In recent years, Marie Kondo has become synonymous with the art of decluttering and organizing. Her KonMari method has inspired millions to revamp their homes and lives with joy at the center of the tidying process. Schools and classrooms, just as homes, can benefit greatly from this philosophy, transforming cluttered spaces into serene environments optimal for learning and creativity. Here’s how to apply the Marie Kondo way to declutter your classroom.
1. Begin With a Vision: Before you start tidying, visualize your ideal classroom environment. What does it look like? How do you feel when you walk into this space? This vision will guide you through the process and keep you motivated.
2. Commit Fully: Decluttering effectively requires commitment. Set aside enough time to thoroughly sort through everything in your classroom without interruption.
3. Tidy By Category: Instead of tidying by location, Marie Kondo advocates organizing by category. In a classroom setting, this might mean gathering all books, supplies, or teaching aids, irrespective of where they’re kept.
4. Does It Spark Joy?: Hold each item and ask yourself if it sparks joy or is essential for educational purposes. If it neither inspires joy nor serves an educational function, thank your item for its service and set it aside to donate or discard.
5. Decision Making: As a teacher, your decisions should also be student-centered. Will the item contribute to a positive learning experience? Is it useful for your students’ education or development? If not, let it go.
6. Organize Intuitively: Once decluttered, organize materials in a way that makes sense for daily use. Label storage bins and shelves so that both you and your students can easily find and return items where they belong.
7. Maintain Tidiness With Daily Routines: Implement a daily routine where students assist with maintaining order in the classroom. This could be a five-minute tidy-up session at the end of the day.
8. Reflect on Completed Work: After decluttering, reflect back on your vision for the classroom. Make adjustments if necessary to ensure your space remains conducive to learning and joy.
9. Inspire With Your Space: Let your decluttered classroom be an inspiration to students. A clean and organized environment promotes focus, discipline, and an appreciation for tidy spaces that they can carry into other aspects of their lives.
10. Continue The Journey: Decluttering is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. Reassess your classroom periodically to ensure it stays aligned with your educational goals and personal vision for a joyful teaching space.
By applying these principles from Marie Kondo’s method to your classroom, you create an environment that is not only clean but also embodies a sense of joy and purpose in education.
