Saturday, July 6, 2013

Label, Label, Label

 
Ahhh...organization! I love it, I need it to function, and I obsess over it.   When I was in elementary school every Saturday morning when I woke up I would run downstairs and grab the bottle of Windex, Pledge, a broom, and whatever else I thought I needed.  I'd return to my room, crank up some Spice Girls or Hanson and clean my room.  This was no quick surface cleaning job...no, every week I would clean out my desk drawers, dust the slightly creepy porcelain dolls on my shelf, and
organize my scrunchi collection R.O.Y.G.B.I.V. style.  Totally normal for an eight-year-old, right!?!?
 
Anyway flash forward out of the 90's and into my classroom, which I like to think is pretty well organized.  BUT I still have my secret hiding clutter spaces that drive me crazy!!! One tool I love to use are labels.  Oh how I love them! Every container in my room has a label, and if you can spy them on the picture above I love to label the spaces on the shelves where things need to be returned.
 
Now, I'm the kind of person who, if you pick up something off my desk and then put it back down, I will casually walk over and touch the same object to return it back to it's proper 45 degree angle.  I know what you're thinking, "FUH-REEEEK!" Let me tell you, it's exhausting being this neurotic, and is not a choice :)
 
So, to help keep my room nice and tidy I love to label everything and explain proper procedures to my class as to how important it is to put things back in their proper place.  Not only does this help keep me sane, but it really does minimize on disruptions during the day.  Students know where to find the supplies and learning tools they need, and can begin their work quickly.  I'm proud to say that this past year there were very few instances where I had to ask where some miscellaneous item was!
 
Thanks for reading my rant on organization and be sure to check out Ladybug's Teacher Files & Fun in Room 4B for more great organization ideas!
 
 
 

12 comments:

  1. I have a bit of a crush on my label maker as well! I enjoyed reading your rant...too funny!

    Lizzy from *The Teacher Chick*

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  2. I am the same way. I like all my cabinets, drawers, and baskets organized and labeled. It is how I keep all my teacher goodies organized.
    Jamie
    teachingtidbit.blogspot.com

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  3. I think this is totally normal. Everything in my room has a place & POSITION, I agree that my stapler sits at a 45 degree angle too. :) And once I have a full time position I have every intention of going label crazy, just like you. Glad to see there are others like myself out there.

    Stephanie
    PolkaDotPalace

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  4. I label everything as well. My label maker was one of my best classroom purchases.


    Meagan
    Oodles of Teaching Fun

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  5. I'm an organization freak, too! I can't stand things out of place!!

    ~Jen
    Jen's Kinder Kids

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  6. I got tickled that you said you organized your scrunchies ROYGBIV style! Haha!! I love to organize as well. Surprisingly, I don't have a label maker...I need one!

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  7. The pics of your CR are so organized and pleasant to look at! Organized areas just fill me with warm fuzzies, as does going to the store and walking down the storage container aisle =) My closet at home is organized by sleeve length, and each sleeve length is organized ROYGBIV, so I totally understand your scrunchies! Haha!

    Amanda @
    Teacher at the Wheel

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  8. Hi Erin,
    I found your blog through the picture book linky party! I'm your newest follower!
    If you get a chance, please check out my little new blog!
    Have a great weekend,

    Jessica @ Wild About Firsties

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  9. What a cute and organized classroom! I had to comment because I think you and I are kindred spirits when it comes to labeling.... EVERYTHING. :) love your blog, happily following. :)
    Brittney
    www.teacherinspired.blogspot.com

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  10. I totally LOVE your blog so much, I've nominated you for a blogging award for up and coming blogs! Please come visit my blog for the details! Thanks!!

    Amanda @
    Teacher at the Wheel

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  11. I just found your blog- and I feel like a kindred spirit with the organization! I TOTALLY get it and do not think you are the least bit a freak! HA! Or I am, too, whatever. I had some little girls putting markers back in the bin in ROYGBIV order! Are your clothes in ROYGBIV order in your closet, too? Just checkin!
    Carolyn
    <a href="http://www.ckisloski.blogspot.com>Kindergarten: Holding Hands and Sticking Together</a>

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  12. Girl, you are totally normal. Well, at least as normal as the rest of us freaks ;) I'm so glad to know I'm not the only one that organized things ROYGBIV style. Heck, I still do. Better yet...my daughter does, too. Ah, the tradition continues! Thanks so much for linking up with us!!

    Elizabeth
    Fun in Room 4B

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