Whether it’s back to school, or the start of a new term, taking the time out to refresh and organise your PE storage will make things a lot easier when it comes to preparing for your lessons when you come back to school and need to get back into the swing of things. Check out our 3 top tips below to help get your PE storage space ready to take on whatever the new term ahead has in store:
Design A Simple Labeling System
Incorporating a simple labeling system is a great way to make sure your efficient when it comes to getting the equipment you need quickly and easily. Having a labeling system can also make it easier for you to explain where things are and where things go after they’ve been used to a cover teacher. There are two things that you should consider if you are looking to create an effective labeling system:
- A standardized code- Regardless of whether you use numbers or letters, your labeling system should be simple and uncomplicated.
- Easy to read- Whether it’s typed or handwritten, it’s important that the labels are neat and easy to read from a distance.
Emphasise On Easy Access
It’s common knowledge that the equipment you use the most should be the easiest to get to. However, you may be more likely to try a new lesson plan that requires equipment that you don’t use as often if all of the equipment in the storage cupboard is easy to access.
The best way of doing this is by finding a way to maximise your storage space and label equipment bins and baskets to ensure that everything is easy to quickly grab and use all of the supplies you have. Here is a couple more ideas to help maximise your storage space furthermore:
- Storage Shelving- Use all the vertical shelving available to help clear floor space. Label bins and stack them up on the shelves, and keep a stepping stool nearby to easily access the taller shelves.
- Mobile storage- For equipment like balls, cones and bibs etc, mobile storage is ideal seeing as these items are used the most. Whether it’s a wheeled basket or a scooter that holds a stack of cones, these mobile storage options will make it easier to prepare your lessons, as well as enable you to ask your students to help tidy things up after your lesson
- Temperature control- Another thing you need to consider is the temperature of your storage space for equipment such as balls. If your storage space goes through extreme changes in temperature, you may need to replace or inflate your equipment more often.
Incorporate A Repair Station
Regardless of how carefully you store equipment, wear and tear will always happen, and maintenance will be needed. For this reason, an effective repair station is needed, and for that you need to:
- Keep basic repair tools in working condition- From your air pump to the duct tape, you’ll want to make sure your stocked up and ready to repair anything as soon as it comes in to ensure you’re not running low on equipment.
- Organised for efficiency- Keep your most frequently used repair and maintenance tools within reach, that way, when you have a spare 30 seconds to take a look at that flat football, there’s no need to waste time searching for tools to repair.
