I am always looking for new ways to organize items in my house and in my classroom. I find it even more exciting when I am able to turn something that might not seem like much use, into something very useful. AND if it’s free…that’s even better!! Never feel bad about asking parents, neighbors, and friends for these items. I have never had anyone tell me no and people are more than happy to help a teacher out!!
Here are a few of my favorites!!
Play-Doh Containers
Don’t throw away the Play-Doh containers!! These work beautifully for holding water while water coloring. As a former Kindergarten teacher, I had tons of these!!!!
Soup Cans
Keep your empty metal cans or baby food jars!! These make great holders for art supplies. I found a Lazy Susan at Walmart for less than $5.00!!! Then I painted the cans with high gloss spray paint in my school colors and then hot glued all the cans down to the base. To hold the smaller items, I glued baby food jars to the cans and base of the Lazy Susan. I used a little super glue on those to ensure they wouldn’t fall off. For very little money, you have a custom organized art supply rotating organizer!!
Baby Food Jars
Again, those baby food jars work like a charm keeping crayons organized. Cups found at Walmart, 6 for $1.00, are perfect for keeping colored pencils neat and tidy.
Remnant Fabric Pieces
Want to make a new bulletin board for push pins? Buy some 12 x 12 cork squares. Then, pick up some remnant fabric on the discount shelf and a bottle of spray glue adhesive. Iron the fabric so that there are no wrinkles, spray the glue on the cork, and lay the fabric on. Refer to the pictures to see how to do the corners.
Salad Dressing Containers
These are so perfect for keeping bingo chip holders, beads, small office supplies, etc…..I love using these for special snacks and when I do my “book cooks”!! Click here to stock up!!
Containers
Do NOT be afraid to ask stores for their empty containers!!!! They throw them away anyway and are usually more than happy to give to a teacher if you let them know!! I always look for sturdy containers that I could use in my house or classroom.
Prescription Bottles
Make sure to get the ones without a child safety on them or your students will never be able to open them. I use these to put money in for counting money. The kids love this and it keeps everything organized. Click here to grab some classroom money and get started organizing!!
Ugly Magnets!!!
Yes, those ugly magnets that are on clearance because no one wanted them but me!! All you need is a can of chalk spray paint and a chalk pen!! I made a set for my team and they hang on the metal part of our classroom door!! The nice thing about these is, you can wipe them off and write what ever you want!!
I hope some of these will work for you and I would love to hear about it if you do!!! More ideas to come soon!
Rachel Archer 