Student Storage

Magazine Holders Turned into Student Table Bins

In the past, I have surfed the web for hours trying to locate a budge friendly option for student storage.

I had always had desk for my students.  Three years ago, my school consolidated with another school.  It was a new building and all K-2 classrooms had tables.  I taught the first year there with no idea in mind.  My transition times increased from what I had grew to expect.  Frankly, I had always taken pride in having quick, smooth transitions.  In order for my students to have table space to work, I found myself having to take up journals, pass out journals, take up text books, pass out textbooks, etc.

Striving to Find Student Storage Solution

It was around mid-year that I started using the magazine boxes from IKEA.  You know the card board whites ones!  I assigned one to each student.  It worked for a while.  It was an affordable option.  I do not have a picture from that year.  The closest one I found that would illustrate what it sort of looked like is in picture #26.  Granted this one is much more eye appealing with all the bright colors.

The following year, I was determined to find a solution.  We get a limited amount of instructional money for the year.  Therefore, I had to make sure that my solution was budget friendly and durable long term use.  Thus, the investment had to last for years to come.

Student Storage Solution Arrives

I loved the idea of the chair pockets!  However, I searched high and low but could not find any within my budget for 30 students.

Shortly before the 2014-2015 school year, a colleague of mine showed me these 3 compartment magazine racks from Really Good Stuff (Sorry this style is no longer available; Picture below). Love at first sight!  I knew I had to have them.  My transition times were transformed and my students were provided with ample work space.  I  purchased 5 packs (there were two in each pack) for less than $90.00.  I have five tables that seat 6 students.  Therefore, I placed two on each table.

Student Storage Solution Ever Lasting

I found that they worked well for most of the year.  Towards the end of the year, I often had to snap the ends back together.

Again, I researched to find a way to improve upon this solution.  I needed something to support the ends of these racks to keep from having to snap them back in place all the time.   Finally, I had an idea.  When all else fails…..husband to the rescue!

I explained to him the issue I was having with the current system.  My husband stated that he could build a wooden box to hold the rack.  This would provide extra support for the ends. I could just slip the magazine racks down inside the box.  I would still have the separate compartments for the students to use.  We made sure to keep student work space in mind when purchasing the wood. We selected a wood that was thick and sturdy but didn’t require much more table space.

Here is how they turned out!

Student Storage Make Over

I decided to paint them in a different colors to match the sides of my tables.  My students were assigned a space using chalk labels from target.  I trained my students to only keep their journals, reading book, and math folder in the bins.  I would do bin checks weekly to correct any issues in order keep the boxes in good condition.

The cost of the wood, strews, labels, and paint for all 10 boxes was less than $50.00.  (I would like to note that I did use several can of paint that I already had on hand. )

Student Storage Follow Up

Last year was my first year with the boxes.  The pictures included in this blog post were taken just a few weeks ago.  As you can see they have survived well this year.  I am happy to say I think I have found a good student storage solution for tables. I plan to keep this system in place for the upcoming year.  The chalk labels provide me with the ability to just erase names and write the new ones.

Other Classroom Ideas

Looking for engaging resources to implement into your classroom?  Look no further!  When technology is not an option or limited, reach for student response dials.  Check out my post on where find response dials and how to use them in your classroom.