Binder Organization

Use Dividers: 

1. 1. • Start by dividing the binder into sections based on subjects or categories (e.g., Math, Science, English, Assignments). This keeps materials separate and easy to find.

Label Everything: 

1. 1. • Clearly label each section with the subject name or category to avoid confusion. Use colorful labels or tabs to make them visually appealing and easy to spot.

Create a Table of Contents: 

1. 1. • For each section, add a simple table of contents or checklist of important topics, dates, or assignments. This helps students keep track of what’s inside and ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Keep Only What’s Needed: 

1. 1. • Regularly go through the binder to remove outdated materials or assignments. Encourage students to keep only the current term’s work and materials that are relevant.

Use Pockets for Extra Materials: 

1. 1. • Include pocket folders or expandable files in the binder for loose papers, handouts, or worksheets that don’t fit in the main sections.

Color Code: 

1. 1. • Color coding tabs or notebooks for different subjects can provide an extra visual aid for easy reference and quick access.

Daily Maintenance: 

1. 1. • Set aside time at the end of each week for students to organize their binder—adding new assignments, filing completed work, and tossing unnecessary papers.

Use Sheet Protectors: 

1. 1. • For important documents, such as study guides, test papers, or projects, use sheet protectors to keep them in good condition and prevent damage.

Stay Consistent: 

1. 1. • Encourage students to develop a routine of keeping their binder organized. The more consistently they maintain it, the less overwhelming it will become.

Review and Adjust: 

1. 1. • Periodically, assess if the organization system is still working or if it needs adjustment. Flexibility is key to maintaining long-term organization.

Shake Test:

1. • • Just like it sounds. What happens if you shake the binder upside down?  

     • Goal: don’t have papers fall out. Consider giving full credit for any students that don’t have any papers fall out. Students that do have papers fall out have to come back later for a makeup Shake Test.

     • Fun variation on Shake Test: Lead your class in “Binder Aerobics” where they have to lift, shake, swing, do jumping jacks, etc. with their binder, with the same grading process as the shake test.

Sampling: 

1. • • Are you using a binder check form that has many check areas? Have you been focusing on one specific component of the binder? Pick a check box (for example, two sharpened pencils) and sample the binders. Give students ten seconds to hold up the one part of the grade sheet to be checked. Teachers can quickly see who does and who does not have materials and students earn grades accordingly.

     • Fun variation on Sampling: Place each component of the binder check on an index card, and place the cards in a bag. Randomly select one card out of the bag, and that is the “sample” for the day.

Partner check: 

1. • • Have each student trade binders with a partner and then grade. After grading, have the students trade binders back and double check the grading. 

     • Fun variation on Partner check- Musical Chairs: Have students place their binders on their desk/table. Have them place the binder check form on top of the binder, being sure their name is on the binder check form. They push their chair in and stand behind. Teacher plays music and students roam around the room, away from their desk/table and/or row. Teacher stops the music and all students move to the closest binder around them. The students will then grade that binder and provide feedback (commendations and recommendations).

     • Everything in rings: Every student that has a binder with them starts with a grade of 100. For each piece of loose paper that is not in the rings of the binder (paper stuffed into binder and loose paper in backpacks, pockets, etc) subtract 1 point. Twenty-five papers not in the rings?   100 – 25 is a grade of 75.

Other thoughts on Binder Checks:

1. • Integrity:
     If you can develop the value of integrity within your AVID classes, you can then trust students to grade their own binder, planner, Cornell notes, etc. (Spot check as necessary!) I would always tell my students “Your integrity is worth more than a few point on a binder check.”

   • Mastery:
     Three checks at mastery for a student could mean that they are free of binder checks for the rest of the grading period. The teacher reserves the right to spot check. If a binder is below standard, a student goes back on the grading schedule. It promotes the idea of independence and frees the teaching staff from many grade checks.

   • Extra checks:
     When a student struggles with organization, check their binder more often. Use a minute of passing period to do a quick check. Tutors get assigned to individual students who struggle the most with organization for quick checks during tutorials.