Collecting Papers While Maintaining Your Sanity

After changing my procedures for collecting papers at least 5 times within two years, I finally found what has been a game changer! I took this idea from two of my brilliant coworkers who were using this last year (and I kick myself for not changing my ways back then)!

The idea is very simple, and can be adapted to meet your needs very easily. I currently teach 3rd grade Math and Science. We are departmentalized, so I have two classes of students. Peacocks are my homeroom students, and penguins are my switch class. I keep my classes bin outside of my door, and my partner teacher keeps hers outside of her door.

Here are some photos of the bins:

Each bin has a file folder inside with the students class number on the tab. Anything they turn in goes directly into their folder. I ask them to put their papers in so that they stick out vertically, making it easier for me to pull exactly what I need. Even with 3-4 assignments in each folder at once, I am able to pull out only the assignment I need. They are also in number order, and I know which student it belongs to if they don’t put their name on (sigh).

Being departmentalized and trying to keep track of 45 students work on a daily basis can be challenging. This method takes up very little space, can be easily set up (use numbers instead of student names so you can use it year after year!) and is incredibly easy to use! My students don’t ever hand me papers anymore because they know everything goes into “their folder outside my door”!

The bins are cheap! I purchased the medium size from the container store for only $5.99 each. Below is a link to the bin.

File Folder Bin

I would love to hear if you also use this system, something different, or what you think!

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