[ILovePreK]

As a student teacher, I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed by all the papers and things I have to keep organized and accessible at all times. What do you all think is the best organization tip you've learned? Thanks!!
--Sara

[anm]

When I was student teaching (last semester),I used a 3-ring binder. I used tab dividers to make different sections. I very rarely brought papers home with me - so I didn't have to worry about that. My Coop and I stayed after school to go through papers we didn't get to during the day. I also keep a paper that was meant specifically for my classroom. I did not carry anything else in it nor did I carry it to class when I was back on campus. I think the best thing for you to do is just go with whatever organizational technique you have been using. Good Luck and always remember to laugh, everything will turn out.

[JessicaB]

I definitly agree that a three ring binder is the way to go. I had a really big one last semester that I used just for my student teaching placement. It worked really well because everything that I needed was always in that one folder.

[tish]

that I will have this fall..I bought a big file box from Walmart and put inside a set of hanging files Also bought a three ring binder. I thought the file box could be used for copying ideas and contain papers that they might want to file. The binder will be for immediate things they need to know plus for their plans. It also can be kept inside the box. I think this is a good way to keep everything together.

[SammiJo1511]

I have a file box with hanging files separated into the different subjects (reading, math, science, etc.). I also included folders for recipies, songs, game, classroom management, etc. Whenever I get papers I want to save, I just drop them in the folders.

Another thing that I thought was useful is a tip from one of my professors. She suggested getting 31 different file folders numbered 1-31 and keep them in an accessible location or you could get a binder with 31 different simple tab dividers. Whenever you get papers that are due on certain dates, you put them in the corresponding foler. For example, if a form is due on March 10th, you would put it in the folder marked 10 or possibly 7 or 8 so you can get it completed early.

I go crazy if I am not organized and I know that these have REALLY helped me.