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Teaching Secrets: Taming the Dragon of Classroom Chaos

By Cossondra George

My classroom is not neat and tidy like some. It has that homey, lived-in, much-loved look. The tables are never quite in straight lines, the computer cords are twisted and tangled, and my teacher desk looks like a recycling center exploded on top of it.

When you are inherently disorganized, life’s simplest tasks can be overwhelming. I am a person who, left to my own devices, would simply suffocate under the piles of stuff that accumulate around me. Fortunately, I am not ashamed to admit this character flaw, and I search for tools and tricks that will help me exorcise the mighty dragon of classroom chaos—or at least force him to stay in his cave.

Over the years I have collected ideas from many teachers I have met in real and virtual spaces. While some of these strategies work well for them but not for me, others suit my teacher personality. I’ve managed to piece together enough tools to keep my...