83 Best Classroom Organization Ideas
83 Best Classroom Organization Ideas
Are you looking for some new classroom organization ideas? Well, you've come to the right place. Read on to discover the top 83 ideas to create a gorgeous and organized classroom for you and your students.
I'll show you the best ideas to organize your bookshelves, organize with file folders, create an epic teacher cart, make the most of those student cubbies, find pretty labels for the class, the best dollar store finds for your class and so much more. Plus, read to the very end find the best ideas to create a gorgeous space just for you!
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What is the best way to organize a classroom?
- The first step is to de clutter and get rid of what you don’t use.
- Next think of your classroom in zones.
- Tackle one zone at a time.
- Then, set up systems to help you.
- Use labels to help students & you.
- Find products to take your organization to the next level.
- Continue to evaluate what’s working and make changes to your systems.
In this post we’ll explore these ideas and more.
Dollar Store Organization Ideas
If your town has a Dollar Store or Dollar Tree, then you already know this is one of the best places to get classroom organization supplies. Below are some of my favorite classrooms that pulled off the dollar store organization with style.
Bright Dollar Tree Organization
All these colorful storage containers are from Dollar Tree. I love the look of the mismatched colors, shapes and styles of all of these containers.
They're all in the bright family so they create a cohesive look. You could create a beautiful, colorful, organized bookshelf with an assortment like this.
Colorful Student Work Bins
These shallow colorful bins are perfect for papers or to be used as a turn-in bin. Pick up a rainbow assortment to add some more color to your class.
Small Containers & iPad Cart
Small containers with lids are perfect for organizing small supplies, and game pieces. I love how this teacher created a beautiful space by adding pretty accessories and inspirational signs to the top of the bookshelf.
I also love the iPad cart. It's a great idea to have the kiddos separate the low battery iPads or Chromebooks to save you time.
Classroom Bookshelf Organization
These teachers used colorful and pretty bins to organize bookshelves with not only books but supplies, papers and all the things.
Pretty in Pink Bookshelf Corner
Pretty pink bins set this stage for this stylish classroom library. Here’s a little inspiration for you to keep it organized and also inviting for young readers.
Reading Nook Organization
This teacher goes above and beyond by creating a cozy reading spot for her students. I love how she carries the pretty teal color scheme to the containers that hold the books as well.
To re-create this look pick your favorite color and coordinate your bookshelf bins with some comfy pillows and a rug.
Bright Colored Book Bins
Bright colored containers with labels are a great way to keep your reading groups organized.
Top Bookshelf Organization Supplies
Below are some of my favorite finds to create your own organized bookshelf for your class.
BOOKSHELF ORGANIZATION IDEAS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | TEAL FABRIC BINS
TWO | COLORFUL PLASTIC CONTAINERS
THREE | COLORFUL FABRIC BINS
FOUR | SET OF 12 RAINBOW BOOK ORGANIZERS
FIVE| COLORFUL PLASTIC COINTAINERS
Lesson Plans & Daily Schedules
Every teacher needs a lesson plan to keep it all together. Pretty organization like a beautiful lesson plan can help to keep you inspired and motivated to take on everything that the day entails. Below are some of the best ideas for pretty and functional lesson plans.
3 Ring Binder Lesson Plans
I love the idea of putting your lesson plans into a three-ring binder. This teacher has bullet journal style lesson plan sheets. You could create these with a template and print them in advance.
Teacher Organization System
Here's another example of a simple binder keeping you super organized. This teacher simply has a calendar style planner to keep her on point for her school days. Bonus points for the cute colorful cart!
White Board Class Schedules
I know a lot of teachers that like to keep the daily schedule up on the board so the kids can know what to expect every day. I also love how this teacher has the time and the clocks for each activity.
Flipping Daily Schedule
Rachel, a first-grade teacher, mounted magnetic curtain rods on her white board. You can find a 2 pack of magnetic curtain rods on Amazon here. They can be adjusted between 9 to 16 inches.
She then printed these pretty calendar sheets to create this flip calendar. Not only is this easier than writing the date every day on your white board it’s looks better too.
The bark of the day spot can be created with a roll of brown Kraft paper. Rachel uses this spot for a quote of the day, a countdown, a shout out or a class goal.
Flexible Lesson Planners
Below is a lesson planer from Chaylor & Mads that will keep you organized but also look pretty. Cuz who doesn’t like pretty things? It's available on Etsy here, to download and print and put into a 3-ring binder and designed to be flexible so they will work for any school year.
Headphone Organization
These teachers have come up with clever ideas to keep all of those headphones organized and looking nice.
Headphone Organization with Hooks
Sometimes simplicity is the best strategy. You can simply add hooks to a wall in the class and label the headphones and the hooks with the student names.
Numbered Earphone Organization
Here's another great idea to keep earphones organized. This teacher simply numbers each one and then attaches the number to the case.
My Favorite Earphone Organization Finds
Below are some awesome finds to keep earphones organized in your classroom.
EARPHONE ORGANIZATION IDEAS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | PEOPLE HOOKS
TWO | 6 COLORFUL MAGNETIC HOOKS
THREE| STEEL HOOK RACK
FOUR | EARPHONE CASE SET WITH STEEL CARABINER
FIVE | SIMILAR COLORUL WALL HOOKS
Teacher’s Cart
A teacher cart is a must have. Load it up with all the essential supplies and then move it around the class when you need it. See how these teachers organized all the goods in their stylish teacher carts.
Organized Teacher Cart
Take a cue from Samantha and decorate your cart with a positive saying like, “Teaching is a work of heart.” Stock your cart with all the essentials that are helpful to have close by like pencils, erasers, sticky notes, and white board markers.
Teacher Cart with Peg Board
This Kindergarten teacher has it figured out she's hanging sight words plus has spots for highlighters, glue sticks, scissors, pencils and so much more space…oh the potential!
Huge Teacher Cart
This is an entire new category of teacher cart. Rachel, a teacher from Texas, was lucky enough to have this huge cart in her classroom at the beginning of the year. She has taken advantage of this by loading it up with supplies, crafts and games for her students.
Here ‘s a similar large rolling cart with clear bins that would get the job done as well.
The Best Teacher Carts
Below are some of my favorite teacher carts and where to find them.
TEACHER CART | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | BLUE TEACHER CART
TWO | GREEN TEACHER CART
THREE | WHITE CART
Classroom Organization With Color
There's something so fun about a bright, colorful classroom. I love the look of organizing with a rainbow color scheme, am I the only one? Below are some great ideas to organize with all the colors of the rainbow.
Color Coded Sight Words
This teacher uses color coding for her list of which sight words the class is working on. Great idea to keep them organized and it looks so pretty!
Paint Cards for Numbers
This teacher uses paint color cards from the home improvement store to create pretty number cards. What a fun idea and there are tons of other uses for these color cards the possibilities are endless.
Rainbow Organization Finds
Below check out the best Amazon finds for rainbow organization!
RAINBOW ORGANIZATION | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | 10 PACK PLASTIC ENVELOPES
TWO | 10 POCKET HANGING FILE HOLDERS | RAINBOW FOLDERS
THREE | 6 PACK RAINBOW PLASTIC BINS
Classroom Bundles
When you see those teachers on Instagram that have the classroom that looks so organized and everything matches, they probably purchased a classroom bundle. If you like your class to match a certain theme or color scheme it's a great way to go.
Pastel Classroom Bundle
This pastel classroom decor bundle is one that I created, and you can find it in my Etsy shop here. I created it so that you will have everything you need for your classroom setup.
Here is what this bundle includes:
- Editable Classroom Job Display
- Editable Birthday Displays
- Editable Classroom Calendar Display
- Editable Classroom Rules
- Editable Classroom Schedule
- Flip Calendar
- Calm Corner Posters
- Classroom Affirmation Station
- Color Posters
- World Map
- Growth Mindset Posters
- Editable Teacher Toolbox Labels, (Variety of Sizes & Choices)
- Editable Supply Labels
- Editable 10 & 12 Drawer Rolling Cart Labels
- Editable Binder Labels
- Editable Table Labels
- Shape Posters
- Voice Level Posters
- Editable Desk Name Tags
- Number Line
- Skip Counting Posters
- Number Posters
- 100 Poster
- Alphabet Posters
- Hand Signal
- 50 Choices Bulletin Board Borders!
- 16 Unique Bulletin Board Letters!
- Graphics for Bulletin Board
- Editable Bulletin Board Banners
- Editable Meet the Teacher Templates
- Editable Classroom Newsletter Templates
- Editable Teacher Header & Signature
- Editable Classroom wish list (Plus, how to add a custom QR Code!)
Organizing Student Work
These teachers have come up with some clever ideas to keep all of their students works separate and organized. Plus, they make it look good, you sensing a theme for this post?
Organizing With Clipboards
One idea is simple clipboards to organize each student's work and papers. There are tons of pretty and functional clipboard holders to keep you dialed in.
Plastic Bins for Each Class Period
Another great idea is plastic bins to separate students work. Here they are separated by period.
This would work great in middle school or high school. You could also separate by student names or subjects.
Best Stylish Organization Finds
Below are some of my favorite finds to keep your student’s work organized in style.
STUDENT WORK ORGANIZATION | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | 30 POCKET HANGING FILE HOLDER WITH LABELS
TWO | 6 BRIGHT RAINBOW CLIPBOARDS
THREE | WIRE CLIPBOARD & PAPER HOLDER
FOUR | 12 MINI PASTEL CLIPBOARDS
FIVE | WIRE CLIPBOARD HOLDER
SIX | 4 PACK ACCORDIAN DOCUMENT ORGANIZER
Displaying Student Work
Take a cue from these teachers and set up a system to display student work. You can have your display setup at the beginning of the year with blank paper. That way when the work is ready you can easily display it and easily switch it out on a regular basis.
Hanger Art Display
This teacher uses wooden hangers to display student work, brilliant! I also love the wall decal that reads “rad work”. Students would be proud to show off their work in this gorgeous space.
Look What We Are Learning Display
This is a cute idea to display student artwork on a bulletin board. It's a simple string and clothes pin system that you can create yourself.
Work That Rocks Display
What I love most about this display is the huge decal, “Work that Rocks.” A great way to create a student brag wall that any kiddo would be proud to have their work displayed on.
Best Student Work Display Finds
If you want to create a museum worthy display in your class, check out some of my favorite ideas to show off your students' amazing work.
DISPLAY STUDENTS WORK | BEST FINDS
ONE | STUDENT WORK DISPLAY
TWO | 24 PACK MAGNETIC CLIPS
THREE | 10 PACK WOODEN CLAMP HANGERS
FOUR | WOODEN HANGERS WITH TWO CLIPS
FIVE | MAGNETIC HOOKS
Classroom Organization With File Folders
There are tons of organizing possibilities with file folders. This is a great system that once you set up will help you stay organized. Get inspired with some of the best ideas below.
Student Activity Organizer
You can use the file folders to organize student activities. This is a great idea for the kids to be able to help themselves to get the activity sheet that they need.
Student Work by Number
Here's another great idea to organize student work. Assign each student a number and you will not need to re-create labels every year.
File Folder for Student Mailboxes
File folders make an easy compact mailbox for the students.
Best File Box Organization on Amazon
Below are some of my favorite finds to create your own stylish and organized file box for your students.
FILES & FILE BOXES | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | CLEAR FILE ORGANIZER STAND
TWO | PRETTY FILES WITH SUMMER VIBES
THREE | I AM VERY BUSY & OTHER PRETTY FILES
FOUR | RIDICULOUSLY GOOD IDEAS 9 BRIGHT FILES
FIVE | FILE ORGANIZER BOX
New Student Bag
For a huge time, saver create new student bags before the first day of school. Items to include in the bag are:
- Welcome Workbook including paperwork from the school and class procedures
- Classroom Supplies like pencils, crayons, glue and scissors.
- Meet the teacher sheets
- A Student information form for parents to fill out and
- A little welcome gift
Multi-Drawer Carts For Teachers
Another cart idea is to find one with multiple drawers to help you organize all of your papers. Check out how some creative teachers are using these multi-drawer carts to keep their classroom organized.
Rainbow Teacher Cart
A pretty rainbow cart is a great way to organize each of the days of the week with a few drawers to spare, the possibilities are endless.
Daily and Group Work Cart
A multi-drawered cart can be the perfect spot to organize papers for each day, plus group work. You may want to leave a couple of drawers without labels as catch all spots.
Best Multi-Drawer Teacher Storage Carts
Below are some of my favorite multi-drawer carts that would be perfect for the classroom plus, find out where to score them.
MULIT-DRAWER CARTS | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | 10 DRAWER RAINBOW CART
TWO | 6 DRAWER CLEAR CART
THREE | COLORFUL 15 DRAWER CART
If you're looking for more ideas for your teacher cart, then check out- The Best Ideas for Your Teacher Cart
More Paper Organization Ideas
Besides the carts let's check out a few more ideas to organize paper.
Filing Cabinets for Paper Organization
If your classroom has a filing cabinet this is the perfect spot to organize all the paper. Here one drawer is dedicated to colored paper organization.
Anchor Chart Storage Rack
If you want to re-use your anchor charts, then steal this organization idea and store them on a clothing rack on hangers. If you want to copy this idea here is a simple rack that comes in multiple colors including pink. You’ll want to get some pant hangers with clips like these.
Classroom Organization with Labels
Check out these amazing classrooms that use beautiful labels to create an ultra organized space where everything has a place.
Label Clear Plastic Containers
Small clear plastic containers with cute labels are the perfect solution to easily find everything you need in your class. Containers with lids are great for stacking and those with out lids work perfectly on your shelves.
Nature Lover Teacher Toolbox Labels
Here's another example of gorgeous custom labels that create a focal point for the entire classroom.
The Best Finds for Pretty Classroom Labels
There are several places where you can purchase pretty labels. Below are some of my favorites.
Pretty Editable Labels
This package of labels is a digital file that is available on Etsy for you to print yourself. It includes several round and square labels that you can edit for your classroom needs.
Teacher Drawer Labels
These are great labels for your teacher cart. They include all the days of the week and a few extras too.
Animal Print Sticker Labels
This is available on Amazon and comes in a pack with 40 sticker labels that you can use for anything. There are several designs to choose from
Cute Boho Rainbow Trolley Labels
I’m loving the cute print of these trolley labels that are available on Etsy. It is a digital and editable file that you download and print yourself.
If you've not set up a teacher toolbox yet, then get the step-by-step instructions plus tons of inspiration in this post- Teacher Toolbox Create the Perfect One for Your Classroom
Classroom Organization with Wall Space
If you have a small classroom, go vertical with your organization to instantly create more space. Use your wall space to create organization that also functions as a display in your class.
Maximize Your Class Whiteboard
This teacher uses her whiteboard as a space to organize supplies and examples of class work. Did you notice how she hangs her spelling words on a mini rod? Brilliant! You can find lots of white board organization tools to help you maximize the space you have.
Activities of the Week
Why not use a pretty bulletin board as a way to organize student activities? Create colorful pouches with handouts that the students can grab.
That way they can easily see their choices and help themselves to what activity they choose. Plus, it looks great in the class!
If you're looking for more new bulletin board ideas, then check out this post...23 Unique Bulletin Board Ideas to Try This Year
Student Cubbies
Get inspired by how teachers created student cubbies that are organized and also look amazing.
Personalized Student Cubbies
I'm sure that these students love the drawers with their name and a caricature of them. What a fun idea! Plus, the colorful organization is a fun and pretty touch.
Sprinkle Kindness Cabinets
Why not take your cabinet space as a opportunity to impart words of wisdom on your students, like “sprinkle kindness”? The challenge would be to find the right saying that fits the number of cabinets you have. This teacher nailed it!
Top Picks for Student Cubbies from Amazon
Below are some of the best finds to create beautiful student cubbies in your class.
STUDENT CUBBIES | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | YELLOW OR GREY STRIPES FABRIC BINS
TWO | METAL STORAGE SQUARE RACK
THREE | WHITE 9 CUBE BOOKSHELF
FOUR | COLORFUL STORAGE BINS
FIVE | CLEAR SQUARE STORAGE CUBE RACK
Laundry Baskets for Student Supplies
If you don’t have cubbies but need a place to store backpacks and supplies how about a laundry basket from the Dollar Tree?
Organization for Classroom Supplies
I know you have supplies everywhere. Get inspired by how these teachers get all the classroom and art supplies organized and looking perfect, at least before the kids get their hands on them.
Rubbermaid Bins with Colorful Labels
Containers with lids and pretty labels. Always simple yet so effective. Having specific places for supplies makes it easier to stay organized. You can have fun creating custom labels with your printer that match the style in your classroom.
Classroom Table Organization Ideas
I love these supply caddies. This teacher created one for each table. Look closely and see how everything is color coded to the caddy.
This includes the stripe on the glue sticks. What a great idea to keep everything in its place!
Marker Organization
They make tons of functional and cute containers for markers, pens and pencils like this one appropriately labeled “things.”
Crayon Organization Hack
If you want to keep all those crayons organized and separate why not assign each color to its matching container? This makes it super easy for the kids to organize the crayons themselves, brilliant!
Best School Supply Organization Finds
Below are some of my favorite finds to organize your school supplies.
SUPPLY ORGANIZTION | WHERE TO FIIND
ONE | BRIGHT SUPPLY ORGANZIER
TWO | 6 PACK OF SUPPLY CADDIES
THREE | POLKA DOT SUPPLY BUCKETS
FOUR | SIMILAR ADHESIVE ORGANIZER CADDY
FIVE | MAGNETIC TINS
SIX | 5 PIECE SUPPLY ORGANIZER
SEVEN | CUBE SUPPLY STAND
Sub Tub
Great classroom organization is all about planning ahead. That's why creating a sub tub is a game changer it will make your life so much easier when something arises, and you need to have a substitute teacher. Items to include in your sub tub include:
- Lesson plans for the day
- Assignment sheets
- Procedures and school information
- Thank you note and treat for the sub
- Sub tickets for the teacher to hand out for excellent behavior.
Organization for Classroom Jobs
Does your classroom management strategy include class jobs? If so, at the beginning of the school year you’ll want to set up a system to make classroom jobs more efficient. Check out some of my favorite ideas below.
Classroom Job Bulletin Board Idea
This is a beautiful display of classroom jobs. Each job is given a colorful name tag. Students each have numbers that are placed on the name tags to show what everyone’s job is for the week.
Classroom Jobs Rotation Chart
Here's a classroom job system that is a total space saver. In this system each student is assigned a number and it’s written on a colorful clothes pin.
Every week each clothes pin is rotated clockwise. Notice that every other space is blank so that student only do a job every other week.
Tidy Team Classroom Job
Speaking of classroom jobs considering adding a tidy team. The tidy team will clean up classroom messes with the tidy tub especially when the class is cutting or doing art projects.
Student Desk Organization Hack
If you’re noticing a messy desk or two or ten in the classroom then copy this hack. Take a picture of the neatest desk in the classroom and display it with the label what should my desk look like.
This will not only help the students work on their own organizational skills it will also motivate them to get their desk featured next time.
Teacher’s Desk Organization
Ok, so now you have the entire classroom organized and looking perfect. Now, it’s time to beautify your space. Creating a pretty and organized desk for you is just as important as the classroom.
It keeps you motivated, inspired and boosts your mood. Sounds like what every teacher needs, right? Below check out some awesome ideas to organize your desk.
Pretty Pink Desk Organization
Who says organization can’t be pretty? Take a cue from this space and surround yourself with accessories in your favorite color to give your desk a cohesive look. Fresh flowers instantly liven up your desk as well.
Beautiful Teacher Desk Inspiration
When you're setting up your teacher for the upcoming school year be sure to experiment with different storage solutions, leave plenty of blank space and open storage and create easy access to what you use most often. And surround yourself with items that you love and that make you smile.
Use Pretty File Folders
We all have to have the files so why not pick out some pretty ones to add some color and beauty to your desk.
Stylish Desk Organizers on Amazon
Below are some of my favorite finds on Amazon to create a beautiful one-of-a-kind desk just for you!
DESK ORGANIZATION | WHERE TO FIND
ONE | GOLD DESK ORGANIZATION SET
TWO | LIGHT GREEN PAPER TRAY STACK
THREE | STRIPED DESK ORGANIZATION SET
FOUR | ORGANIZED DESK PAD WITH POCKETS
So, now you've seen the very best classroom organization ideas. This includes bookshelf organization, lesson plans, dollar store ideas, organizing with color, setting up your teacher cart, creating an amazing teacher’s desk and so much more. I hope you've been inspired to create a beautiful, organized space for you and your students this year. Feel free to save your favorite ideas to your Pinterest Boards. Just click on the picture and then click on the red P!
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