Organization
Having systems and methods for staying organized helps reduce stress and unnecessary clutter. For me, it is so important to know where everything is in a moments notice.
Here are a few ways I stay organized:
-Monday-Friday drawers: I place all of my read alouds and any handouts I will need for each day.
-Copy/File/Grade drawers
-Classroom library bins: As a Kindergarten teacher, all of my books are organized by author, genre, or interest. Each book has a label on it that corresponds with the label on the book bin.
-Word Work/Math Center drawers: Using a 10 drawer rainbow cart, each word work activity is inside a drawer. Each student grabs 1 drawer to work on and all materials are inside. I use this same method for math centers.
-Email folders: Having folders helps prioritize what needs answered right away or tasks to complete later.
What Works and What Doesn't
Based off past experience, reflect on what systems work for you and vice versa. Do you prefer to come to school early? Stay late? Come in on the weekend? Leave work at school? Thinking about what works best for you will help you in the long run by setting boundaries.
Prioritize
Although social media can put pressure on us to have Pinterest perfect classrooms, reflect on what is important to you and what will impact student learning. Do you need to have matching borders for every holiday? Probably not. If that makes you happy, though, go for it.
Use Your Resources
Teaching is a job that can't be done alone. Ask for support and support others when they need it. By tapping into other people's strengths, we can build each other up.
Choose Joy
Regardless of your situation, take time for yourself everyday to do something you enjoy. Whether it is waking up early to enjoy a cup of coffee in silence, working out, or catching up on a favorite television show, you will thank yourself later.
Take Out
Sometimes a night off from cooking and dishes is necessary.
I would love to hear how you balance. Share your ideas in the comments.
