Folders: The Simple Tool to Keep Middle School Students Organized in the Classroom

There are SO MANY organization tools for students! Let me share why three prong folders are the perfect tool to keep middle school students organized.

As middle school teachers, we always just “assume” that kids know how to organize their notes and papers.

But…..organization is like any other skill. We need to explicitly teach middle school students how to be organized!

There are so many tools to keep middle school students organized …. the three-ring binder, the composition notebook….

Introducing the Three Prong Folder!

I have become a firm believer in the three-prong folder. It’s literally become a life-saver for me in my classroom!

• Papers go in and NEVER fall out, unlike a traditional three-ring binder.

• They are dirt CHEAP (about twenty-cents a folder) – plus this means I can afford to buy a few extras for students who don’t have the supplies they need!

• Since the folders are so slim, they can fit perfectly in the larger zip-up binders. Our entire team uses the three-prong folder system. It’s a beautiful thing to see several packed into a student’s zip-up finder. They always have what they need, plus the it’s light and easy to carry.

Setting Up Folders (& Students) for Success

Every nine weeks, we start a new folder.

Our textbooks are outdated, so I tell the students that we are making our own science book.

I keep a stack of Sharpies handy for students to write their names and subject on the front. I keep a stack of blank address labels for black folders where a Sharpie can’t be seen!

Table of Contents – the Key to Keeping Middle School Students Organized!

For me, the table of contents is key!

It is always the first thing in our folder and is the backbone of organization.

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard a student comment, “wow, I can’t believe how much we have learned already this year!” just from a glance at the table of contents!

Here’s a link to a FREE table of contents page to get your started!

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Adding Pages to the Folder

Now for the tricky part…..

Unlike a traditional three-ring binder which loads from the front, these three-prong binders load from the back. As I pass papers to each table, I tell groups to put the page in “face down.” When all of the pages are ready to go, I tell them to “lock it in“. This signifies to flatten the brackets.

It might sound crazy, but my number one rule is anything that goes into our folders NEVER comes back out!

Think… What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…..

My PG rated classroom quote is “what happens at Grandma’s, stays at Grandmas!”

Yes, that means that homework or daily starters that I might collect do not go into the folder.

Foldables, Homework and More…

So, how’s this going to work for foldables, warm-ups, or homework assignments that you want to collect????

It is important to have a procedure in place for all of the loose papers.

A clear sheet protector is a great addition to the front of the three-prong folder. Having a clear sheet protector in the front of the folder gives students complete control over their materials!

• Foldables and homework can be easily stored in the sheet protector.

• Papers are easily accessible and do not fall out.

All routines take time to establish. In my book, this one is a keeper!