Helping students learn how to organize their papers and projects is one thing teachers must do. Using colors can make that organizing much simpler. I’ve used a color system for a few years now, and the students love it. They feel proud that they can find papers and assignments at any time with no problems.

First, I assign a color to each subject.

• Math is red.
• Science is green.
• Writing is blue.
• Spelling/Vocabulary is purple.
• Homework is yellow.

When school supplies go on sale in July, I buy 40 of each color folder. That gives me enough for my 32 students, plus some extras for replacements and new students. In addition, I buy spiral notebooks in the same colors for all subjects except homework. We use these for to paste handouts in, copy notes, and practice work. The notebooks and the folders usually cost between 5 and 10 cents each.

When the students come to my class in the beginning of the year, we practice using the folders. I give them papers to put in their folders, then the next day, ask them to find the papers. After a week or two of practice, the students can find anything they need, anytime.

I’m also a stickler about where they keep their folders. I make them store the folders and notebooks on the left side of their desks, and their textbooks on the right side. This prevents the problem of students not being able to find their folder. It has a place, and it should always be there when they’re not using it.

Every year there are always some students in a class that are terminally disorganized. This system helps them stay on track and eliminates wasted time while they search for things during transitions between subjects. That will make any teacher happy.