Material Organization is a systematic approach to storing and retrieving materials. The specific organization is dependent on the arrangement and space in the classroom and on the style and preferences of the teacher(s) and students who work in the room. The goal of organizing materials is to give students and teacher(s) quick access to the correct materials with a minimum amount of disruption to learning.

• Look at the classroom and determine what materials will be frequently used.
• Decide on a location where materials will be stored that will be easily accessible to all students with minimal loss of instructional time.
• Gather storage containers. Examples include, but are not limited to:
  • Clear storage boxes
  • Plastic baskets
  • Plastic tubs
  • Trays
  • Magazine holders
  • Tote bags
• “Name” the storage container by labeling it with what is inside.
• Sort and place only the items on the label in the specific container.
• Teach students where the items will be located and the procedure to obtain and return the materials.
• Model for students.
• Practice obtaining and returning materials.