Unique Teaching: back to school SHOPPING

So, I usually hold out as long as I can for back to school shopping, but when I saw the bins and boxes at Target - I just went for it.

I am trying to go a step further in my organization - each year gets a little better.

My first purchase was binder holders from Really Good Stuff.

I am using these to organize all my thematic units. In special education, using thematic units has been a long-time practice and has recently been re-encouraged at OCALI conferences and workshops. I have been building these units for the 7 years I have been teaching. A bonus this past year was the purchase of Unique Learning Curriculum & Supplements (from the same company as News-2-You) at my school district. This curriculum is based on themes as well - all linked back to the extended standards/common core. It is pricey, but it was really easy to use and implement. SO . . . I have lots of resources at this point and am in need of organizing and refining the materials. Either you are building your resources or refining them :)

Anyway, these binder holders have been perfect. I store everything for one thematic unit in the bin (file folders, flashcards, laminated books, communication boards, visuals, recipes, spelling materials, math task cards, manipulatives, and so on) and when I'm ready to teach that topic - I pull out the whole bin and get busy! Well, that's the plan!

My only complaint is the bottom section is not as wide as a file folder so things sit about 1 inch up in the bin, on a ledge. If it went all the way down, it would fit into file cabinets without an issue. For now, I have been trimming some tall things :(

I also bought some storage boxes, metal shelving, buckets and bins from Target. Some really cute stuff for some really great prices! You can always count on that store!