This may just be the most popular question I get via email and Facebook. How in the world do I keep track and organize all of my STUFF?!?!? Well, I used to use binders to store everything, but it was NOT working for me…binders are not cheap and I was running out of places to store them. I have implemented a new system which IS working for me, so I thought I would share it all of you!
Let's start at the beginning, with packet of activities, like my Arctic & Antarctic Animals download. I keep every packet together in one gallon size zip bag.
I like these because they are see through, so I know what I am working with, plus they don't cost much! I put the cover page on one side and everything else behind it. I rubberband the cards most of the time to keep myself organized within the bag.
Next I invested in clear, plastic file boxes. I got these at Walmart, but I am sure you can find these just about anywhere. I got the kind that you can use hanging files in, and as you can see, I organize by season. I also have one box that is for random stuff that doesn't belong in a season, and that box is organized by topic (articulation, fluency, vocab, etc). I have a page at the front of the box telling me exactly what is in there. This helps to keep me from having to open the box and look through stuff.
On the inside, I have the hanging files, with each theme labeled…L for language and A for artic. I store the baggies sideways. Most of the baggies do not zip, but I haven't had any issues with things falling out. Whatever I am currently working with stays in a basket next to my table.
As for my craftivities, I organize by month, in similar fashion as above. I put my examples in the appropriate month and pull them out each week, as necessary. I keep in on rolling cart behind my desk.
Well, that is how I roll…I hope this helps some of you with the organizational piece of all those awesome TPT materials! I would love to hear what else is working for you!
TeachSpeech365 says
So awesome to see how other SLPs organize! I am currently doing the hanging file folder box too, but I definitely need to get more! Thanks for sharing!
SLP Gone Wild says
I know, I love seeing what other people do!
Stacy Burrall says
I tried to use the gallon-sized bags, but cardstock doesn’t fit in it without trimming, & in some cases, I don’t like to do that, so I’ve ended up buying & using the 2.5 gallon Hefty bags. Unfortunately, those don’t fit the plastic containers very well, so I’ve got everything stacked in huge plastic storage boxes, like we use for Christmas décor. Ugh! Going to have to go back to the gallon bags, I guess.
SLP Gone Wild says
I don’t zip my bags up…they stay open. It hasn’t been a problem for me, nothing falls out 🙂
Isabel Martinez says
This is great! I love the idea of the A for artic and L for language because I have some of the same activities that cover many domains. Thanks!
SLP Gone Wild says
Thanks! Yes, I always label things A or L for general topics!
cara says
I wish I could do this! But I’m an assistant, so I have 3 schools to cover, and can’t carry boxes around. I have a bag that holds all the cards from TPT in little ziplock bags, rubber banded. I put the cover pages into plastic sleeves (protector sheets) and put them in my binder so I can pull them out (and I don’t have to laminate them.) I can’t wait for the day I get accepted to a master’s program so I can be on my way to having ONE ROOM to practice in!
Rae says
So helpful! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Rae
Mindful Rambles
Lauren L. says
I store my materials the same way!! I haven’t had any issues with things falling out of the bags either. 🙂
Lauren
Busy Bee Speech
Ruby Badcoe says
I haven’t thought of putting my stuff inside a ziplock bag before. You see, when it rains, my office tends to get moist and it sure does affect the condition of my papers after some time. This sounds like a great idea while I haven’t fixed the drywall yet!
Karen K. says
I saw this pin on pinterest and immediately came to your blog. What a great idea! I’ve been wondering the best way to go about things … 🙂
Karen
pedispeechie.blogspot.com