Organization is the Key!

Ok, I admit...I'm a bit of an organizational junkie!  If I don't have things organized then I feel completely lost.  So for me, the start of each year must begin with an organizational system for my lesson plans.  This year I've done things a bit different than previous years.  I used to just simply keep each grade in their own little 2-pocket folder (clearly labeled of course), and stashed in a file holder box thingy (I don't know the correct terminology for it...I haven't finished my coffee yet this morning!).  But this year I decided to spice things up a bit and use a binder system.  Now when I taught special ed., I lived off of binders for each of my students but I never really transferred that into my counseling.  However, with so many classes back-to-back this year, I needed something that would contain all of my lesson info so that I could pick it up and go.  And the result is this:

If you look closely you will notice that my schedule is on the back of the binder...for those moments when I forget where I'm supposed to be am so engrossed in solving world peace.  And it's color coordinated according to grades.  Then...inside of the binder I have my weekly-at-a-glance lesson plan (also color coordinated for grades...and just so happens to match the schedule on the back), which is also turned in to my principal each week.  Inside of the binder I still rely upon my 2-pocket folder system and have each labeled by grade (not color coordinated with my lesson plan and schedule...I know, I'm lazy!).  And if you open up the folder I have the detailed lesson plan for that particular grade, listed with the objectives, matching curriculum benchmarks, supplies needed, etc. 

It may seem a bit crazy, but now that the system is up and running...so am I!  It has helped tremendously on my very busy Thursday's.  And well...who can't help but love the fun graphics and color scheme!  Not to mention that it's quick and easy to keep maintained!