Kindergarten Organizational Secrets: Classroom Rugs and Cubbies
An organized classroom is a well run classroom. Many students have trouble learning in a cluttered, unorganized setting. Parents, as well, like to come into a classroom that is well organized and where everything has a place. This is easier said than done in a busy Kindergarten classroom. Kindergarteners like to learn by playing, touching, doing, and feeling. Classrooms can easily become a mess. Classroom rugs and cubbies are a great way to keep a Kindergarten classroom organized. Of course, these methods can be used well beyond the Kindergarten years.
Classroom Rugs
Classroom rugs are an ideal way to separate a classroom into sections without using large dividers that make the room look more cluttered. A large rug can fit the entire class and offers restless Kindergarteners a visual boundary. Teachers can instruct students to go sit on the rug and students know immediately where to go, and what the boundaries of the area are, the outline of the rug. In this setting, teachers can do reading time, go over flashcards, or have class discussion time.
In addition to a large classroom rug, adding a few small rugs can be very useful in organizing the classroom. Small rugs are ideal for centers or small group learning. When a small group of students needs to be instructed separately or when the class needs to be broken into reading groups, the small rug is great. There is no need to move chairs or push other items aside to make room. Teachers can just send students to a small area already mark out by a rug.
Cubbies
Individual storage areas are another must have item in a Kindergarten classroom. Whereas older students can mostly keep themselves organized by hanging their items on hooks or putting things away inside desks, Kindergarten students are still learning. For many kids, school is a brand new experience and they still need help organizing their things. Backpacks, lunch bags, coats, extra clothes, and special stuffed animals can be easily stored in cubbies.
Individual areas can be labeled with the child’s name. All the items belonging to that child as well as the papers and projects they do at school can be placed in their private space. Cubbies do not take up much room and are a great way to keep everything organized. Parents can easily have access to the cubbies as well when dropping off or picking up students.
Cubbies aren’t just for a student’s belongings. Cubbies are also ideal for organizing classroom supplies such as toys, Art Supplies, construction paper, art smocks, manipulatives, and more. Units such as the Mainstream Cubby Units come with pull out plastic bins to make storing that much easier. Cubbies also offer students a way to learn responsibility for their own belongings and their classroom belongings.
Having an organized classroom is very important when it comes to a Kindergarten, or any, classroom. Students learn better and teachers can instruct without stress in a less chaotic classroom. Using classroom rugs and cubbies is an affordable way to keep your Kindergarten classroom organized and running smoothly.
About the Author
Educators have a hard enough time with over crowding and budget constraints. Alycia Shapiro of SensoryEdge has searched and found quality products that help control the chaos of today’s classrooms at http://www.sensoryedge.com. You’ll find colorful and affordable classroom rugs, cubbie units, book displays and more great
school furniture
pieces.
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