I've heard a lot of discussion lately about how to store those TPT packets, especially when you have a small space. I figured I'd share how I organize my materials and maybe you'll find something that could work for you!
For starters, I print and laminate the materials I plan on using (I do not always print the instruction sheets and I do not print sections that I think will be too difficult/too easy for my kids). When I first started printing various materials from the internet (pre-Pinterest and pre-TPT), I used these large mailing envelopes. I wrote the topic and contents on the front of the envelope.
It may be difficult to see in this picture because they are the same color as the envelopes, but I use sheets of cardboard (from the bottom of water bottles) as dividers. They are labeled with categories like Animals: Zoo, Animals: Farm, Books, Seasonal/Holiday, Articulation, Language Concepts, Games, etc. I put them in these build-it-yourself shelving system I got at Target when they have their back-to-school college dorm items. The one above is on top of my closet.
Well, I ran out of envelopes, so I started using the gallon-size Ziplock bags. I actually like these so much better because I can see what's inside! Since I'm running out of space in the shelves above, I started putting some into theme-based binders. You can place duct tape on one end of the Ziplock bag and hole-punch through it (I got this idea from Speech-Language Pirates). Here's a peek at my Thanksgiving binder:
I have more materials for some themes than for others. For those themes that have a lot of materials, I use plastic storage containers like these:
 |
| (Click image to view on Amazon) |
What about the materials you're using or about to use?
Here's how I keep the "What we're doing this week" items:
They're basically in a mail organizer I got from a local odd-lot store and I keep them on the shelf right behind my chair so I can just turn around and grab what I want.
And I store the "What's we'll be working on soon" in a dish-drainer organizer on another shelf.
In the silverware cup, I store my baggie of game pieces. These are what I use for those open-ended game boards. The baggie contains several game die, and game pawns. I've been using those little rubber erasers as game pawns to make it more interesting for the kids. I have transportation and animal themed erasers.
I think that's about it! How do you store your printed materials?
