Hey y’all and welcome back to the blog! Ok, I’m going to admit it. I’m NOT a Type A teacher. You know…Pinterest perfect, rainbow organization, everything alphabetized, neatly lined up on a shelf kind of teacher. I’m more of a 3 drinks on my desk at a time teacher. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? Now that you know the truth, I’m going to tell you about the one (and only) thing in my classroom that actually is organized!
Y’all know that I have TONS of station and small group activities that I use on a weekly basis. Since I have so many of these activities, it’s super important that I keep them organized. Today, we’re going to talk about how I create my stations so they’ll last forever AND my favorite ways to organize these activities!
*This post may contain affiliate links. All that means is that if you purchase something using my link, I get a small (like, a few cents) commission. Don’t worry though, it doesn’t cost you anything extra!*
Creation
First, let’s talk about how I create my stations. Many of the activities I use in my room are ones I’ve created myself! I also have many that I’ve purchased from Teachers Pay Teachers. Either way, the first thing I do is print everything out in color on nice heavy cardstock. I always use cardstock because the thicker the paper, the longer they will withstand daily use!
I love printing my activities in color because they are so visually appealing. I have an HP Envy printer with a subscription to HP Instant Ink! This subscription has been a game changer for my printing! Not only do I save a TON of money on ink, but they send it straight to my door before the cartridge runs out! Seriously, y’all…what more could you ask for?! If you’re interested in trying HP Instant Ink, click here to get your first month for free!
After everything is printed out, I get to use my favorite classroom tool…my Scotch Laminator! It’s fine, you can call me a dork for loving a laminator. I love it so much because the lamination is thicker than the machine at school. I’ve got activities that I’ve had for almost 8 years that are still in perfect condition! This laminator is totally worth the investment!
Ok, now that we’ve created #allthethings we need, let’s organize!
Organization
I’m going to tell you about three of my favorite products for station organization. Obviously, there are a million ways to store and organize your materials, but these are ones I use on a weekly basis!
Michaels Photo Storage Containers
This my absolute favorite way to store my stations and small group activities. If you’ve never seen this style of container before, buckle up because it’s awesome! Each big bin contains 16 small containers that are (supposed to be) used for holding 4” x 6” photos. These smaller containers are perfect for holding small task card type activities! There’s also room for some extra manipulatives like mini erasers or clothespins!
I have multiple Photo Storage Containers in my classroom. They come in clear and colorful. I prefer to use the colorful ones for the station activities and the clear ones to store my mini eraser collection (read that as obsession).
Sterilite Clip Boxes
For my stations that are 8.5 x 11, I use these Sterilite Boxes! I love these because they will hold paper sized activities even after they’ve been laminated! I usually keep the stations binder clipped together or sometimes in a file folder. I have each box labeled using a Target Dollar Spot Adhesive Label. These make it easy to change out boxes if I need to! Just slide out the label and replace it with something else!
3-Ring Binders
I have quite a collection of stations and small group activities that are worksheets or crafts. I keep originals of these in good old 3-ring binders. Each binder is labeled by concept (i.e. instrument families, holidays, dynamics, etc.) and is full of sheet protectors. I keep an original copy of the worksheet or craft in its own sheet protector along with any extra directions I need.
Like I said, by no means am I a super organized teacher. However, having these stations and small group activities in a place where I can grab them quickly is invaluable. I’d love to know some of your favorite organization tips and tricks! Comment below or DM me on Instagram to let me know your faves! Stay tuned for next week’s blog post where we’ll be talking about my favorite Spring Stations and Activities!
