Storage...How I Love Thee

As primary-grade teachers, we all know how important classroom storage can be.
Let's face it, our grades require a lot of "stuff". This is due to the hands-on learning that takes place, and all of those manipulatives, games, and activities need a home.
{This gets especially tricky when you're like me, who has to share a classroom...}
Classroom Storage Ideas on a budget featuring Ikea Trofast storage system and bins
Ikea to the rescue!!!  

-before-

Here is a before shot of my writing center.
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
The table is pretty full!
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
Dollar Store trays for every kind of paper: lined, plain, thematic writing, and coloring pages.
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea


-after-
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea

Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
This Trofast storage system holds all of these types of paper AND all of the classroom pointers for Write-The-Room. Look how much room is on the table now.

I bought two more of these storage systems on Kijiji, for less than half the price. Woot! Woot!
{I think Kijiji may be the Canadian version of Craigslist??}
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
The first one is filled with activities for Literacy stations, including syllable learning, word work, alphabet learning, and rhyme activities.
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
The second unit is filled with Math items, including tubs for time, money, number learning, patterns, and various math mats.

These units go perfectly with the Ikea storage I posted about earlier in the year.
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
They work as a divider between the carpet area and play area...
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
...and provide lots of storage space!

More classroom storage items from Ikea:
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
Pails to hold markers, pencils, erasers, crayons, & glue sticks.
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
The classroom helpers carry these pails around the room, distributing the items as needed.
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
I use one pail for name highlighting.
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
This Ikea holder is on my Writing Center table. It holds pencils, index cards with the students' names, and folders with words that go with the month's theme.

This is not from Ikea, but I want to share a tip about desk storage.
I have had this organizer on my desk for many years. {I purchased it from Target, while on a trip to Florida.}In the front portion I had pictures of my 3 kids. Over time, the pictures began to fade badly. Not to mention what a pain it was to change them every year.
Classroom Storage Solutions from Ikea
I took some scrapbook paper and cut to size. I'm really happy with how it looks now! No more faded, ruined pictures.

5 comments

  1. oh you are the meatball to my spaghetti...<3 and storage ideas too???? sigh....I am in love!
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ikea is the best! I have some of those storage trays in my house (and I don't have kids). They are a great storage tool!

    Sara :)
    Smiling In Second Grade

    ReplyDelete
  3. Soooooo jealous! love, love, love it!!!

    ReplyDelete

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