Keeping Children’s School Desks Clear

Most students sit at school desks that are small, and easily over crowded. For kids who can’t stay organized, keeping a desk clear is a nightmare. Their desks are filled with pencils, papers, text books, and even candy wrappers and snacks. Organizing this kind of desk can be a real chore. However, adults can help keep children’s school desks tidy by offering a cleaning system. Teachers who use such a system for all students will find that their classrooms are much more organized, and that their students can find things more easily. Parents who implement it at home will find that their children’s desks are also much cleaner. Here’s how to help kids find a place for everything, and keep it there.

Textbooks – Many students have so many large textbooks that it’s hard to find space for papers, assignments and workbooks, not to mention other materials. Instead of having students store books in or on their desks, consider offering an extra space, like a shelf, where they can be left when not in use. In classrooms, these books should be labeled with the names of the children they belong to, to help in identifying the right book.

Notebooks – Assigning a notebook for each subject in a particular color helps students differentiate between them. Of course, it’s important to make sure that all students can access these notebooks, which might be hard for children who can’t get to the right store or can’t afford to purchase many notebooks. Another strategy is to ask students to store their notebooks inside the workbook or textbook of the appropriate subjects.

Paper – This is the biggest source of disorganization in many children’s school desks. An avalanche of paper fills many desks, especially those of kids who tend to just pile and shove. To make sure that students don’t lose their work, and everything gets graded, it’s vital to implement a paper system. Try giving students folders with internal flaps for storage. Label them according to what should go inside. Common categories include by subject, tests, assignments, notes, and misc (be careful with this one). Insist that students file all loose papers in one of the folders. Be sure to guide children while they’re learning the system, so they won’t have trouble and remain disorganized.

Writing Implements – Many students keep a plethora of pens, pencils, and other writing or drawing implements at their desks. In primary grades, it’s appropriate to give children small baskets in which they can keep these items. For older children, insist on storing writing implements inside a carrying case. If they don’t have one, a Ziploc or other plastic bag can be provided, keeping pencils off the floor and school desks tidy.