Favorite Storage Solution for the Special Education Classroom

In my classroom, we are always transitioning between different groups among various areas of the classroom and building. Organizing and storing all of the materials needed for each group was a bit of a challenge until I found this storage system.

The TROFAST storage system from IKEA is amazing!! It has a ton of simple, handy features that have made it my all time favorite storage solution in the classroom! 

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Compact Design: 

• The shelf I bought does not take up a lot of room at all (only a foot and a half by 1 foot area of floor space).

 

There are a variety of configurations available based on what would fit best in your classroom. Some rooms prefer lower shelves. This is especially helpful if you have students to like to climb!

 

Bins: 

• Each plastic bin can slide out on either side of the shelving unit and can be removed completely to take over to the needed area in the classroom. There are a variety of bin sizes and colors that can be used based on your needs and it can fit a lot of bins! I have 6 skinny bins and 3 deeper bins on mine. 

Uses: 

• In my classroom, I used the large bins for our whole group times that required a lot of manipulatives such as shared reading with props or math group manipulatives. Then, I used the smaller bins for small group or 1:1 centers. 
  

• In other classrooms, I have seen the shorter  TROFAST system used for independent work or structured work stations which 1 large bin for each structured work task.

• Another option is to use the TROFAST system for student materials whether they are individual IEP goal materials, sensory items, or even student mailboxes. 

Organization

• An added layer of organization that I found to be helpful was using adhesive-backed business card holders on the front of each bin to hold labels. I especially liked these because they could be switched out as needed when my bins changed and the holders lasted for years!