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!