Organize my Life!

 
I love the idea of being organized. I REALLY want to be organized.  In fact…I’m great at organizing, but it falls apart when things get busy. So this year I’m vowing to STAY organized.  
 
So I’m joining my sweet friends in kicking off the New Year.  
First off I thought I’d show you all how I organize my library.  Here is a picture of my library in its entirety.
Each of my baskets is labeled by theme. 
Each of my books has a sticker inside that matches my labels.  This way students can put the books back in the proper basket. 
 Each of my books is also leveled using a rainbow I created. 
(This idea came from stalking Beth Newingham
(Red 1 is GRL A, Red  2 is GRL B, Red 3 is GRL C, Orange 1 is GRL D, etc.) 

The level is then marked on the sticker on the front of the book.  
If you check out the bucket above. You can see a blue and purple square. That lets my kiddos know that the books in that bucket are all blue and purple.  

My students get to pick their  “rainbow books” or “just right” books for their Reader’s Workshop book boxes. 
 
Next up…Planners. Who doesn’t love a little Erin Condren in their life? I have the life planner at home, the teacher planner and the desk calendar.  Here is my desk. 
My teacher planner stays on by guided reading table. We all know that rarely a first grade teacher ever really sits at their desk, until the end of the day.  
Speaking of my guided reading table. I put drawers underneath to keep all of my guided reading tools and extra pens, dry erase, etc.  I also have the Ikea shelves behind me to put my books and other supplies.  
Also I love a good primary colored tub for organization.  Here are my math manipulatives.
 So here are my centers and art supplies.
I also love a good binder. Here is my teacher binder. It holds all my week to week craziness. 
In addition here is my Writer’s Workshop Notebook
 My Guided Reading Notebook 
My lesson plan binder 
 
I also love organization at home. Although with 3 boys (one big, two littles)…it lasts for about 5 seconds. So I won’t even show you my disorganized organization at home.  
But I do have goals! 
sources:  Delightful Order     and           iheartorganizing 
So instead I’ll just share where I get my inspiration. Besides I love these blogs. 
 
How do you organize? 
 
Hop over to Hope’s blog to get some inspiration and win some great items!
 
 

 

 
 
Michelle Oakes

Michelle Oakes

Wife, mom of 2 boys and a bulldog, reading specialist, Target frequenting lover of fashion, home decorating, Cincinnati girl.

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12 thoughts on “Organize my Life!”

  1. Michelle, you are truly an inspiration! I just love how colorful and organized your room looks. I need to get some of those bins and get cracking in the New Year 🙂 I am just thrilled to be your newest follower!! Thanks for sharing your FABULOUS ideas!

    Reply
  2. Hi Michelle,

    Your classroom is simply gorgeous!
    Is there anyway you would share your lesson plan template? I wouldn't have a clue how to set one of those up.

    Carol 🙂

    Reply

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