Lesson Plan
Backpack Makeover
Students will be able to implement a personalized system for organizing their backpack, binders, and folders to locate materials efficiently.
Effective organization reduces stress, saves time, and improves academic performance by ensuring students can always find what they need.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Hands-on activities and direct instruction to create personalized organization systems.
Materials
Backpacks, Binders, Folders, and School Supplies, Backpack Makeover Slide Deck, Organization Checklist, and Locker Organization Guide (Optional Reading)
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Backpack Makeover Slide Deck and become familiar with the content.
- Print copies of the Organization Checklist for each student.
- Gather sample binders, folders, and a variety of school supplies (pens, pencils, highlighters, sticky notes, etc.) for demonstration and guided practice.
- (Optional) Print copies of the Locker Organization Guide for early finishers or extended learning.
- Ensure projector/smartboard is ready for the slide deck presentation.
Step 1
Hook: The Backpack Black Hole
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students to think about their backpack. "How many of you have ever struggled to find something in your backpack? Does it sometimes feel like a 'black hole' where things disappear?" (2 minutes)
- Show the first slide of the Backpack Makeover Slide Deck (Title Slide).
- Facilitate a brief class discussion on the frustrations of disorganization and the benefits of being organized. (3 minutes)
Step 2
Direct Instruction: The "A Place for Everything" Method
10 minutes
- Introduce the core concept: "A place for everything, and everything in its place." Explain that a system makes it easy to find and put things away.
- Use the Backpack Makeover Slide Deck to guide students through key organizational strategies:
- Categorization: Grouping similar items (e.g., all writing utensils together).
- Labeling: Clearly marking sections or containers (e.g.,
Step 3
Guided Practice: Binder & Folder Setup Station
10 minutes
- Direct students to take out their binders and folders.
- Walk students through setting up their binders with dividers for each subject.
- Demonstrate how to properly use folders for current assignments vs. completed work.
- Provide the Organization Checklist and instruct students to use it as they organize their binders and folders. Circulate and offer individual support and feedback. (7 minutes)
- Encourage students to share a quick tip they learned from the checklist with a partner. (3 minutes)
Step 4
Independent Practice: My Personalized System
5 minutes
- Explain that organization is personal. "What works for one person might not work for another. The goal is to find YOUR system."
- Instruct students to briefly write down 1-2 personalized strategies they will use for their backpack and school supplies. They can use the back of their Organization Checklist if they wish. (3 minutes)
- Share a few examples of diverse organizational strategies (e.g., color-coding, a specific supply pouch, daily backpack clean-out). (2 minutes)
Step 5
Exit Ticket: Organization Check-In
5 minutes
- Distribute a blank notecard or have students use a piece of paper.
- Ask students to write down one thing they learned today about organization and one item they will organize immediately after class. (3 minutes)
- Collect the exit tickets as students leave. (2 minutes)
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
The Backpack Black Hole
Ever lost something important in your backpack?
Does finding a pencil feel like a treasure hunt?
Welcome students and set the stage. Ask about their experiences with disorganized backpacks.
A Place for Everything...
...and everything in its place!
Why organize?
- Save time
- Reduce stress
- Be prepared
Introduce the core concept. Emphasize that a system makes life easier.
Strategy 1: Categorize It!
Group similar items together:
- Writing Tools (pens, pencils, erasers)
- Papers (notes, homework, handouts)
- Books and Notebooks
- Personal Items
Explain categorization. Give examples of items that belong together.
Strategy 2: Label & Contain
Use pouches, folders, and dividers:
- A pencil case for ALL writing tools
- Clear folders for different subjects
- Binder dividers for notes and handouts
Discuss the importance of clear labels for quick identification.
Binder & Folder Power-Up!
Let's get those binders and folders in shape:
- Use dividers for each subject.
- Keep current homework in designated folders.
- Old papers go home or in a reference section.
- Refer to your Organization Checklist!
Guide students through setting up their binders and folders. Refer to the Organization Checklist.
Your Personalized System
Organization is personal! Find what works for YOU:
- Color-code subjects?
- Daily backpack clean-out?
- A specific spot for your water bottle?
Encourage personalization. Remind them that their system should work for them.
Organized & Ready!
Being organized helps you:
- Focus on learning
- Feel confident
- Be ready for anything!
What's one thing you'll organize today?
Wrap up and transition to the exit ticket.
Worksheet
Organization Checklist: Backpack & Binders
Use this checklist to help you get your backpack, binders, and folders organized! Check off each item as you complete it.
My Backpack
- Empty everything out of your backpack.
- Throw away any trash or old papers you don't need.
- Group similar items together (e.g., all pencils in one pile, all notebooks in another).
- Do you have a dedicated pouch or case for your writing tools (pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters)?
- Is there a clear spot for your lunchbox/water bottle that won't leak on your books?
- Do your books and notebooks have a main compartment?
- Are small personal items (like keys or phone) in a secure, easy-to-reach pocket?
My Binders
- Remove all loose papers from your binder.
- Throw away any papers you no longer need.
- Use dividers to separate each subject or class.
- Label each divider clearly with the subject name.
- Put all current notes and handouts behind the correct subject divider.
- Do you have a separate section for important reference materials or syllabi?
My Folders
- Empty out all papers from your folders.
- Discard any papers you don't need.
- Designate one side for "To Do" (new homework, handouts).
- Designate the other side for "Done" (completed homework, graded papers).
- Label your folders clearly if you use different ones for different subjects.
My Personalized System
Write down 1-2 strategies you will use to keep your backpack and supplies organized after today. Think about what works best for you!
Reading
The Ultimate Locker Organization Guide
Your locker can be a secret weapon for staying organized at school! A well-organized locker saves you time and stress between classes. Follow these tips to turn your locker into an organizational powerhouse.
Step 1: Declutter and Clean Out
Just like your backpack, the first step to an organized locker is to clear everything out. Bring everything home at least once a month (or even once a week!).
- Empty Everything: Take every single item out of your locker. Yes, everything!
- Dispose of Trash: Throw away any wrappers, old notes, or broken pencils.
- Recycle Old Papers: Get rid of old assignments, handouts, or artwork that you no longer need. If you need to keep it, find a designated spot at home.
- Wipe it Down: Give your locker a quick wipe with a damp cloth if allowed. A clean space feels much better!
Step 2: Categorize Your Items
Once everything is out, group similar items together. This will help you decide where everything should go.
- Books: Textbooks for different subjects.
- Notebooks & Binders: Group these by subject.
- School Supplies: Extra pens, pencils, paper, calculator, etc.
- Personal Items: Coat, lunch bag, sports gear, art supplies.
Step 3: Utilize Vertical Space (and Accessories!)
Lockers are tall and narrow, so using the height is key. Locker accessories can be a game-changer.
- Locker Shelves: These are your best friend! Add 1-2 shelves to create different levels for books, binders, and supplies. This prevents everything from piling up at the bottom.
- Magnetic Organizers: Small magnetic cups or baskets can stick to the inside of your locker door. Use them for pens, pencils, scissors, or even a small mirror.
- Magnetic Hooks: Great for hanging your backpack, jacket, or a small bag for sports gear.
- Locker Mirror: Handy for quick checks between classes.
Step 4: Create a System for Books and Binders
Think about what you need to grab quickly.
- Top Shelf: Store books or binders you use less frequently, or items for your last few classes of the day.
- Middle Shelf: Ideal for textbooks and binders you use for your morning classes.
- Bottom: Keep your lunch bag, gym clothes, or larger items here. Make sure it's not a dumping ground!
Step 5: Maintain Your Organized Locker
Organization isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing process. A few minutes each week can make a big difference.
- Quick Tidy-Up Daily: Before you leave school, take a minute to straighten your books and put any loose papers into their correct folders.
- Weekly Check-In: Spend 5-10 minutes once a week (e.g., Friday afternoon) to do a mini-declutter. Remove anything that shouldn't be there.
- Only What You Need: Avoid storing things in your locker that you don't need for school. The less clutter, the easier it is to stay organized.
By following these steps, your locker will go from a chaotic mess to an organized, efficient space that helps you succeed!