This past Friday's assignment from Clutter-Free Classroom was to make a Plan. That's funny! I'm ADD -what's a plan? Aren't we suppose to jump right into projects head first and think later? Well I'll try it this way and see what happens. I do have to say it is getting me more excited about purging. If I had jumped right in I would have quit by now and nothing would have been accomplished.
This is the hard part for me. I have always kept things
thinking I would someday use it! I love
crafts – I have many crafts! I love
sewing – I have tons of materials. I
love scrap-booking – I have way too much supplies! Get the picture? I see things and think OHH I can use that for
… and it never gets used!
So here goes:
1. If it doesn’t pertain to 2nd grade – get rid of
it!
2. If I have it on my laptop – get rid of it! I can print
when I need it. Hmm – but then I have to
organize my laptop files. (DEEP SIGH!)
3. I will use binders to organize my papers. Fortunately
another teacher’s husband had donated boxes and boxes of binders!!
4. Take care of papers as I use them. This is one area I
started with this week. With great
results!
5. Keep one copy only!
I have been turning extra papers into scrap paper for the students to
color and draw on during free time. I
have also started cutting the papers in half and using as writing plan sheets!
This has been a great recycle! I just need to be careful what is on the backs
in case they go home!
6. Extras or items I don’t use will be going to the 3 (yes 3)
student teachers that will be joining my team in a week. They will be thrilled to
start their careers with valuable material!
This is all I can think of for now – I’m sure more will come
as I start the purging phase this week!
BRING IT ON!