One of my readers, Tracy, recently contacted me about where I put all my center activities when they aren’t in use. I get this question quite a bit, and I guess it’s interesting to find out how other people solve the problem of having ‘all that stuff.’
Yes, having all those resources on hand is a great problem to have, and the fact that you now have them printed, laminated and cut is fabulous, but where can you keep them so that next year this time, you can just grab and go? I don’t claim that what I do will work for everyone, but in my small room and with the storage and shelves I currently have, this is the best system for me.
Depending on the type of activity I need to store, I either use a simple rubber band or, the old stand-by, a ziplocbag. I like to use rubber bands because they are easier and flatter…
especially for larger flat items like these.
But when there are smaller pieces . . .
. . . a ziplocdoes the trick.
I also always make sure that I have the student ‘I can’ sheet with the activity to remind me how the game or activity is played.
These file storage bins are the perfect sized for my shelves. And for my lifestyle, I like the fact that I can grab them and take them home if I need to go through them after the boys are in bed and I’m doing some planning late at night.
I have probably around 25-30 of them in my room. Each labeled either by theme, or, for those items that are not dependent on theme, by skill.
See . . . Nothing really earth shattering, but a simple way that keeps me organized and my station activities readily available. The only thing I would change is to have them all the same kind and color . . . it is really bugging me that they don’t match but what can you do?.
UPDATE: For all you that absolutely HAD to have these labels. I went ahead and made up a freebie so that you can also get these. There are some made up labels and then an EDITABLE version as well. So go ahead and click the picture below to download your copy. And if you’re interested in the totes, they are available from Amazon by clicking HERE!
Hope this helps you guys get a glimpse at what works for me.
Lori says
Great organizational system! It can get overwhelming with all the materials we have. I am currently keeping mine in plastic drawers. But I really like the boxes that you are using.
Lori
Conversations in Literacy
I love your storage system! I have been using flat tubs where I have to stack all of the centers. Then I am sorting through the whole box to find what I want! AWFUL. Would you mind sharing your labels? They are super cute! Thanks! RebekahPetersen@gmail.com
Love this! I already use ziplocs but have them in files in my file cabinet… MESSY!! Where do you get your bins from? Those labels are great too!! lauren_coman@hotmail.com
I too like Lauren would love to learn where you found your storage bins. Thanks for sharing your labels…love it!
I need organizational help!
Loving those labels! Are they available anywhere for purchase uet or just selfie love?
THANK YOU for sharing the labels!!! So excited to use them!!! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your labels with us. Love them!
Thank you for sharing. These will look much nicer than the post-it notes I am currently using. Happy 2014!
What a great idea! I think those tubs are better than the ones you have to stack on top of each other. Thanks for sharing!!
Sarah
Teachingiscolorful.blogspot.com
I’ve seen and bought these bins at Target.
This is awesome! I was struggling with a way to get more organized this school year. I found these bins online at Target. Here’s a link: http://www.target.com/p/sterlite-showoff-large-green-storage-container/-/A-13795786#prodSlot=medium_1_44&term=sterilite
Thanks again,
Vera
The Tutu Teacher
This is a great idea! What kind of shelf(ves) do you use to put your tubs on? Are they regular bookshelves or a specific kind? I would love to do this so that I could get rid of my filing cabinet.
thank you for sharing the labels!! Love!
Hi Marsha! Thank you for sharing the labels!
I clip one of the bottom corner of my zip top bags so they lay flat. It keeps the air out when you seal them. Thanks, Marsha I love the idea of the containers. I have several of them but haven’t used them for center storage.
Thank you for the labels.. Love the ideas
Thanks for the labels!!
I just printed these out so I can organize my files this year. Thank you! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your labels! 🙂
You are very welcome.
Marsha