4 answers
Dakota
Student
North Platte, Nebraska
3
Questions
Asked
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What is the best way to organize school supplies for multiple classes?
I want to make it easier to remember and easily access my papers and materials for multiple classes. I have tried using binders for each class, as well as one binder for all of my classes. Is there a productive way to organize my stuff to be convenient and helpful? I will have around 8-10 different classes. Each will likely need a place to keep homework, course material, and notes. Thanks!
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4 answers
Sophie Kellner
Inventory Control Senior Analyst
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Sophie’s Answer
Hi Dakota!
I'm not sure if this is an option for your situation, but if you have the ability to use your computer to take notes, I would highly recommend using OneNote. There are so many great features that can keep you organized - you can create several different "notebooks" and within each you can have "tabs" and "pages" which mimic physical notebooks.
There are great features which let you draw, highlight, and quickly solve simple math equations. You can easily send notes you take over email as well. I used it throughout college and it saved me from carrying around a lot of heavy spirals!
If I did receive papers, i would have an accordion folder with one tab for each class, which did not take too much space.
At the end of the day, everyone likes to organize their stuff in different ways, and you'll have to find what works best for what you like - Hope this helps :)
I'm not sure if this is an option for your situation, but if you have the ability to use your computer to take notes, I would highly recommend using OneNote. There are so many great features that can keep you organized - you can create several different "notebooks" and within each you can have "tabs" and "pages" which mimic physical notebooks.
There are great features which let you draw, highlight, and quickly solve simple math equations. You can easily send notes you take over email as well. I used it throughout college and it saved me from carrying around a lot of heavy spirals!
If I did receive papers, i would have an accordion folder with one tab for each class, which did not take too much space.
At the end of the day, everyone likes to organize their stuff in different ways, and you'll have to find what works best for what you like - Hope this helps :)
susan kovac
2
Answers
Updated
susan’s Answer
I LOVE color and it helps to make things fun even for a 54-year-old teacher. :)
Remember there is no right or wrong way. The more you work at it, you will find
what is right for you. There are tons of apps out there, but I need to physically
have materials in front of me because that's me and materials have ready for a substitute.
I like to group by color that has a meaning. For example:
* My first class I make yellow for 'Sunshine in the Morning.' It helps me get through the winter!
* I teach three Career Prep classes for specials needs so I make those pages 'Green for Grow.'
Ask yourself if you like things arranged horizontally. If so, a binder may be great.
Do you prefer things vertically? Then a crate with hanging files may work. I tend to
lose things when I stack them up, but I have a combination of the two ways, depending on the task.
Clipboards are the BOSS! I use a red clip board to hold important notices from my Special Ed
administrators. It helps me to remember to check it frequently.
I have a "Where are They?" binder tabbed with each student's schedule. I added red duct tape
to it make it appear like "Where's Waldo?" and wrote "Where are the Turtles?" (The Office reference)
to make it stand out and to make it FUN! I used to teach first grade, does it show? Now I am at
the high school, but I will never lose my sense of fun. Teenagers are people, too! :)
Stickers - they are for adults, too, people. Throw in some whimsy and keep your personality and
preferences as a top priority so work is less of a drag.
How do you approach a new organization task? My go-to is to make either a Word or Google doc
and insert a table. It makes me feel empowered and in charge with each 'check it off' or 'cross it out'
I make.
Good luck! Hope this helps.
Remember there is no right or wrong way. The more you work at it, you will find
what is right for you. There are tons of apps out there, but I need to physically
have materials in front of me because that's me and materials have ready for a substitute.
I like to group by color that has a meaning. For example:
* My first class I make yellow for 'Sunshine in the Morning.' It helps me get through the winter!
* I teach three Career Prep classes for specials needs so I make those pages 'Green for Grow.'
Ask yourself if you like things arranged horizontally. If so, a binder may be great.
Do you prefer things vertically? Then a crate with hanging files may work. I tend to
lose things when I stack them up, but I have a combination of the two ways, depending on the task.
Clipboards are the BOSS! I use a red clip board to hold important notices from my Special Ed
administrators. It helps me to remember to check it frequently.
I have a "Where are They?" binder tabbed with each student's schedule. I added red duct tape
to it make it appear like "Where's Waldo?" and wrote "Where are the Turtles?" (The Office reference)
to make it stand out and to make it FUN! I used to teach first grade, does it show? Now I am at
the high school, but I will never lose my sense of fun. Teenagers are people, too! :)
Stickers - they are for adults, too, people. Throw in some whimsy and keep your personality and
preferences as a top priority so work is less of a drag.
How do you approach a new organization task? My go-to is to make either a Word or Google doc
and insert a table. It makes me feel empowered and in charge with each 'check it off' or 'cross it out'
I make.
Good luck! Hope this helps.
Thanks Susan! I found this super helpful!
Dakota
Rachel Frederickson
Supply Chain Planner
5
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Dakota,
At the beginning of the semester, I take a few hours to look at all the syllabuses for my classes. Then make a single page document with all the major assignments for each class listed with the due dates and points for each assignment. This way I can quickly glance at this page and see what I have coming up next for each class in one spot. I highlight/strikeout assignments I have completed as the semester progresses. I put this paper in the front of a binder. Inside the binder, I have the more detailed calendar of assignments and syllabus for each class for further information. I hope this helps!
~Rachel
At the beginning of the semester, I take a few hours to look at all the syllabuses for my classes. Then make a single page document with all the major assignments for each class listed with the due dates and points for each assignment. This way I can quickly glance at this page and see what I have coming up next for each class in one spot. I highlight/strikeout assignments I have completed as the semester progresses. I put this paper in the front of a binder. Inside the binder, I have the more detailed calendar of assignments and syllabus for each class for further information. I hope this helps!
~Rachel
Jesennia Bonilla-Liriano, BS
Graduate Student
11
Answers
Ceiba, Ceiba
Updated
Jesennia’s Answer
My advice, if you have an iPad is the best way to organize any class/material in folders. But if you don’t have access you can have a portfolio or a division notebook, and divided with tabs. Also, add folders in each division so you can have the homework, etc.
Thanks Jesennia! This was helpful.
Dakota
Your welcome, I’m here to help in whatever I can!!!
Jesennia Bonilla-Liriano, BS