Lesson Plan
Locker & Organization 101
Students will learn to categorize and store locker items efficiently, use a color-coding system, and apply a personalized checklist to maintain order.
An organized locker reduces stress, saves time, and helps students transition smoothly to middle school routines by keeping materials accessible and secure.
Audience
5th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Model, practice, and reflect on effective locker setups.
Materials
Locker Organization Checklist, Color-Coded Bin Labels, Binder Organization Worksheet, Sticky Notes (multiple colors), and Highlighters (various colors)
Prep
Teacher Prep
10 minutes
- Review the Locker Organization Checklist
- Print a Binder Organization Worksheet for each student
- Gather sticky notes, highlighters, binders, and Color-Coded Bin Labels
- Set up a sample locker or classroom display area for demonstration
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Explain why an organized locker matters for time management and reducing stress
- Show before-and-after photos of messy vs. organized lockers
- Discuss common locker challenges and benefits of staying organized
Step 2
Demonstration
10 minutes
- Use the sample locker to model sorting items by category (e.g., books, binders, personal items)
- Demonstrate how to apply Color-Coded Bin Labels for each subject
- Walk through the Locker Organization Checklist step by step
Step 3
Student Practice
10 minutes
- Distribute bins, labels, and worksheets; students sort mock locker contents in pairs
- Complete the Binder Organization Worksheet by labeling tabs and listing essentials
- Peers share one strategy and provide constructive feedback
Step 4
Reflection & Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Students write an exit ticket: one new tip they’ll use and one anticipated challenge
- Encourage application when they receive their actual lockers
- Remind students to refer to the Locker Organization Checklist regularly
Slide Deck
Locker & Organization 101
A 30-minute guide to transforming your locker from chaos to calm.
Welcome everyone! Today we're diving into how to keep your locker neat and organized. Explain that having an organized space saves time, reduces stress, and helps you be ready for class. Encourage students to share any locker horror stories they’ve experienced.
Learning Objectives
• Categorize and sort locker items efficiently
• Apply a color-coding system for each subject
• Use a personalized checklist to maintain order
Read through each objective aloud, making sure students understand the goals for today’s session.
Why Organize Your Locker?
[Image: Before & After Lockers]
• Saves time finding supplies
• Reduces stress and frustration
• Builds good habits for middle school
Show before-and-after images of real lockers. Point out how quickly students can find what they need when it’s organized.
Step 1: Categorize Items
- Empty your locker completely
- Group items by subject or use (books, binders, personal items)
- Place each category in its own bin or section
Explain that sorting into categories is step one. Ask students to name typical categories (e.g., Math, Reading, Art, Personal).
Step 2: Color-Coding System
• Choose a distinct color for each subject
• Label bins, folders, and binders with matching color
• Use highlighters and sticky notes for quick reference
Demonstrate how to match each bin or folder with a colored label. Show examples: blue for Math, red for Language Arts, etc.
Step 3: Use Your Checklist
Follow the Locker Organization Checklist:
• Top shelf: frequently used items
• Middle section: textbooks and binders
• Bottom shelf: backpack and shoes
• Door hooks: gym clothes or outerwear
Introduce the Locker Organization Checklist. Walk through each item on the checklist and explain its importance.
Student Practice
In pairs:
- Sort mock locker contents by category
- Apply color-coded labels to bins
- Complete the Binder Organization Worksheet
Share one strategy you learned with the group.
Explain the practice activity. Pair students and give them mock locker contents. Circulate and coach as they work.
Reflection & Exit Ticket
Write down:
- One new organizational tip you’ll use
- One challenge you anticipate and how you’ll overcome it
Prompt students to reflect on what they learned and identify challenges. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding.
Worksheet
Binder Organization Worksheet
Name: ____________________________ Class: __________ Date: ____________
Use colored pencils or markers to show your color codes for each binder section.
1. Binder Tabs & Color Codes
For each subject, write the name you’ll put on the tab and the color you’ll use.
Subject 1: _______________________
Tab Label 1: _____________________
Color 1: _________________________
Subject 2: _______________________
Tab Label 2: _____________________
Color 2: _________________________
Subject 3: _______________________
Tab Label 3: _____________________
Color 3: _________________________
Subject 4: _______________________
Tab Label 4: _____________________
Color 4: _________________________
Subject 5: _______________________
Tab Label 5: _____________________
Color 5: _________________________
2. Essential Contents
Choose one subject tab and list at least four important items you will keep in that section (e.g., handouts, notes, homework).
3. Organization Strategies
Describe two tips you will use to keep your binder neat and color-coded throughout the year.
4. Reflection
-
How will this binder organization plan help you stay on track with assignments and materials?
-
What is one challenge you might face in maintaining your binder? How will you overcome it?
Tip: If you need ideas for colors, check out the Color-Coded Bin Labels.
Activity
Locker Simulation Race
Objective: Students will apply locker organization strategies by working as a team to sort and organize mock locker items under time pressure, reinforcing color-coding, categorization, and checklist use.
Why: This fast-paced, collaborative challenge boosts teamwork, builds quick decision-making skills, and cements organizational habits in a realistic scenario.
Materials:
- Tabletop locker props or cardboard boxes labeled as “lockers”
- Bins containing mixed mock items (books, binders, personal items)
- Color-Coded Bin Labels
- Locker Organization Checklist printed for each station
- Stopwatch or timer
- Score sheets and pens
Teacher Prep (10 minutes):
- Set up 3–4 locker stations around the room, each with a locker prop and a mixed bin of items
- Affix a set of Color-Coded Bin Labels at each station
- Print one Locker Organization Checklist and one score sheet per team
- Arrange students into small teams of 3–4
Instructions
- Activity Setup (5 minutes)
- Explain race rules and scoring criteria (speed + accuracy).
- Give each team a score sheet and checklist.
- Teams position themselves at assigned locker stations.
- Race Round (10 minutes)
- Start the timer.
- Teams sort items into the correct color-coded bins and place them in the locker following the steps on the Locker Organization Checklist.
- Encourage communication: “Who sorts the binders? Who labels the sections?”
- Scoring & Rotation (5 minutes)
- When time’s up, teams stop and submit their score sheet:
• +1 point per correctly categorized item
• +2 points for each item placed in the correct shelf (top, middle, bottom, door hooks)
• –1 point for misplacements - If multiple rounds or stations, teams rotate and repeat.
- Debrief & Reflection (10 minutes)
- Tally scores and announce the winning team.
- Discussion prompts:
• What strategies helped your team work quickly?
• Which part of the checklist was most important?
• What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? - Exit Ticket: One new tip you’ll use in your real locker and one challenge you anticipate.
Extension: Invite high-scoring teams to demonstrate their locker setup for peers.