Teacher-Tested Tips:

Collecting/Labeling supplies
Submitted by: P. Provost, 4th/ LA
I give each child a permanent marker. We go through each item on the school supply list one at a time and they write their first name last initial on each supply (if it wasn't done already). I collect notebooks, folders, one set at a time by calling their rows. I put them in each a designated spot. For pencils, I put them each in a large ziploc with their name on it. They get 2 new pencils each Monday.
Grade Level(s): 1-2, 3-5

First Day Organization Helper
Submitted by: sherri, 1st / 2nd multi
When students are entering the room and there are countless supplies to be labeled, have a large grocery store type bag with their name printed on it to hold supplies until you can put it all away. This gives handy storage and keeps everything separate until you can label and put away. Grocery stores are usually generous enough to give these to you and they get a small amount of advertising to boot!!
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5

Labels for Folders/Notebooks
Submitted by: Deirdre O Brien, K-5
With so many notebooks and folders coming in the first day, I like to create labels on the computer for each student to put on them. It makes it easy for the students to locate things in their desk.
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2, 3-5