So my goal for the rest of the school year is to work on organizing my room and materials. For one thing I don't want to spend so much of my summer at school trying to get ready for the next school year. I would love to have all of that stuff done by the end of this school year so I can enjoy my summer (You know, sleeping late, reading, taking a nap, snacking, etc. The fun stuff.) One thing I have already done to help me stay (a little) more organized is to adopt the number system for my students. (OK, I actually did that before school started but I have to say I love it and it has helped me to become more organized, so I figured it had to go in this post.) Most of you have probably heard of the number system, but for those who haven't here it is in a nutshell. Each student is assigned a number. At the beginning of the year I write my students' names in ABC order and number them accordingly. Each student gets a number and has this same number for the rest of the school year.
There are a lot of ways having numbers can help you be more organized. For example, I have a mailbox with a slot for each student. This is where I put students' papers for them to collect at the end of the day. Rather than making new name labels every year, I simply use mailbox number stickers to label each cubby and I am good to go. This is a real time-saver. Here is a picture.
(Sorry it's sideways. I can't figure out how to flip it.)
I also use numbers to choose partners for games and activities, to pick a person to read a selection, to select a new Star Student for the week, and lots of other things. I bought some really cute little popcicle sticks with stars on the end and labeled each one with a number. This year I have 22 students so I have 22 popcicle sticks labeled 1-22. Well, actually I have the number 1-25 in case I get any new students. I keep them all together and the numbers I don't use I just turn over. Whenever a student transfers I do not give their number away because quite often students will leave and then come back after a few weeks. When I want to pick a student for anything I simply pull a stick. Again, I don't have to remake these every year with students' names so it's another time saver. Here are a couple of pictures.
I also use students' numbers to identify their property. An example of this is the water bottle each student has. I prefer my students not drink out of the water fountain (So many cooties!) so I buy each student a bottle of water to keep at their table. Instead of writing their name on the cap of each bottle I simply label each bottle with each student's number. Students are only allowed to fill their bottle in the classroom sink and I clean the sink area everyday. I'm not sure if this helps cut back on sickness, but it makes me feel better.
One other way I use numbers is for my behavior system. When my students exhibit inappropriate behavior, they have to pull a card. I have a pocket chart hanging on my door for the cards. Each pocket has a number for each student and 4 cards. At the end of the day I can tell at a glance who has or has not pulled a card. Plus, I don't have to make new name tags every year.
So, wish me luck on getting more organized this year. I am definitely going to need it. Do you have any resolutions for the rest of the year? If so, good luck! And, remember, we're halfway through the school year!
Jeannie