Does your desk look like a tornado's aftermath? Don't worry - many teachers have a messy desk. You may have noticed that past posts, Starting the Year Off Smoothly and Tips for Getting Organized, featured ways to organize your records and your lesson planning, but this post addresses the desk!
I can't count how many times I've scrambled through piles papers and books to find a needed note or memo. Of course I would find what I needed, but sometimes I found it after I needed it! Clearing my desk always make finding stuff easier, and sends students the nonverbal message that neatness is important and possible.
I can't count how many times I've scrambled through piles papers and books to find a needed note or memo. Of course I would find what I needed, but sometimes I found it after I needed it! Clearing my desk always make finding stuff easier, and sends students the nonverbal message that neatness is important and possible.
I noticed that my neatest desk arrangements come to life when I use two desks in an L-shaped pattern (one desk was for files, paperwork, curriculum resources, etc.)
- I had a small bookcase behind my desk for reference items.
- I use a folder for each day of the week. Each folder contained the lesson and a list of needed resources. These folders were placed on top of my small bookcase.
- Records (portfolio records, IEP At a Glance documents, etc) have a desk drawer allotted to only those items.
- All assessments, projects, classwork and homework are evaluated quickly, posted and returned to students.
What things do you do to handle the daily clutter on your desks?
