My spring cleaning started so innocently.  I was looking for a folder and found options spread across three different cabinets.  I have amazing built in storage in my room, but over the course of the year my materials have lost their way instead of being neatly organized.  I could not stand it any longer!  My materials and games had intermingled too long this year.  It was time to get everything back into its own spot.

This is not even a quarter of the materials I pulled out of the cabinets and into my room.

The first step was to pull everything out.  I just had to throw out, recycle, or donate to other teachers.  I couldn’t labor over the decisions or I would come up with a reasonable excuse for how I “could” use everything.  The hard truth is that I have NOT had a use for much of it in 5-10 years or longer!  I was slightly embarrassed at the number of binders I was still holding onto for that “just in case” moment.  I’m happy to say they have found a happy new home in a third grade class.

Office supplies make me such a happy SLP!

There were binders, folders, and files galore!  I really do use and reuse file folders constantly, so while it seems like a ridiculous amount, it really is a usable amount for me. My spring cleaning kept snowballing and I attacked my materials files with a vengeance!

Office supplies are now together

When I reorganized I was able to put all of my journals, folders, files, labels, sheet protectors, and decorative paper in one spot.

Everything is now in reach!

Being able to sort through my materials and reorganize them was truly a calming experience for me (I know, I’m weird!).  I will be able to return from spring break knowing what resources I have and where they are.  I love that feeling!  Next up will be my growing source of TPT materials that are overflowing from my filing cabinets.  (That sounds like a good summer project!)

Now that my room was ready for Spring, I could finally enjoy my (long-awaited) Spring Break!  We headed out of town for a short weekend trip and stumbled across such a jewel of an independent children’s bookstore.  The entire room was lined with unique bookshelves that were displaying engaging and interesting picture books.  I could have spent all afternoon (and my entire paycheck) in there.  I may or may not be planning a second trip there before heading back home 🙂  Here are a few of the gems I found:

I’d love to hear about any treasures you have found this Spring!