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Mission: Cleaner Desks

Is it Mission Impossible?

By Beth Lewis, About.com

Even though, as teachers, our own desks may not be perfectly pristine at all times, we still demand neatness and organization from our students, as demonstrated through the state of their desks. It also sets the tone for how you want your student to treat their classroom supplies and educational materials while they are in your class.

Neat desks are essential to help students build:

  • constructive study habits
  • organizational skills
  • a clear mind for concentration.
I know, for myself, how much better I feel when I come into my classroom in the morning and things are all straightened up from the afternoon before. It works the same for students. When they have a clean desk, they feel better about school and the whole classroom just has a better atmosphere for learning.

So, here are a few of the simple strategies that I've found help students keep their desks as neat and structured as possible. I hope they'll work for you and your students, as well.

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