How to organize your classroom for labs

Organize Your Classroom for Labs

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Organization is the KEY to any successful lab.  Having clearly labeled storage tubs for each project can be one way of making certain you have everything you need all in one easy to access location.

Organization is the KEY to any successful lab. Having clearly labeled storage tubs for each project can be one way of making certain you have everything you need all in one easy to access location.

BIG Labels and color family signs can keep your Housing and Interior Design storage area neat and clean.  Include a picture key that shows the students your expectations for neatness.

BIG Labels and color family signs can keep your Housing and Interior Design storage area neat and clean. Include a picture key that shows the students your expectations for neatness.

Donations are a teachers best friend.  Find an organized way that works for you so that you will be excited for new donations instead of dreading finding a place for them.  Credit the Resource Room.

Donations are a teachers best friend. Find an organized way that works for you so that you will be excited for new donations instead of dreading finding a place for them. Credit the Resource Room.

Think outside the box for easy access to materials.  This piece was created by 2 OHS FACS teachers for this specific purpose.  We had a storage problem and created our own solution.

Think outside the box for easy access to materials. This piece was created by 2 OHS FACS teachers for this specific purpose. We had a storage problem and created our own solution.

For Art or Interior Design Class, create a color key with labeled pencils that will save students time in their search for the perfect pencil.  This is quite a chore to keep up with, but worth it!

For Art or Interior Design Class, create a color key with labeled pencils that will save students time in their search for the perfect pencil. This is quite a chore to keep up with, but worth it!

Numbered storage trays.1-25.  1a-25a. 1b-25b, etc.  The number coordinates with the sewing machine they are assigned to.

Numbered storage trays.1-25. 1a-25a. 1b-25b, etc. The number coordinates with the sewing machine they are assigned to.

The storage tray sections are divided by class for easy location of trays by the teacher when returning projects.

The storage tray sections are divided by class for easy location of trays by the teacher when returning projects.

Tray Number

Tray Number

Machine Number Corresponds.

Machine Number Corresponds.

Class list identifies all students in each section and which machine/tray they are assigned.

Class list identifies all students in each section and which machine/tray they are assigned.

Even if you don't have a sink in your classroom, you can still create painted projects by using 2 buckets for clean and dirty water. This is MUCH easier than sending kids to a sink to clean up.

Even if you don't have a sink in your classroom, you can still create painted projects by using 2 buckets for clean and dirty water. This is MUCH easier than sending kids to a sink to clean up.

Reusable water cups could be helpful too, especially if you will use them multiple times per year or in more than one class.  Decide if storage of them would be worth it for you.

Reusable water cups could be helpful too, especially if you will use them multiple times per year or in more than one class. Decide if storage of them would be worth it for you.

For really busy labs (especially sewing), have kids "take a number" like at the DMV.  Instead of helping the closest kid to you, you will assist the one who is next in line.  TRY THIS, IT WORKS!

For really busy labs (especially sewing), have kids "take a number" like at the DMV. Instead of helping the closest kid to you, you will assist the one who is next in line. TRY THIS, IT WORKS!

Color coded kitchens.

Color coded kitchens.

Color coded kitchens.

Color coded kitchens.

Technology in the lab setting.

Technology in the lab setting.

Snap guide is quick and easy to use, but has limitations because of text counters. Could be used by teachers to create simple visual instructions OR by students to show their work step by step.

  • 1.0 You can identify the actual supplies needed here: