The Sanity Saver

via Pinterest

It’s that time of summer when I get giddy.  School supplies in all the colors of the rainbow catch my eye at Target.  And, like a bee drawn to honey, I buzz right on over with my two girls in tow.  They come by their love of all things school supplies naturally.

Whether you are with me and salivating when you  lay eyes on all the new folders, pencils and glue, or you are quickly pushing your cart the opposite direction and savoring the final weeks of summer, I have an idea for your upcoming school year.

Years ago as a young teacher, I was introduced to the teacher mailbox.   And, it changed my life…well, at least my teaching life.

That very day I dashed to Home Depot to pick up an unassuming green mailbox and carefully penned my name on the side.

The next day I taught my students the following:

1.      When you have something to give Mrs. Kerbow that isn’t homework or an assignment, it goes in my mailbox.

2.     When you put it in the mailbox, put up the flag.  Then, I will know to check it.

3.     Please DO NOT put any of these items on my desk or in my hand.  There is a good chance they will be lost a dark abyss never to be seen again.

It took a week or so for all my students to jump on the bandwagon, but I quickly enjoyed a transformation.  No longer was there a growing pile on my desk of parent notes, field trip money, and permission slips.  And, I refrained from taking things students would randomly hand me throughout the day.  There was a process in place, and it was infinitely more efficient. 

So, I encourage you to make the small investment and reap the rewards.  I promise this will be a smart step forward in maximizing time and organizing your classroom environment.

And, if you aren’t quite ready to think about your classroom supplies, just bookmark this for later.   Also, if you have any other tips we need to hear, please share below!

:)   Brandy