The Wake-Up Call
As the school day wrapped up and students poured out of the classroom, one student approached my desk with a look of frustration. He had been struggling in chemistry, and today, he came to tutoring for some extra help.
“Alright, let’s take a look at your notes,” I said. I expected him to quickly pull out his binder and open to the right section. Instead, he started rifling through his backpack. I watched as he pulled out a tangled mess of papers: handouts from math, English assignments, a half-filled worksheet from history class. “I thought I had it here,” he murmured.
After a few minutes of searching, he managed to find his chemistry notes. However, the paper was crumpled. It looked like it could have been picked out of the recycling bin. As I watched him smooth out the wrinkled pages on the desk, I realized something. Maybe chemistry wasn’t the real problem here. His struggle with the subject seemed more like a symptom of a larger issue. His organizational skills needed work. No matter how clearly I explained molecular structures or balancing chemical equations, how could any student truly grasp these concepts when their learning materials are so disorganized?
It hit me at that moment that teaching Chemistry concepts alone was not enough. If my students did not have the tools to organize, plan, and keep track of their work, they would struggle to understand the material. That day, I made a decision. I needed to start teaching organization skills right alongside my science curriculum.
The Kitchen Analogy
Why is organization important?
Think of your mind like a kitchen. When you walk into a disorganized kitchen, pots and pans clutter every surface. Ingredients are scattered across counters and drawers are stuffed with jumbled utensils. Cooking dinner becomes overwhelming. You waste precious time hunting for ingredients. You grow frustrated when you can’t find the right tools. The mess constantly pulls your attention away from the actual cooking techniques you’re trying to master.
Now imagine stepping into a well organized kitchen. Every tool has its designated spot, ingredients are properly stored and easily accessible, and clear counters provide a lot of workspace. In this environment, you can focus entirely on the joy of cooking. Following recipes becomes smoother and more enjoyable. The organized space supports your success rather than hinder it.
Why Organization Matters
This same principle applies to learning. When a student’s academic life is disorganized, their brain uses valuable energy on frantic questions: “Where did I put my homework?” “Which folder has my study guide?” “Did I leave that worksheet in my locker?” This constant mental scavenger hunt takes up space in students’ working memory (which is already limited) and leaves little room for students to understand the lesson.
Organization, however, transforms this experience entirely. By creating clear systems and designated spaces for materials, organization dramatically reduces the cognitive burden on students’ minds. When students know exactly where to find their resources, their mental energy flows directly into actual learning.
Most importantly, organization builds confidence in learners. When materials are well ordered and easily accessible, success feels within reach. Students develop a greater sense of control over their learning journey, making them more likely to tackle challenging concepts and persist through difficult subjects.
How to Effectively Teach Organization
To teach organizational skills, most teachers only dedicate one instructional day. They teach students how to organize their binders, create to-do lists, and manage their time. While the goal is admirable, this isolated approach to teaching organizational skills often falls flat. When taught in isolation, these important skills often feel disconnected from students’ real needs and experiences. As mentioned in the book Executive Functions for Every Classroom, written by Mitch Weathers1, there’s a better way.
The Power of Daily Practice
The solution? Weave organizational strategies naturally into daily lessons throughout the academic year. The skills become tools for success rather than abstract concepts. In addition, by embedding organizational strategies into everyday learning experiences across the entire school year, students have multiple opportunities to practice these skills. Just like athletes practice their sport daily and musicians rehearse regularly, students need consistent practice to develop strong organizational habits.
A Simple Yet Effective Classroom Organization System
Creating an effective organization system does not require complex tools or expensive materials. In my classroom, I’ve developed a straightforward approach using plastic folders that has transformed how students manage their materials.
Timing the Implementation
I start implementing organizational skills in the second week of school. This timing is strategic. The first few days often involve students switching classes due to scheduling changes. Waiting ensures that I am not disrupted by these transitions.
The Two-Pocket Folder System
Each student receives a plastic folder color coded to their specific class period. I deliberately choose plastic folders over binders because of their space efficiency. The folders slip easily into backpacks and store neatly in the classroom. Students then personalize their folders by writing their names in the top right corner and class period. I sometimes give students stickers for additional customization.
The Essential Resource Center (Left Pocket)
The folder’s left pocket acts as an “Essential Resource Center.” It is designated to house frequently used materials. These materials support student success throughout the year. Within this pocket, students have a monthly calendar template. They use it to record assignment deadlines, test dates, and important school events. This organizational tool helps develop time management skills and ensures students stay on top of their coursework. The pocket also contains hall passes aligned with established bathroom procedures and a periodic table that serves as a reference tool throughout the semester. Different classes might require different resources. The point is to offer a space for commonly referenced materials in the folder.
To enhance accessibility and durability, I print these frequently used items on colored stock paper. This ensures that documents withstand semester-long use. It also helps students quickly locate specific items among their papers. If colored stock paper is not available, I use colored paper.
Classwork/Homework (Right Pocket)
The right pocket is designated for classwork and homework assignments. There is also a “Table of Contents.” As we go through the curriculum, students log each new handout and assignment, numbering them sequentially. This record helps students track their learning journey and maintains an organized flow of materials.
Supporting Student Success
The Absent Binder System
To support students who miss class, I have an Absent Binder that serves as a central resource for catching up on missed work. This binder contains an updated master Table of Contents. It matches what their classmates have recorded. The binder is organized chronologically, with clearly labeled sections containing extra copies of all handouts, worksheets, and assignments. Each assignment is placed in plastic sheet protectors. When students return from their absence, they can independently access this binder. They retrieve the materials they need. They also update their personal Table of Contents to match their classmates. This system promotes student responsibility and makes the process of catching up after an absence more manageable and less stressful on the teacher. Win-win!
This structured approach to managing missed work helps absent students stay on track. It also reduces class disruption. Returning students can integrate back into the learning process without requiring extensive teacher intervention. The personal folder system works together with the Absent Binder. This strategy supports all students in maintaining their academic progress despite attendance challenges.
Unit Organization Strategy
When we complete a unit, the system evolves from daily organization to long-term study support. Students gather all related materials (following their Table of Contents) to ensure nothing is missing from their collection. They organize these materials in chronological order. Once organized, students staple these materials together to create unit packets. This bundling has several purposes. It prevents papers from being lost. It maintains the logical flow of concepts. It can also be used as a study guide. Lastly, it reduces the workload for the teacher because it is easier to grade.
Beyond Organization: Building Student Success
Organization is a fundamental skill that enables students to thrive academically and develop a sense of control over their learning journey. When a student keeps their materials in order, they don’t waste time piecing together notes or stressing over lost assignments. Instead, they are able to focus directly on understanding and mastering concepts. This level of organization empowers students to approach challenging topics calmly. They are confident, knowing they have everything they need at their fingertips. By embedding organizational skills into everyday routines and lessons, we give students not only the practical tools to stay on top of their work but also the confidence to tackle complex tasks and persist through challenges.
Notes:
- If you’re looking to deepen your understanding on teaching executive function skills, I highly recommend Executive Functions for Every Classroom by Mitch Weathers. I am not receiving endorsements or promotions for recommending this product! ↩︎
