Organizational Tools for Students

Being on the lower end of the upper elementary spectrum in Grade 3, students are expected to be "big kids" since they are not in the lower grades anymore.  This can be tricky with students at this age (8 and 9) because they are not quite ready for the management and workload that the upper grades bring.  To make the transition easier for my students and their families, I have devised an organizational binder to house EVERYTHING of importance that we use and need throughout the school year.  It has been a lifesaver for me, my students, and their families!  Things stay in their proper place and our weekly routine keeps everyone straight.  I create a new one each year to go along with our school theme.  This year's theme is Happy Campers.  :)

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On our school supply list each year, I have the parents purchase a 1.5 inch clear-view binder (I always suggest the Avery Heavy Duty binder because it holds up so well and the one-touch opener is easy! I also ask for plastic page protectors and a three hole punched supply bag for each student.  The page protectors are key in keeping the divider pages in our binders nice and neat (no crazy papers hanging out- yuck!) and the supply bag will hold notes, checks, cash- you know, all of the things that we DON'T want to misplace but always seem to fall to the bottom of our backpacks!

Once the basics are put into each binder, I compile the page dividers in the protectors in the same order for each child so that everyone can locate things easily when directions are given.  I have dividers for all of our important documents:  my contact info, our daily schedule, resource times, homework directions, behavior checklist, study guides, spelling words, etc.  The kids get so proficient at putting their papers exactly where they belong, and they know exactly where to look when they need something!  This system has really cut down on lost items and crinkled up papers pulled from the depths of the bookbags.

If the thought of an easier way for you and your students to manage your classroom paperwork sounds enticing to you, then check out my other organizational binder packages on TPT!

How do you help your students stay organized throughout the school year?  I'd love to hear some of your tips and tricks.  Leave a comment below.  Thanks for stopping by!