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(Unit 6) Topic 10: Managing Your Time

1 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

The Paperwork Problem

​Topic 10 Page 4

Most teachers and early childhood professionals report that paper work takes up most of their time. From assignments, activities, lesson plans, assessments and data; the paper trail is becoming a paper trail of tears.

​There are numerous quick fixes to avoid being overwhelmed in the moment. Some of these include hanging file folders, highlighters, or a desk drawer crammed with old worksheets.   

Realistically it seems that most of the time the papers find their way to the dreaded “later pile.” This pile starts at a manageable height and quickly grows to unfathomable lengths. Even the most well-meaning professional often has this pile and will sometimes cart it home on weekends only to bring it right back to work untouched. ​​  

The paper trail doesn’t need to be the cord that causes you to stress yourself into a frenzy. There are plenty of tools and systems at your disposal to alleviate some of the issues that have the potential to come about when it comes to paperwork. Let’s discuss some of them!

Paperwork Management Tools

Go digital
There are computer and mobile device programs that are specifically designed to cut down on the amount of paper that you use. Even the least tech-savvy person can benefit from including a program or two in their routines. Some of these programs will organize your files, sync calendars, allow for collaboration, or calculate things that need to be calculated. Explore your options and find a program that works for you. 

Enlist the children
Even young children can file their work, organize their portfolios, pass papers back, fill mailboxes, and much more. Create a daily job that includes passing out papers or filling mailboxes or cubbies with things that need to go home. 

Cut down on the paper
​It seems like a no-brainer but is also nearly impossible in a child care center or school. Children need paper to learn, create, work, record, etc. Instead of considering the total elimination of paper try to think outside of the box. Can the math lesson be recorded in a math notebook for each child that is stored in their desk or cubby? Can dry erase boards take the place of exit tickets or quick checks?

Color code
If you can use colored paper for your copies, then do it. Math can be blue, reading red, spelling yellow, etc. If this is not an option then consider a color coded filing system, highlighter system, or colored boxes. Code the papers by whatever seems best for you. Whether you code by urgency, subject, level, or time of day doesn’t matter to anyone but the people using the system. Teach your students about the system and get them involved as well!

Numbers
The dreaded paper trail can often be attributed to too many papers coming from all of the children in your care. Older children can write their name or a student number on the top of their paper and turn them in sequentially. Alternatively, teach them their numbers and use them instead of names for everything from cubbies and mailboxes to paper turn-ins and line order.  

​Create a business center
A business center is one central location in the classroom that consists of the bulk of papers that will either be exchanged between home and school or passed between teacher and student. Many business centers include a calendar, mailbox system, turn-in basket (both for student work and notes for the teacher from home), a lunch menu (if applicable)and a cup of pencils for last minute name fill-ins. 

• ​Top 10 Teacher Software Programs You Should Be Using On a Daily Basis by Claudia Pesce
• Load 'Em Up: The Best Software in the Education World! By Education World 
• ​Eight Top Google Apps for Productivity by IT Business Edge

(Unit 6) Topic 10: Managing Your Time * Navigation Menu