Tips Archive » Getting Organized » Potpouri

• Paper and Plastic Dispensers (2 tips)
• Storing Puppets (1 tip)
• Organizing Odds and Ends (3 tips)
• Soothing Ouchies (3 tips)
• Defining Work and Play Areas (1 tip)
• Keeping Track of Puzzles (1 tip)
• Toss or Recycle? (11 tips)
• Creative Labels (15 tips)
• Keeping Track of Supplies (13 tips)

Paper and Plastic Dispensers

Plastic Bags

From Tracy Ostwald Kowald, a first grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Appleton, Wisconsin:

"Here's an easy way to store plastic bags in the classroom: Take a gallon milk jug, cut out a sizable hole in the bottom and stuff it full of bags. The kids can pull one bag at a time out of the top of the jug."

Tissues

From Fritz Burow, an English teacher at East High School in Sioux City, Iowa:

"I've supplied tissues for my 'non-handkerchief-carrying' students for years. But recently, I found a neat toilet tissue dispenser which I was able to attach to the classroom wall. Now the custodians supply me with some of their short rolls of tissue . . . which I provide for my class. It's a novelty which saves money at the same time."

Storing Puppets

Shoe Rack

From Sheryl Beach, a resource teacher of kindergarten through fourth grade students at McKinley Elementary School in Casper, Wyoming:

"My students really enjoy using puppets for entertainment and story telling. The puppets are readily available and easy to choose when a shoe holder is used. I use the kind that sets on the floor (or under the bed) and each puppet fits nicely over the area where the shoe is normally kept."

Organizing Odds and Ends

The Right Pen!

From Janis Higley, a first and second grade teacher at Chief Umtuch Primary in Battle Ground, Washington:

"With all the activity in our classroom, I became frustrated with finding 'the right pen.' I use whiteboard pens, Vis-a-Vis, marker pens, etc. So to keep track of what pen is used on which surface, I keep a supply of sticky-back velcro squares on hand and use them to post the proper pen in the proper place - on a portable whiteboard, near my journal chart, etc. It has saved me many headaches! I also use sticky-back hooks to hang charts anywhere there's space!"

Gift Bags

From Jackie Stoklas, a fourth grade teacher at Holderman Elementary School in Tempe, Arizona:

"Gift bags decorate my classroom in a very practical way. I pinned some to the wall behind my desk to hold happygrams, attendance slips and hall passes so that they don't get lost in the clutter of my desk. I use a large one to hide an object for a 20 questions game and another for a birthday bag that holds special markers, etc. for the birthday child to use. They look like decoration and are a great help to the organizationally challenged."

Space Savers

From Maryellen Roberts, a first grade teacher at Lake Panasoffkee Elementary School in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida:

"Classroom space can be a problem; especially in the lower grades there are a lot of manipulatives. To solve space problems we buy small wash tubs and load them with things. They can be stacked quite neatly on top of each other. Then I use a marker to label the end of the tub so I can see at a glance which one I need. We also use a lot of coins. I saved the cups from pudding and loaded one set with 10 pennies and one with the 10 dimes (fake of course - who makes that kind of money?) and when math time comes I pass out the tub and each child takes one. I also use 2 liter bottles with the black base which I wash and cut off the top and load my unifix sticks into each.These can be passed down a row in a hurry. When done they make a 10 stick again and pop it right back in."

Soothing Ouchies

TLC Box

From Kimberly Nolting, a fifth grade teacher at Pinar Elementary in Orlando, Florida:

"I alleviate many trips to the school nurse by keeping a special TLC Box stocked with Band-aids, anti-bacterial soap, Purell and laminate Hug Coupons. When students come to me with minor scratches, they are allowed to use the special TLC Box. They get the special attention they need from me because I acknowledge their injury. They can also take a Hug Coupon and cash in on it if they need to."

Tooth Canisters

From Jane Lee, a sixth and seventh grade TAG teacher at Safety Harbor Middle School in Safety Harbor, Florida:

"I save the canisters that film comes in for my students who lose teeth. Yes, middle school students still lose teeth and they always like to share the fact. I make a big deal about the event and present them with the empty canister to take the tooth home. I even go a step further and add a sticker to the outside of the canister with the date that this happened."

Magic Cream

From Nancy Kubiak, a first grade teacher at Wilcox Elementary School in North Ridgeville, Ohio:

"My student feel a need to show me the tiniest little scrape on their fingers and they have many complaints of leg, arm and wrist aches and pains. When I'm 100% confident that all they need is a little TLC, I offer them my magic cream. Actually, my cream is Avon hand cream. I validate their complaint and offer them the cream. It always makes the pain disappear instantly and gives me a moment of alone time with one of my students."

Defining Work and Play Areas

Carpet Squares

From a first grade teacher at Providence Elementary School in Virginia Beach, Virginia:

"Carpet square samples are wonderful to use in the classroom! In addition to being 'sit-upons,' they can also be used to define a workspace for a child or small group. Manipulatives (especially for math), games, and puzzles can be confined to a carpet square. Each student has a 'territory' marked. Most carpet and furniture stores will give the out-dated samples to teachers at no cost."

Keeping Track of Puzzles

Coding on the Back

From Phyllis Smith, a kindergarten teacher at Rhea Elementary School in Dayton, Tennessee:

"To prevent a mix-up of puzzle pieces from different puzzles, I label the back of each puzzle piece and the box or puzzle tray with an identifying mark. For example, a puzzle of a kitten will have a k on each puzzle piece and also on the box. This helps me when children choose to work different puzzles on the same table and the pieces get mixed together."

Toss or Recycle?

Recycling School Supplies

Another tip from Sonny Bechler:

"Many students do not want to save their old school supplies such as crayons, colored pencils, rulers, erasers, pencils, paper, and other items at the end of the year. In many cases, these items just get thrown out at home. Our school has (copier paper) boxes in each hallway that are clearly labeled for each item. The school weekly parent newsletter explains to the parents the options that are available to the students if they choose to participate. The last two days of school, the children may contribute to the supply boxes. Usually the crayon, colored pencil, and marker boxes fill up quickly.

"We asked which teachers or staff members (art, resource, computer) need extra supplies and those requests were quickly filled. The surplus supplies were donated to area agencies and preschools. (We also chose the best supplies for needy students in our school.) Hope this sparks an idea for your school."

Recycled Paint Trays

From Susan Wood, a sixth grade teacher in Elk Grove:

"I encourage my students to recycle and as part of a real world application, I use recycled items in my classroom. I take the cup holder trays I get from McDonalds and place yogurt containers in them. I fill them with paints and use them as paint trays. It's good to leave one container on the tray filled with water so the students can rinse their brushes. The yogurt containers are easy to clean and the trays become nicely decorated!"

Plastic Lids

From Barbara Hawk, a sixth grade teacher at Hohokam Middle School in Tucson, Arizona:

"I get multiple uses out of plastic lids and would like to share a couple of them. I keep white glue in reused liquid hand soap bottles with the squeeze top, and children squeeze a small amount of glue into a lid from the container. Then they use cotton swabs to apply the glue to their projects. The swabs and lids are especially useful when working with glitter. When finished, students put the glue lids on the shelf to dry out and the following day, they have fun pulling the dried glue from the lids. Also, a small amount of tempera paint can be squeezed into the lids. I allow each child to take two colors and encourage the students at a table to cooperate in choosing and using colors. This reduces waste at the end of the paint session. When students are done with a lid they bring it back to the table where it can be refilled for another student. Sometimes a student needs only a dab of color and can find it in one of the lids. The clean up is made easy by putting the lids in a dish pan to soak before washing."

Recycling Paper Egg Cartons

From Vera Crisafulli, a kindergarten teacher at Jefferson school in Glendive, Montana:

"It's easy to recycle paper egg cartons. In the spring, cut the egg container apart into separate cups and clip them all until they have four points. Have the children paint them, put a pipe cleaner through the bottom, attach a leaf and it becomes a tulip for spring or Mother's Day. Another fun use is to attach a pipe cleaner to the painted cups and make cute baskets to hang on an Easter or May Day tree. They're also handy to use for a place to lay paint brushes while the children are painting."

Recycling Lamination

From Laurie Staley, a kindergarten teacher at Central Elementary School in Olathe, Kansas:

"Used laminating film makes great overhead sheets. I simply go into a Kinko's or any other store that laminates and inform them that I am a teacher looking for used lamination. They can usually find some pieces in their trash that I cut into 8 � x 11-inch sheets. Smaller pieces are used for letters, numbers, dice, dominos, and playing cards. The lamination is thick and sturdy. Best of all, I am recycling."

White Paper Recycling

From Doug Tepper, a fifth grade teacher at Marshall Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona:

"I feel hypocritical throwing paper in the trash after teaching about tree conservation. So, I called a local recycling company and obtained two five foot tall bins to place in our school. All students and staff members are encouraged to use the bins to recycle paper goods. Once the bins fill up, eager students help bag the paper, weigh the bags, and post a graph showing the total amount collected. A parent brings the bags to the community drop off site. Some companies actually offer a small cash value for the paper. These proceeds can be used to buy a tree or help a charity. Just think of the prevented waste if all the Works4me subscribers each initiated such a program!"

Bright Envelopes

From Coleen Collette, a fourth grade teacher at Memorial Elementary School in Hopedale, Massachusetts:

"I ask my local card shop for left over envelopes for cards that were not sold because their usual procedure is to throw them out. I use the brightly colored ones to send home notes to my students' parents. The color makes the envelope stand out between the school papers and has a better chance of being delivered."

Window Shade Charts

From Kristine Furkey, a first grade ESL teacher at Morgan Elementary School in Holyoke, Massachusetts:

"I like to use a word wall to introduce new words to my students. I have limited space in my classroom so I make my word charts on old window shades that can be pulled down during writing times. Frayed edges on the shades can be covered with colorful tape that will also draw the children's attention."

Box Recycling

From Carleen Drozda, a family and consumer science teacher at Perry High School in Perry, Ohio:

"I recycle Tide detergent boxes to make portable file boxes or portfolio cases. First, I start out with an empty 16.43 lbs. Tide detergent box (120 wash load size). This size is exactly the right size to house Pendaflex hanging file folders and other portfolio covers sized for 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. Next, I cover the box with contact paper and personalize the case with my own decorations. This case is handy for carrying curriculum guides and other necessities. My students enjoy making these cases to use at home too."

Brightening Up the Classroom

From Kathleen Bryant, a reading and English teacher at Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Nebraska:

"After attending meetings and conferences where I have been showered with colorful handouts, I gather mine and any left on the tables. I use the backs of these for printing items to post in my classroom. The bright colors catch the students' attention. Items such as bookmarks and passes can also be made from these recycled sheets. I even have students request them for doing projects."

Adopt-a-Book... Plus!

From Suzanne Wargo, a media specialist at William J. Johnson Middle School in Colchester, Connecticut:

"Frequently people donate books, magazines, and other materials to the center. Often they are duplicates of what I already have or not appropriate for our age group. So I keep a brightly decorated box called 'Adopt-a-Book . . . Plus!' I put all books, magazines, scrap paper, recycled binders from workshops, freebees from workshops, etc. in this box. The kids love getting something for free and often come to the media center just to see what I have in the box. It's a great way to recycle older books that would just collect dust and get kids to read who might not otherwise pick up a book."

Recycled Transparencies

From Janet Kane, a second grade teacher at Worcester Elementary School in Lansdale, Pennsylvania:

"If your school is lucky enough to have its own laminating machine, then collect the ends of the laminate to reuse on the overhead projector. Recycling the laminate saves on the cost of blank overhead sheets."

Covering Boards

From Sonny Bechler, a special education teacher and member of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Education Association in Libertyville, Illinois:

"Many schools require their shelves or boards to be covered, and many teachers use bulletin board paper to do this. I would like to suggest that we save paper and consider using old clean bed sheets to cover shelves and the like. If you do not have any old worn bed sheets, ask for some in your weekly parent or school memo. In the fall, you can wash the sheets and store them for the next year. It has worked well in our school and we saved costly paper!"

Recycling School Supplies

From Sonny Bechler, a special education teacher and member of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Education Association in Libertyville, Illinois:

"Many students do not want to save their old school supplies such as crayons, colored pencils, rulers, erasers, pencils, paper, and other items at the end of the year. In many cases, these items just get thrown out at home. Our school has (copier paper) boxes in each hallway that are clearly labeled for each item. The school weekly parent newsletter explains to the parents the options that are available to the students if they choose to participate. The last two days of school, the children may contribute to the supply boxes. Usually the crayon, colored pencil, and marker boxes fill up quickly.

"We asked which teachers or staff members (art, resource, computer) need extra supplies and those requests were quickly filled. The surplus supplies were donated to area agencies and preschools. (We also chose the best supplies for needy students in our school.) Hope this sparks an idea for your school."

Creative Labels

Textbook Labeling

From Alecia Lambert, a principal and former teacher at Fyffe Elementary School in Fyffe, Alabama:

"This tip is one of the most beneficial things I've done in all my years of teaching in a self-contained classroom. Upon receiving new textbooks, I number them in sequential order along with an L for Lambert. I also write the number with a black Sharpie on the bottom edge of the book, which lets me see the numbers at a glance. I assign one number per student at the beginning of the year and post this on a chart in the room. For example, Allison is number one and all her books will be numbered with L1.

"Any time a book is found in the classroom, we can quickly identify who the book belongs to without having to open it and look for the name. If it's found on the bus, any student in that particular grade knows this is a book that belongs in Ms. Lambert's room. At the end of the year, the books are taken up and stacked in order with the end numbers showing. A quick scan identifies any missing books.

"The principal and central office textbook coordinator are most appreciative of the time saved in performing the textbook inventory as they can quickly scan the numbers and move on to the next classroom. This past year I served in a new position as principal of our school and many of the teachers didn't number and stack their books in this manner. After personally conducting the inventory process twice, textbook labeling will definitely be a school-wide requirement for the fall to save time for myself and the central office people who have to inventory an entire school system."

Making Magnets

From Elaine Kelley, a retired fourth grade teacher from Holley Navarre Intermediate School in Navarre, Florida:

"Here's a tip for the beginning of the school year. I made magnets on my computer using sheets of magnets from any office supply store. I made one for each student to take home and use for hanging schoolwork on the refrigerator. I used our class name and a cute clip art to go along with it."

Book Labels

From Ellen Newman, a retired teacher from Cheltenham High in Wyncote, Pennsylvania:

"Teachers who use a lot of paperback books need to keep track of who returned books and who used a book last if damage is found. I use computer labels with the student's name and room number so that lost books can be returned. It's easier for me to read my label than it is to read the book number written by the student to check books that are returned."

Computer Labels

From Marty Crutcher, a third grade teacher at Love Chapel School in Erwin, Tennessee:

"I really like to find ways to use the computer to make special items for my students. I use custom created labels for many different uses. For example, I make pencil reward toppers. I print phrases such as, '100 on Math Test', 'Happy Birthday' and 'Awesome Reader'. I fold them in half around the pencil to make a flag. This turns an ordinary yellow pencil into an extra special pencil. I also make grade scales on labels and students stick them in their folders or notebooks to use all year. I make book labels that say, 'Please return this book to Mrs. C' or 'This book was donated by Susie Smith'. For the first day of school, I make stickers that say, Welcome to the Third Grade!"

Special Class Labels

From Janie Sapleton, a teacher at Kingsley Elementary in Kingsport, Tennessee:

"I make labels on the computer that say lunch, gym, music, library, etc. to stick in my plan book. This saves a lot of time and looks very impressive if done in different colors. I also typed up the names of special classes and printed them on brightly colored paper to hang on our time schedule. This way, I can change them daily and the young students can easily see what's on the agenda for the day."

Observation Labels

From Becky Cameron, a third grade teacher at Peters Canyon Elementary School in Tustin, California:

"I make my class lists on computer generated labels. I carry this class list on a clipboard during guided reading and small group activities. As the children participate, I make notes on the labels and then stick them on the children's individual folders. I can easily see whom I still need to observe and the compiled labels give me a running record of authentic assessment throughout the year. The notation labels in the students' folders are also valuable for both parent conferences and report card comments. This method works in other areas such as math skills, science concepts and behavior too."

I Need Three Pencils

From Mary Mollerskov, a first grade teacher at Gifford Elementary School in Racine, Wisconsin:

"I write, 'I need 3 pencils' on address labels. When the problem occurs, the child can get a sticker off the posted sheets at the end of the day and wear it home. Older children can stick the reminder in their notebooks."

Rewarding Good Grades

From Erv Bantis, a seventh and eighth grade math teacher at Santa Fe Middle School in Hemet, California:

"Our school is in an area of low socio-economic status. A small reward can sometimes pay large dividends for students who don't have much. For example: If a student makes the honor roll (As and Bs) in any of my classes, I reward them with an Avery label that says:

Student Name
Honor Roll Student/1st Semester
Name of School
Class:_______/Period:________

The kids love the stickers! I run this label on my computer and print out 80 stickers! Now, when a student needs to put a heading on a paper it looks professional. Students are proud of their new-found acclaim. Other students ask, 'How can I get some of those stickers?' My reply: 'Make the honor roll!'"

Rubric Labels

From Mary Wells, a fourth grade teacher at Southside Elementary in Cocolalla, Idaho:

"I use address labels for self-assessing rubrics. I set up a simple 1-5 scale and then list the skills or ideas to be graded for the assignment. For example, a writing assignment rubric might look like this:

1 2 3 4 5 Capitals
1 2 3 4 5 Periods
1 2 3 4 5 Cursive

Students must circle the number that they feel they earned before handing in the assignment. Then I circle the number that I feel they earned when I grade their work. Most of the time we match, but if we are way off, then I know whom I need to work with the next day. The rubrics help students understand how grades are earned and how to focus on specific skills and concepts."

Inexpensive Incentive Labels

From Mary Kay Ackermann, an English teacher at North-Linn High School in Troy Mills, Iowa:

"I make incentive labels on my school computer. I vary the fonts and use colorful clip art. This is a great way to send a variety of messages to students without spending much money."

Rewards, Special Stickers and Incentives

From Sally Engle, a third grade teacher at West Liberty Salem Elementary in West Liberty, Ohio:

"I buy blank address labels and print them on my computer to use as rewards, special stickers and incentives. Print Artist, Print Shop and other good graphic programs allow me to make wonderful stickers for my class. The address labels usually come thirty to a sheet, which is ideal for creating special stickers for a class project. My students also love to have personal stickers made for them. Once they complete a difficult assignment, they are allowed to pick the graphic, font and color for their own personal stickers. This encourages other students to complete the assignments too because they love to trade stickers with each other. These labels are meaningful to the children as they are created specifically for them or for the assignment."

Brighter Lesson Plans

From Caron Mosey, a second grade teacher at Gaines Elementary School in Gaines, Michigan:

"I use my computer to make stickers for organizing my lesson plan book. I make sheets of vibrant attractive date labels for each week, as well as subject labels for each column. Sometimes I even include small pictures that coordinate with the subjects on the labels. These colorful organizers save me time and jazz up what is normally a dull looking book."

Many Uses for Address Labels

From Diane L. Postman, a kindergarten teacher at Poquoson Primary School in Poquoson, Virginia:

"I make my own labels on the computer. I buy Avery Dennison labels and print my own messages such as: (1)Good writing! (2) I am proud of you! (3) Neat coloring! I also use this method to make personalized gift tags for Christmas and Chanukah gifts. I buy printed address labels with my class name and the school address on them to label items in my classroom that might be taken home or lent to someone. I have a self-inking stamp with the same information for the kids to use in the writing center. I use the stamp on nametags for field trips and to label my books too. I carry address labels in my purse to use at conferences when I sign up for mailing lists, giveaways and contests. Lastly, I suggest that parents buy labels with their child's name on them to label individual items such as crayons, scissors and school boxes."

Observation Labels

From Becky Cameron, a third grade teacher at Peters Canyon Elementary School in Tustin, California:

"I make my class lists on computer generated labels. I carry this class list on a clipboard during guided reading and small group activities. As the children participate, I make notes on the labels and then stick them on the children's individual folders. I can easily see whom I still need to observe and the compiled labels give me a running record of authentic assessment throughout the year. The notation labels in the students' folders are also valuable for both parent conferences and report card comments. This method works in other areas such as math skills, science concepts and behavior too."

Generic Message Labels

From Karen Davis, a second and third grade teacher at Audubon Traditional Elementary School in Louisville, Kentucky:

"I have a big class so stickers are used up rapidly. I make my own on my computer using address labels. I can make thirty on one sheet. I personalize some and adjust the message according to the students' ages and the subjects being taught. Of course, generic messages usually work the best. For example, I have an Einstein Award where I write, 'I was really thinking' next to a picture of Einstein. There's a lot of enthusiasm and competition to get the first award of the day."

Magnetic Schedule

From Mary Beth Zorger, a fifth grade teacher at Du Pont Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware:

"Using my word processor, I printed the name of each class (Math, Science, Lunch, etc.) using a large font size on neon-colored pink paper, cut them into strips, and laminated them. Then I printed special events (Class Trip, Assembly, Project) using a different colored paper. Once all the strips were cut and laminated, I glued magnets to the back of each one. I use them to display the schedule on the board each day. They are easy to rearrange. When there is a special event on the schedule, the students spot it right away since it is a different color."

Textbook Labeling

From Alecia Lambert, a principal and former teacher at Fyffe Elementary School in Fyffe, Alabama:

"This tip is one of the most beneficial things I've done in all my years of teaching in a self-contained classroom. Upon receiving new textbooks, I number them in sequential order along with an L for Lambert. I also write the number with a black Sharpie on the bottom edge of the book, which lets me see the numbers at a glance. I assign one number per student at the beginning of the year and post this on a chart in the room. For example, Allison is number one and all her books will be numbered with L1.

"Any time a book is found in the classroom, we can quickly identify who the book belongs to without having to open it and look for the name. If it's found on the bus, any student in that particular grade knows this is a book that belongs in Ms. Lambert's room. At the end of the year, the books are taken up and stacked in order with the end numbers showing. A quick scan identifies any missing books.

"The principal and central office textbook coordinator are most appreciative of the time saved in performing the textbook inventory as they can quickly scan the numbers and move on to the next classroom. This past year I served in a new position as principal of our school and many of the teachers didn't number and stack their books in this manner. After personally conducting the inventory process twice, textbook labeling will definitely be a school-wide requirement for the fall to save time for myself and the central office people who have to inventory an entire school system."

Keeping Track of Supplies

Signing Out Materials

From Denise Carithers, a reading specialist at Litwin School in Chicopee, Massachusetts:

"I found an easy way to have teachers sign out materials from a Literacy or Math Closet. All storage bins have the title of the item written on a laminated card, which is stuck to the bin with a piece of Velcro. In the case of multiple copies of books, which are in Ziploc bags, the title cards are stuck to a storage box, which may contain several bags of books. On the wall is a chart with all the staff members' names on it and a strip of Velcro beside each name. When the teacher borrows an item, he/she simply removes the Velcro title card from the item and sticks it next to his name. In this case, other teachers can see at a glance where certain materials are. It eliminates signing out items in a binder or even having to write anything at all. This system is perfect for the busy teacher."

Can, Shoe and Dot Organizers

From Stacy:

"I save tin cans to use as supply sorters. I clean them out, remove the labels, file down any sharp edges and paint them. They can be glued together or put in the same tray to organize pencils, rulers, pens, etc. Over the door shoe racks are great to use for puppets, mail, make-up work or lost and found items. I keep an inventory of my personal belongings using forms from Microsoft Works and colored dot stickers. Whenever I bring in a book, CD, or video from home, I record it on my form and stick a colored dot on it. The dots are easy to spot even from across the room."

Copied Inventories

From H. Beggerly:

"My colleagues and I just went through a very traumatic thing � our school burned down. Luckily, the fire started early in the morning, before anyone was at school. No one was hurt! Through this experience, I feel I have an extremely important tip. Make and keep an updated inventory list or copies of your orders in two places. Keep one at home and one at school. We are in the process of 're-inventing' our inventory for insurance purposes, and all our records of this were at school. If you have taught for any length of time, you know how difficult this task can be. You just never think of your school actually burning to the ground, with nothing left. For elementary teachers, think of all the books you purchase for your classroom library. We have had an absolutely wonderful response from our community and schools from near and far. But, of course, some things can never be replaced. We are a very close staff, thankful for each other and we are getting through this. Just wanted to pass this tip along in the hopes of helping others who (hopefully not) may need to rebuild their school lives in the future."

Easy Ordering

From Terry Hanson, a math teacher from Benton, Wisconsin:

"Here is a tip that will help every teacher at ordering time in the spring. I use the inside cover of my grade book to record the things I need to order for next year. For example, if I discover that I'm about to use the last box of staples in my cupboard, I immediately write it in my book. I see it frequently throughout the year so I know exactly what I need to order when the time comes."

The Egg Carton Trick

From Janis Highley, a first and second grade teacher in Battle Ground, Washington:

"I use a paper egg carton to hold a perfect dozen markers. Turn the egg carton upside down, poke a hole with scissors into each circle and cover the top (which is now the bottom) with duct tape so that the markers won't fall through the slit. I always know when one is missing. Further, I make labels marked 'teacher' and the kids know they're not to use them as the teacher's markers are tools for teaching."

Milk Carton Containers

From Judy Hall, a primary teacher at Churchill State School in Ipswich Old Australia:

"I cut the tops off used milk cartons and glue four together (two rows of two) with a strong craft glue and then reinforce that with tape around the base. These trays sit on the top of each student's desk and hold their pens, pencils, ruler and other stationary products. This means they are not digging around in their desks looking for supplies. The children like to decorate them with their own unique style."

Hide-a-Way Curtain

From Alva Sapp, a third and fourth grade TAG teacher at Palmetto Primary School in Williamston, South Carolina:

"My classroom has very little storage so in order to hide all my boxes, I made a floor length rod-pocket curtain out of colorful material and hung it on a suspension rod between two file cabinets. I stacked all my boxes behind the curtain and now I have a very attractive room. The curtain serves as a great display area when I pin up my students' work. I can also use the space as a curtain for the children's puppet shows. It's just the right height for most third graders."

Pencil Pots

From Marjorie Dill, a SLD teacher at Sanford Middle School in Sanford, Florida:

"To ensure that borrowed pencils are returned at the end of class, I cut green flower arranging foam to the shape of a decorated clay flower pot and insert it into the pot. I buy inexpensive artificial flowers and separate them into single flowers. I cut each flower so that it has a two-inch stem and cover the stem with tape so there aren't any sharp ends. I attach each stem to the end of a pencil making sure that the eraser is free to be used by the borrower. I sharpen the pencils and insert them into the foam. The students know where to borrow a pencil and they return them before leaving class. I ask the students to donate new pencils to replenish the pot. Those students who regularly use the pencil pots are excited about having their new pencils rooted!"

Storing Supplies

From Libby Rhoden, a first grade teacher at Kruse Elementary School in Pasadena, Texas:

"I save containers from powdered Gatorade, potato chips, coffee, Bisquick and flavored tea. I use them to store all kinds of supplies and keep the supply cans on the shelf for the children to use. The uncovered cans offer real world print awareness. I often find the children reading the cans."

Keeping Materials Handy

From Suzanne Nayback and Shelly Novotny, Multi-age teachers for six through eight year olds at Central Elementary School in Petoskey, Michigan:

"We use a three pocket apron that's similar to a tool belt that we tie around our waist. We put markers, small notepads, pencils, stickers, pens and even band-aides in the pockets so that we are never searching for these items when we are helping out the children or teaching a lesson. It saves us so much time and it allows for much faster feedback with the children."

Storing Magic Markers

From L. Engelhardt, a fourth grade teacher at Murray Elementary School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

"Here's a little tip for storing magic markers. I take an old bowl and fill it with Plaster of Paris. I insert the markers cap down with about 1/2 of the cap in the plaster and let it set. When it's dry, I can just pull out the markers as I need them and there's no more lost caps! I purchase the same kind of markers every year so that I can reuse the caps."

Assigning Student Numbers

From Sue Travis, a fifth grade teacher at Balls Creek Elementary School in Newton, North Carolina:

"Keeping up with school supplies, calculators, books, etc. is no longer a chore for me nor my students. Each student on my roll is assigned a number, as the students appear on my roll (the numbering allows me to use the same system year after year while using names would not). The first student is 1 and numbering continues downward to the last student. All items (books, calculators, rulers, scissors, glue, workbooks, etc.) available for student use have that number printed on it with a permanent marker. Students cannot claim an item that does not have their number on it. Students soon relate the numbering to alphabetical order and also learn each others' numbers which allows prompt return of misplaced materials. This system also requires students to be accountable for those materials. No one gets blamed for having another student's box of colored pencils or literature book. As the school year closes, I have more items returned than in previous years when not using this system and the year has been trouble-free with locating assigned supplies."

Ordering Supplies

From JoAnn C. Jirik, a teacher at the Niangua R-5 School in Niangua, Missouri:

"I need 7 different cartridges for the computers in my room. When I change one I put the empty box in my school bag as a reminder of which one to buy. It saves time to go to the store and simply ask an employee for the same kind. Also, the color and pix on the box make it simpler than writing a note. After replacing, I keep the empty boxes in a special bag marked for re-ordering and at the end of the school year I have a count of how many of each I needed that year. This method can be used for other supplies that need to be ordered in the spring."

Key Ring Cards

From Sue Kast, a fifth grade teacher at Vintage Hills School in Pleasanton, California:

"I keep a 4" x 6" card on each student with their names, DOB, phone numbers, parent's names and cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses, their class book numbers and supplies. I keep the cards on a key ring. Any information that comes up during the year can be added to the card. I enter the information into my computer and print a set for each of the fifth grade classes. I keep it with me for quick reference.

"Many times kids will return supplies because they have their own. This is marked on the card and makes collecting supplies at the end of the year much easier. Using their e-mail addresses, I set up an address book on my computer. Now I only send out hard copies of letters to the few parents that don't have e-mail. It saves on paper copies, which comes from our school budget."