A good organization system is a key element to effective classroom management. Keeping clutter at bay helps students focus. Try these genius tips and tricks to add more order to your classroom. Click the numbered tip for additional information.

1. Organize Books With Paint Stirrers

Write each letter of the alphabet on a separate paint stirrer for an easy way to organize your bookshelf.

2. Mark Your Loaner Pencils

Use decorative painter’s tape to mark your pencils as an easy way to keep track of loaned pencils.

3. Pom Pom Dry Erase Markers

Glue pom poms to the ends of dry erase markers for easy erasing.

4. Paint and Storage

It’s easy and inexpensive to make your own paint! Store it in ketchup squeeze bottles for easy dispensing.

5. Wine Rack Storage System

Insert plastic cups into a wine rack for storage of pencils, pens, and markers.

6. Make a Portable Art Caddy

Glue tin cans or mini buckets onto a lazy Susan for a portable art supplies station.

7. Use Clothespins to Keep Track of Students Who Haven’t Turned in Their Work

Assign each student a number and write it on a clothespin. Clip all the clothespins to a tin can located next to a basket used for collecting students’ classwork. When students turn in their work, they need to clip it to their clothespin before putting it in the basket. You can easily identify students who are missing assignments by seeing which clothespins are left on the tin can.

8. Create Extra Space on Your Desk

Use a shoe rack to add extra storage space to your desk.

9. Paper Organization
Organize student assignments with this simple tray system.

10. Easy Bulletin Board Organization

Glue tacks to the back of clothespins so you can easily swap out materials posted on your bulletin boards.

Have any organization hacks to share? We’d love to hear from you! Tell us about them in the comments below.