fell into it sort of by accident. I have been a computer support guru at my kids' charter school for two years. Right before Christmas 2008, I was called into the P's office and asked if I would be willing to teach digital multimedia for the remainder of the year as a long term sub. As circumstance happens, I am now on track to have my teaching certificate within a month and will be teaching next year.
I do not know how your particular school works, but each of the teachers at our charter school is issued a laptop computer. I must admit - I am horrible at being organized, but I have finally found what works for me.
I started with a filing cabinet in my classroom. I too found that I would give out my last copy of an assignment or worksheet, or that I would lose them. So, I started turning every worksheet I had into a PDF file. Each file is then put into a folder on my computer that contains all of the necessary materials for that lesson. That way, everything that I need is in one folder. When I need to make copies, I can simply open up the PDF and sent it to our copy machine via our computer network. The other advantage to this is when I have students that are absent or going to be on vacation, I can send the assignments via hard copy or email to the students/parents.
That being said, I do still keep a hard copy in a filing cabinet. But I do everything off of my computer.
Good luck in finding your own "best practice" filing system. I know that I still have a lot to learn with mine. Maybe after ten years or so I will finally get the hang of it!
First I have every subject color coded and in a separate file drawer. Everything is filed in the filing cabinet. When I get to a novel, for instance, I pull out all the contents of the file and organize it in a binder that already has a cover sheet (for the binders that have the plastic clear top available for a cover sheet) and subject dividers. I do the same for each theme, such as Martin Luther King. The other seasonal things that are smaller I put in my regular daily binder. I finally found this system, and it works for me. I know where everything is.
Congrats on your job! Relax and enjoy your 1st year...
Personally, my method of organizing information has changed. (I am a learning support teacher- all content areas- looping back and forth every two yrs between 6th & 7th gr.)
I started out my placing everything in file folders. They were color coded by content area and grade level. To make sure that I didn't give out my master copy, I would write "original" across the top in yellow highlighter. This won't show when you copy it.
Have since found (live & learn) that creating binders for each subject or unit of study is more functional. I've also started the process of organizing all my info into folders on CDs. It is much easier to access files on a flashdrive or a CD.
I guess its a personal decision. Good luck in September!
I use binders AND folders. Each of my units has a file drawer--or two. The binder holds my unit plans, a materials list, a CD of resources, and a master copy of all handouts. I used to have my transparencies, too, but I got rid of those since I have a SmartBoard.
My files contain 10 copies of each handout. I use those for times when I need "extra" copies to send with students going on vacation or who are sick and will be out extended times. Saves me time of having to pull and copy things at the time.
I also file things in the order in which I use them, which makes it easier to keep up with what needs to be copied when.
07-19-2006, 05:10 PM
with how to organize everything and I have noticed that some of you use binders for everything while some file everything into folders.
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