I stumbled upon this video last summer, as I was preparing myself to teach a new grade for the first time. One of the things I was determined to have in place was my classroom organization. In the last 16 years, I’ve done a lot of different organization systems none have ever really worked out. I am so glad I found this video because I feel like I’ve never been more organized, particularly with my copies that I make for future lessons. This file organization system has tamed my chaos. I no longer have stacks of copies everywhere. My grade partners and I try to make copies ahead of time since we never know when A) there will be paper the day we need a particular copy or B) if the copy machines are actually working. Now, I don’t need to worry about storing copies I may not be certain about the exact date I will need it. My copies are easy to find and easy to move. I’m so glad I found this because it has made everything else about my day easier. It has truly reduced an aspect of stress I didn’t realize was impacting me as much as it was. Thank you for sharing this. I can’t see myself organizing any other way.
Went straight to my classroom and organized my file cabinet using the 43 file system, OMG. OMG. what a life saver, I am in awe of the ease it lends to the class. Thank you, girl.,
For the new year I decided to try this method because like you I love redoing my classroom, planning my lessons, and filing system you name it I do it. Your 43 filing system really works! I cannot begin to tell you how much I love it! I was so excited I tried sharing with my coworkers and they just looked at me with pity... lol because I am always trying something new. This is a game changer for me! Thank you! First it was your digital planner for teaching that made my life easier and now this💜. Again you are awesome!!!
I have been using the same system for 3 years now. I love it! I can plan ahead and not worry about where I put papers that are needed for a specific date. I highly recommend it.
Thank you thank you for a few things: 1. Appreciating and owning change and sharing that with us. Im right there with ya, sister! 2. Showing this system! I've been watching you for a long time and i really appreciate you going over this! 3. Your shining personality in conjunction with your clear passion for your work and your students makes your videos so enjoyable and helpful! Thanks girl!
Love this idea! I use folders to organize my resources by the day for the current week, then by subject for the next week. I think im going to try the 43 folders instead. It seems much more concise and lets me plan further into the future. TFS!
I just must tell you... I'm not a teacher but I love your content.. I learnt this metod in the 90's and I've used it since then at home! It has helped me tremendously through the years. Never any bills, receipts, notes, snail mails floating around. When the family grow you just put colour coded plastic folders in. Thank's for sharing this method. I haven't seen it mentioned in years.
I do something similar but I do month and week folders. I use August to June month folders and 36 week folders since I teach kindergarten and every week is a theme I can refer back to previous year weekly folders. It works out very well. 🤗
Nicole Gibson so yours is based on the year rather than the month. That’s a great adaptation. I kept all of my theme items in a large container and in a large binder. Thank you for sharing that with everyone.
I like the style of this vlog. It still allowed us in for a little bit into your classroom and world of teaching. I'm going to try this. I put stacks of papers on my window sill. 🤣 Thank you!!!
This system is something I learned 25 years ago and it worked well for me, too. I need to think about using it for teaching to get rid of the paper clutter! Thanks for the reminder.
Starting my teacher training in September and I feel like I've just been given the greatest gift!! I will be creating a 43 files system, likely similar to yours with hanging folders, but maybe in a bin so it is more relocatable in case I am moved about a lot. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!❤
Just added this on my to do list! I’ve remember you mentioned this in another video. So glad you featured it again. It comes at the perfect time. Love your content. Please throw in a few day in the life. I miss seeing what is happening on the daily. Thanks for all you do to share and inspire. Your videos always make me smile!
At first, I did not like this method, but the more I thought about it, the more I started to like it. I might do something similar to this in my own classroom. Thank you!!
Pre-k Divertido it is fantastic! I try to be very simple with my organizational ideas. The more complicated the idea the harder it is for me to implement and stick to it.
Oh my gosh I love this idea! I was just saying on Friday that all of these cart and drawer organizers that I have gotten this year only make it worse for me - too many drawers to stick stuff! and of course I can never find the thing I wanted to use later. Thanks for sharing!
Lesley Carmichael AMEN! I was the same way before I found this system. I will say that you have to form the habit of pulling out the folder for the day and making sure everything is sorted before you leave. If not, it will get cluttered like everything else. Organization is all about forming good habits 😉☺️
I decided I wanted to be a teacher when I was scrolling through TH-cam and seen your video and u make it look so fun so when I get out of school that’s what I’m wanting to be so thank u
I KNOW RIGHT!?!? I felt like a real Texan 🤣 (I say that because I was born and raised in Texas). I really don’t live driving it but it’s good practice especially because I’m the first one there in the mornings.
I would love to see a video on read aloud books you have used that are engaging for upper elementary. I know you have mentioned several throughout your vlogs. It is just hard to go back and find them all. Thanks!
This is amazing because if your in a rush you can quickly grab it incase of emergency teaching lesson. This is a amazing 💡. Hope to see more " CHANGE " in the future😎. Also great vidoe transtion throughout the video👍.
Thanks! I tried starting this but it didn't work out. Now I know why...I was using Manila folders to insert daily materials instead of hanging folders. Now I see how it's done. 43 hanging folders all the way...!
You are SO LUCKY to be in a school system where you can choose what you teach!! In my area, all teaching is scripted and everyone is on the same page. :( It's very sad. Thanks for explaining this organizational method.
Love this! What do you do with materials that you may not get to or use for that day? Do you have another system where you put leftover worksheets, lessons etc....(if that makes sense)
I am one-to-one as well! I’ll be doing a video on my work flow and paper flow soon and it ties into this bit I’ve found that there are some activities that I like to give my learners choice when completing so I will have a few paper copies available. This is also a good spot to place your daily lesson plans. The more places I have to “put” things the crazier I feel. Less is more, right!?
Ok another question - sorry! I'm trying to set up my 43 folders to begin in January. I'm a binder gal. I have standards/skills in binders that I keep in my cabinet. Let's say I'm teaching POV. I pull out my POV binder with all the resources I've collected over time. Do I keep my binder with my files for the month? Do you keep your resources or your curriculum separate and only pull out bits at a time? I hope that wasn't too confusing! Thanks, Lesley
Hello Bridget! Future teacher here! Now that you have been trying to go more digital with everything, are you still using the 43 folder system? Do you do any digital version of it?
I love your 43 folder organization system!! Wished I could use it this year, but I'm a floater and team teach..🙄 When I had a classroom last year, I had it in a milk crate and it worked perfectly!!
Do the subs you get actually teach? I never got one that did so far. My prepared items would be untouched and they'd show cartoons on my projector all day.
Yes! It works great for that system! I keep an absent folder and place everything in the day there and move the folder to the next day for that learner.
how you will organize after two to three years, if is ask after 5 years your 43 folder system will not assists us anymore.... also face much difficulties in monthly record....I Think....
Thanks for sharing your Teacher Organization System. I appreciate it.
I stumbled upon this video last summer, as I was preparing myself to teach a new grade for the first time. One of the things I was determined to have in place was my classroom organization. In the last 16 years, I’ve done a lot of different organization systems none have ever really worked out. I am so glad I found this video because I feel like I’ve never been more organized, particularly with my copies that I make for future lessons. This file organization system has tamed my chaos. I no longer have stacks of copies everywhere. My grade partners and I try to make copies ahead of time since we never know when A) there will be paper the day we need a particular copy or B) if the copy machines are actually working. Now, I don’t need to worry about storing copies I may not be certain about the exact date I will need it. My copies are easy to find and easy to move. I’m so glad I found this because it has made everything else about my day easier. It has truly reduced an aspect of stress I didn’t realize was impacting me as much as it was. Thank you for sharing this. I can’t see myself organizing any other way.
This make so much sense to my ADHD brain! Thank you!!
Went straight to my classroom and organized my file cabinet using the 43 file system, OMG. OMG. what a life saver, I am in awe of the ease it lends to the class. Thank you, girl.,
Yes! I’m nearly there
For the new year I decided to try this method because like you I love redoing my classroom, planning my lessons, and filing system you name it I do it. Your 43 filing system really works! I cannot begin to tell you how much I love it! I was so excited I tried sharing with my coworkers and they just looked at me with pity... lol because I am always trying something new. This is a game changer for me! Thank you! First it was your digital planner for teaching that made my life easier and now this💜. Again you are awesome!!!
I have been using the same system for 3 years now. I love it! I can plan ahead and not worry about where I put papers that are needed for a specific date. I highly recommend it.
Thank you thank you for a few things:
1. Appreciating and owning change and sharing that with us. Im right there with ya, sister!
2. Showing this system! I've been watching you for a long time and i really appreciate you going over this!
3. Your shining personality in conjunction with your clear passion for your work and your students makes your videos so enjoyable and helpful!
Thanks girl!
Love this idea! I use folders to organize my resources by the day for the current week, then by subject for the next week. I think im going to try the 43 folders instead. It seems much more concise and lets me plan further into the future. TFS!
I just must tell you... I'm not a teacher but I love your content.. I learnt this metod in the 90's and I've used it since then at home! It has helped me tremendously through the years. Never any bills, receipts, notes, snail mails floating around. When the family grow you just put colour coded plastic folders in. Thank's for sharing this method. I haven't seen it mentioned in years.
I do something similar but I do month and week folders. I use August to June month folders and 36 week folders since I teach kindergarten and every week is a theme I can refer back to previous year weekly folders. It works out very well. 🤗
Nicole Gibson so yours is based on the year rather than the month. That’s a great adaptation. I kept all of my theme items in a large container and in a large binder. Thank you for sharing that with everyone.
This is a great way to stay organized!
Love this 💡 💡 💡 I'm going to implement it this year!
I like the style of this vlog. It still allowed us in for a little bit into your classroom and world of teaching. I'm going to try this. I put stacks of papers on my window sill. 🤣 Thank you!!!
This system is something I learned 25 years ago and it worked well for me, too. I need to think about using it for teaching to get rid of the paper clutter! Thanks for the reminder.
You may have just changed my life! Thank you! This folder system is mind blowing!
Starting my teacher training in September and I feel like I've just been given the greatest gift!! I will be creating a 43 files system, likely similar to yours with hanging folders, but maybe in a bin so it is more relocatable in case I am moved about a lot. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!❤
Bridget spackkman you are amazing. Don't be tired of sharing. Thanks.
Blessing from Nigeria
Blessing Promise_Jeremiah thank you for your sweet comment! 😘
Oh my gosh! I love this. I am already hooked on your digital planner (it has changed my life for the to the max!) Keep up the great work
love this system especially it will help you to keep your head above the water in pile paper work at office.
Just added this on my to do list! I’ve remember you mentioned this in another video. So glad you featured it again. It comes at the perfect time. Love your content. Please throw in a few day in the life. I miss seeing what is happening on the daily. Thanks for all you do to share and inspire. Your videos always make me smile!
I like how that is set up it makes your lesson planning comes too life
2:40 -> "43 Folders" starts
More like 3:49 actually
Does that really matter? I could see if it was 1/2 way through.
Celso
Not all heroes wear capes.
I love the style and set up of this video!!
Lauren Ferreira YAY!!!!! I’m so glad! I really enjoy it as well.
Thank you for sharing! this seems like a good way to use my file cabinet more effectively.
I love this system. It really keeps me organized and you are so right about that space being more effective. I hate having stuff out in the room.
At first, I did not like this method, but the more I thought about it, the more I started to like it. I might do something similar to this in my own classroom. Thank you!!
I've been using this filing system for a couple of years now. I picked up the idea from an earlier vlog you did. I love it!🙂
Marlene Ramona Fantastic! I’m so happy that this system has worked for you! 😘
I need to start doing this! Great organization idea
Pre-k Divertido it is fantastic! I try to be very simple with my organizational ideas. The more complicated the idea the harder it is for me to implement and stick to it.
I started using this system and it is working great! Thank you!!!!
This is brilliant!!!!! :) Thanks for the video :) I'm going to try it this year :)
Oh my gosh I love this idea! I was just saying on Friday that all of these cart and drawer organizers that I have gotten this year only make it worse for me - too many drawers to stick stuff! and of course I can never find the thing I wanted to use later. Thanks for sharing!
Lesley Carmichael AMEN! I was the same way before I found this system. I will say that you have to form the habit of pulling out the folder for the day and making sure everything is sorted before you leave. If not, it will get cluttered like everything else. Organization is all about forming good habits 😉☺️
Really cool video and system! Thank you for sharing! God bless.
Awesome video. You do a wonderful job at explaining things, ❤️
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed the new style.
I decided I wanted to be a teacher when I was scrolling through TH-cam and seen your video and u make it look so fun so when I get out of school that’s what I’m wanting to be so thank u
Hey lovely lady! I love your intro! By the way that truck parking was impressive!!! I also love your 43 organisations system. It really works:)
I KNOW RIGHT!?!? I felt like a real Texan 🤣 (I say that because I was born and raised in Texas). I really don’t live driving it but it’s good practice especially because I’m the first one there in the mornings.
I am so glad you explained this. I plan to try this next semester. I have two different classes but I know this will help me out.
Never saw this before but I really like it! Thanks!
Awesome! I was amazed when I first saw this in Alabama! It completely changed my planning and paper flow.
Gtd'er right here. this is myt jam! i used to do this many jobs ago Now i do it digitally. LOVE IT
I love this! Definitely doing that!
Kimberley Joyce YAY 👏🏼
I love this! I'm familiar with that system but never thought to use it in the classroom. Great idea!
I would love to see a video on read aloud books you have used that are engaging for upper elementary. I know you have mentioned several throughout your vlogs. It is just hard to go back and find them all. Thanks!
Amazing video! Great organizational suggestion.
Thank you so much. I will try that💕
Great way to start our New Year! Thank you for explaining.
I also use this! I keep things in to remember something was a good activity. So I have stuff already in the month folders for next school year.
Thank you Bridget 👏👍🥇💪🏆It’s very helpful and an amazing system 😍😃🤗
This is amazing because if your in a rush you can quickly grab it incase of emergency teaching lesson. This is a amazing 💡. Hope to see more " CHANGE " in the future😎. Also great vidoe transtion throughout the video👍.
Love your file folder set up! I’m going to do the same!
I LOVE your passion !
Thanks! I tried starting this but it didn't work out. Now I know why...I was using Manila folders to insert daily materials instead of hanging folders. Now I see how it's done. 43 hanging folders all the way...!
Oh. My. Word. Soooo clever!! Thank you. :)
I will try this for sure and I think I will home punch and file the “ leftover” papers in a big binder month by month by week! Yeah!
You are SO LUCKY to be in a school system where you can choose what you teach!! In my area, all teaching is scripted and everyone is on the same page. :( It's very sad. Thanks for explaining this organizational method.
Love this! What do you do with materials that you may not get to or use for that day? Do you have another system where you put leftover worksheets, lessons etc....(if that makes sense)
Jennifer Richardson I was wondering the same thing.
Starts at 2:35 the folders bit. Awesome.
What do you do if you want to change the dates of something how do you locate your paperwork if you don't know which folder it's in?
Love this idea! Do you keep a paper copy of your originals, or do you just keep digital files?
I love this! Any suggestions on implementing this in a paperless 1-to-1 classroom?
I am one-to-one as well! I’ll be doing a video on my work flow and paper flow soon and it ties into this bit I’ve found that there are some activities that I like to give my learners choice when completing so I will have a few paper copies available. This is also a good spot to place your daily lesson plans. The more places I have to “put” things the crazier I feel. Less is more, right!?
What do you mean by paperless classroom? Does that mean you have students on devices all day?
Incredible
Ok another question - sorry! I'm trying to set up my 43 folders to begin in January. I'm a binder gal. I have standards/skills in binders that I keep in my cabinet. Let's say I'm teaching POV. I pull out my POV binder with all the resources I've collected over time. Do I keep my binder with my files for the month? Do you keep your resources or your curriculum separate and only pull out bits at a time? I hope that wasn't too confusing! Thanks, Lesley
Wow it’s a good idea. Thank you 🙏🏼😊
I'm going 2 TRY something similar with book bins 2 c if it will have the same effect
My partner uses file bins, similar to book bins, and she has four of them to make weeks. It looks really nice and works for her.
Love this!!
I love this thank you so much for sharing it!
Oh good! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video!
Question: where do you place the resources from the folder once that day is over?
I love this!!!
Amazing idea !!
Thank you for a new video!!
Love this
If this is too much just do monthly folders. Take out the whole month and work from top. When done put at the bottom.
Hello Bridget! Future teacher here! Now that you have been trying to go more digital with everything, are you still using the 43 folder system? Do you do any digital version of it?
Hey! it's Amanda from your kindergarten class!
Jorge hey sweet girl! Hope you are doing well!!!! Miss you
I love your 43 folder organization system!! Wished I could use it this year, but I'm a floater and team teach..🙄 When I had a classroom last year, I had it in a milk crate and it worked perfectly!!
You can add a file rack on the top of your cart to create a folder system there. Just a thought. 😘
Good idea.🇮🇳🙏
The Amazon link in the description has not been working
Do the subs you get actually teach? I never got one that did so far. My prepared items would be untouched and they'd show cartoons on my projector all day.
Smart !! 😊
Question: if a student is absent, do you keep the work inside the date folder so you can give the student the work to make up?? Thanks!
Yes! It works great for that system! I keep an absent folder and place everything in the day there and move the folder to the next day for that learner.
hahahahahaa...You have the same issue with "THE TRUCK". It is like driving a tank.
I'm late, but setting up my 43 folders as I speak (um, I mean rype). Thanks, Bridget!
how you will organize after two to three years, if is ask after 5 years your 43 folder system will not assists us anymore.... also face much difficulties in monthly record....I Think....
It’s called a TICKLER FILE.
women make things so cute and fun looking. Unfortunately I am a disorganized 52 year old guy
100th comment