Adventures in First Grade

Thursday, January 12, 2012

So THAT is What it Looks Like

Today our county had a teacher workday.  I am pretty sure that this is the first time in all of my years teaching here that we have had a workday in January.  It is always scheduled, but usually it is either used to make up a snow day, or it is supposed to be a make up day but it snows.

I was inspired by The Clutter-Free Classroom and Jessica over at Apples and Papers to work on organizing my classroom.  My problem is this.  We do so much during the day that by the end of school, I am too tired to clean up my mess. 

I have decided that I am sick of coming into my classroom and feeling defeated first thing when I look at my guided reading and SMARTBoard tables.  If you click The Clutter-Free Classroom link above, you will find a freebie poster with decluttering tips. 

I had another weapon in my decluttering arsenal that I was excited to use.  I have been reading The Happiness Project By Gretchen Rubin

One tip that she gives is the one minute rule.  Any task that takes under a minute to complete, do it NOW.  I am pretty famous for working in one area of my room and making piles of things in other areas where I want them to go.  Today as I was decluttering and organizing, I found myself using the one minute rule.  Instead of putting a book on the counter beside the cabinet that I wanted to put it in, I went ahead and put the book in the cabinet.  Simple, I know.

I forgot my camera, but I wouldn't have taken any before pictures...I was too embarrassed.  However, I am pleased to announce that I know what the top of my tables look like!

Happy Thursday!

8 comments:

  1. Ha! I am so embarrassed too but I am going to post some today! :)
    ❤ Sandra
    Sweet Times in First
    sweettimesinfirst@gmail.com

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  2. A teacher workday! I can't imagine. I would go through my math closet and make it look like Debbie Diller's! Good for you for any amount of organization you can follow through on. It really does make a difference.

    First in Maine

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  3. A teacher work day... as in student free? the whole day?
    awesome.
    Happy "decluttering"!
    ♥ Dragonflies in First ♥

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  4. I read the happiness project. That was a pretty interesting book. Good luck with the de-cluttering.

    Barbara
    Grade ONEderful

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  5. Thanks for the good luck wishes...I'm going to NEED them! Yep it was a whole day without the kiddos!
    -Megan

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  6. A whole day without the kiddos?? Wow. :)
    And I bet you're being too hard on yourself!!
    A Teeny Tiny Teacher

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  7. Glad I help inspire you!!:) Good luck with your teacher work day. I know you will have a wonderful organized classroom. Might take small steps but hey you can see the tops of your tables. :)

    Apples and Papers

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  8. I love that poster. I think we can apply that in all areas of our lives. Thanks for the link.
    This is the second time recently I have heard of The Happiness Project. It's a hint I'm sure.

    P.S. Thanks for visiting me.

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