Top 5 Storage Ideas for Centers in Kindergarten
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. View our full disclosure policy here.
As Kindergarten teachers, we work hard to prep activities so they are durable and easy to use in our math and literacy centers. But where do all of these center activities go when they are not in use? How do we keep them organized and easily accessible for ourselves and our students? These Top 5 Storage Ideas for Centers in Kindergarten come directly from fellow teachers in our TKC community and provide the inspiration and answers we need!
*Grab our Pre-K and Kindergarten Centers by Skill BUNDLE for engaging centers for the entire year!
Top 5 Storage Ideas for Centers in Kindergarten
Picture it… you just spent your whole summer printing, laminating, and cutting activities you can’t wait to use with your students. But when it’s time to get organized, where do all of these incredible activities go when we aren’t using them?
We’ve got you covered with these 5 must-try ideas for storing centers in Kindergarten. The best part? They come straight from the awesome teachers in our community!
For an easy way to ensure your center time flows smoothly, check out our favorite tip for organizing centers in the classroom!
Let’s dive into these amazing storage solutions!
#1 Zip Top Bags
When it comes to storage, often it’s the simplest items that are the most effective. For example, zip-top bags… they aren’t just for food! A gallon zip-top bag is the perfect size for holding our beautifully prepped activity pieces. It also fits any related recording sheets.
The bags are durable, skinny, and see-through (my favorite part!). This makes them perfect for slipping into a file folder and dropping into a file cabinet. They are easy to grab and you can see exactly what center activity is in the bag!
#2 Digital AND Print Storage
Sometimes it’s the little things that can feel overwhelming and the little things can include papers… and MORE papers!
Using a mix of both print and digital storage can cut the amount of resources that we need to store in half. Simply print and prep the activity game pieces but save the corresponding printables and recording sheets digitally.
When you are ready to use a certain center, grab the ready-to-go game pieces and print as many recording sheets as needed!
#3 Soap Boxes or Photo Containers
Did you know that soap boxes and plastic photo containers are super durable and the PERFECT size for holding activity pieces?
RELATED RESOURCE: Low-Prep Math & Literacy Box Centers for the Year
Next time you are at the dollar store or craft store be sure to check them out. Add a fun label (tape and a sharpie work great too!) to the sides of the boxes and you can have engaging and hands-on centers ready in an instant. Just print your recording sheets, grab the pieces, and you’re good to go!
#4 Sheet Protectors and Binders
Just like zip-top bags, sheet protectors are just the right size for storing activity pieces and recording sheets. The big difference is that instead of dropping them in a file cabinet, you can add them to a binder!
Categorize the binders by themes or skills and you have clearly organized centers ready to use year after year!
#5 Monthly or Themed Boxes
If you’re lucky enough to have some good cupboard or closet space, storing centers in boxes is an amazing option!
Sort your prepped centers by month or theme (or even holiday or skill), add them to a box, and pop a lid on it. Your activities will be perfectly organized and ready to go when you need them!
I hope these awesome ideas for storing Kindergarten centers will have you stressing less and feeling more organized!
Are you ready to rock your centers? Request your invite and join us for this exclusive training!
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to have your math and literacy centers run smoothly. In this mini-course, I’m going to walk you through the exact system I use in my classroom: Free-Flowing Centers!
This course is a combination of video lessons, printable resources, and guides to assist with setting up centers so that you can:
- Save hours of prep time
- Engage students in playful learning
- Discover tons of opportunities for differentiation
- Encourage independence in kids
- Minimize management issues and disruptions
- Get a 2-hour certificate of completion at the end!
No need to wait until next school year, request your invite today so you can “Supercharge Your Centers!“
- 5 Classroom Routines to Review After Winter Break - December 1, 2023
- Simple Strategy for Improving Classroom Management - November 28, 2023
- Easy Fine Motor Activities for Pre-K & Kindergarten - November 21, 2023