National “Clean Your Desk” Day for Teachers
While tolerance for desk clutter varies from person to person, there are many benefits to having a clean desk as a teacher. Not only do you save time being able to find what you need, when you need it, but your desk space can also impact your overall mood, focus, and stress levels. Studies have shown that “scientists…have used fMRI and other approaches to show that our brains like order, and that constant visual reminders of disorganization drain our cognitive resources and reduce our ability to focus. They also found that when participants cleared clutter from their work environment, they were better able to focus and process information, and their productivity increased.” (The case for finally cleaning your desk).
So, as a favor to my teacher friends and to celebrate National “Clean Your Desk Day” on January 8th, here are some tips and tricks to help teachers organize their desks.
Step 1: Organize your drawers
Teachers' drawers are often blackholes of things that have been stuffed and shoved for the past decade because you didn’t know what else to do with the random charger/paperclip/confiscated item you collected. However, when your drawers are too full, the only place you can store the items you actually use is on top of your desk. Which then leads to never being able to find a clear surface to do your work and a lot of clutter.
Start by emptying EVERY drawer and sort the items into piles of “like items”. And when I say every item, I really mean it.
Discard/Donate the items that you do not use or need.
While your drawers are empty, take a minute to clean them with a rag and cleaner. Scrape out those mystery mounds of food particles.
Use drawer bins and mesh pouches to separate your supplies, etc. By using drawer organizers, you create a visual limit to how much stuff should be in your drawer, which helps you declutter more often. The suggested items below can be found on Amazon or Target.
Step 2: Clear off the top of your desk
Making it a goal to have your desk clear at the end of the week (or every day) will help you feel more calm and prepared before your students walk in the door. It will also teach your students that being organized and tidy is an important life skill.
Clear everything off of your desk and wipe it down.
Only put a few items back on your desk. The rest should go in your drawers. Some things to keep on your desk would be supplies you use daily (such as pens, planner, flare pens, etc.). Keep these items more organized by using a desktop organizer like the ones pictured below.
You may also want to keep things out that you are actively working on (such as lesson plans/copies and other paperwork. If you do keep paperwork on your desk, make sure to have a specific system for keeping that paperwork under control (see step 3 below).
Step 3: Create a plan for paperwork.
Teacher’s desks are often FULL of paperwork. And even though we are doing a lot more work digitally, there are still piles of papers that are part of the job. I recommend creating systems for each specific type of paperwork you deal with as a teacher.
Paperwork going out- use files and a desktop file box for items you need to grade and items that need to be returned to students. For the stacks of copies you have made for each of your classes, use the three-drawer organizer (below) or the separated paper tray (below) to store your copies for your upcoming classes.
Paperwork coming in- have a specific location in your room (doesn’t have to be on your desk) where students turn in their work to you as they leave each day. Make sure those bins are clearly labeled so students can use them independently.
Paperwork you are using- this would include current lesson plans and other documents you use to keep yourself prepared for each class. If it is a past lesson, file that away in a different location (not on top of your desk).
Happy Sprucing!
