So today, I’m sharing with you all about how to make, keep, and what to put in this must have tool for teachers everywhere!
What is a Teacher Binder?
So what is a teacher binder or Curriculum Binder, you ask?
Well… simply put… it’s a place to store all that “stuff” that you, as a teacher, need! I’ve been using a Curriculum binder in various forms for about 4 years and it’s helped me stay much more organized! I’ve found that getting (and staying) organized is directly linked to having a place for things. If I have a place to keep it, then it stays organized.
So, no more…
- “Where did I put that…?”
- “Is it in this stack…?”
- “GGRRRR!!!!”
Believe me… it’s helpful! This is coming from someone who often puts down the stapler only to not be able to find it for at least three days… #canyourelate.
Think of this baby as the holding place for all those important papers you can’t seem to keep track of. Just a few of the papers you can keep handy in this teacher binder:
- Calendars
- schedules
- Lesson plans
- Curriculum maps
- Meeting notes
- Pacing guides
…can all lay to rest in this cute and organized binder.
Before switching to this method, I used to use the “stick on the filing cabinet” system. This seemed to work for about 2 years… but I kept taking things off to use them and then misplacing them…
WHOMP! WHOMP!
I also like to keep them in one place so that when I’m planning at home, I can just grab the whole thing and work. No more digging through papers on my desk or on my cabinet. #happyteacher
So here’s a peek at what I keep in my Curriculum Binder and how you can assemble one for yourself!
A Peek inside the Teacher Binder
I’ve included this simple calendar page in my Curriculum binder set. They are not date specific, so they can be used over and over again from year to year. There’s also little notes section so you can include a few extra notes for the month.In addition to the calendars, like to keep copies of schedules in this tab. We have a “master schedule” we have to follow at my school, so I keep that there along with student schedules, lunch schedules, and Special Area schedules. If it’s all in one place, whenever I need to reference a day or time, I can justcross-checkk it against all those calendars and schedules.
Making Your Own Teacher Binder
Like the one I used for the Student Data Binder, but not as big. I used a one and a half inch binder. Then of course you make your tabs, just like I did in this post.
- Print and cut out your divider and tab.
- Place in a laminating sleeve, arranging the tab on the back.
3. Laminate and trim out the tab…
4. and three whole punch to insert into your binder.
If you want a more detailed look at this process, head over to this post.
Now, you can always make your own dividers and tabs. they don’t have to be as fancy or decorative as mine. Seriously, fun file folders that have been hole punched work just as well!
But, if you like the ones I used, you can check out the file here. I’ve made the tabs and dividers editable so you can add and change each section to fit your “organizational musts”.
Like I mentioned before, this coordinates perfectly with my Student Data Notebook
If you’re like me… and have to have everything matching, I went a head and bundled both files for you!
Click here or the pic to check it out!
Now go forth and get organized! I’d love to hear how you stay organized during the year! Comment below with your favorite organizing tips!
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