Keeping a classroom organized can feel like a never-ending battle. Between worksheets, science supplies, and that rogue box of markers, maintaining order can eat into valuable teaching time. Here’s where Sortly comes in! Sortly is a mobile and web-based inventory management system designed to streamline organization, making it a perfect tool for busy teachers.

What is Sortly?

Sortly allows you to create digital catalogs of your classroom items. You can add items manually or scan their barcodes (or create QR codes) for quicker entry. Sortly lets you customize fields to track details like quantity, location, and even condition. Imagine no more frantic searches for that missing frog model just before a science experiment!

How to Use Sortly in Your Classroom:

1. Setting Up: Download the Sortly app on your phone or tablet, or access it through a web browser. Create a free account (with paid plans offering additional features).
2. Adding Items: There are three ways to add items to your Sortly account:
   • Manual Entry: Add item names, descriptions, and any relevant details.
   • Barcode Scanner: Use your phone’s camera to scan existing barcodes on classroom items.
   • QR Codes: For un-barcoded items, Sortly allows you to generate and print custom QR codes that link directly to the item’s information in your app.
3. Organizing Your Inventory: Sortly lets you create custom collections to categorize your items. This could be by subject (e.g., “Math Manipulatives”), location (e.g., “Book Nook”), or even project-specific needs (e. g., “Solar System Model Materials”).
4. Tracking and Checkouts: Whenever you need an item, simply search for it in Sortly. You can also use the app to manage checkouts for students or colleagues. This fosters responsibility and helps keep track of borrowed materials.

Benefits for Teachers:

• Save Time: No more wasting precious minutes searching for lost supplies. Sortly puts everything at your fingertips.
• Reduce Stress: Knowing exactly where everything is can significantly reduce classroom stress levels, allowing you to focus on teaching.
• Improve Efficiency: With streamlined inventory management, you can spend less time organizing and more time planning engaging lessons.
• Boost Collaboration: Share your Sortly inventory with colleagues or student helpers, enabling a team approach to organization.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Sortly’s reporting features can help you identify supplies that need restocking or areas that require decluttering.

Benefits for Students:

• Promote Responsibility: If students are involved in checking out and returning items using Sortly, it fosters accountability.
• Reduce Disruptions: Knowing where to find supplies independently minimizes classroom interruptions.
• Develop Organization Skills: Exposure to a well-organized system helps students develop organizational skills that benefit them throughout their academic journey.

Overcoming Challenges:

• Initial Setup Time: Setting up Sortly initially might require some time investment, but the long-term benefits outweigh the initial effort.
• Student Access: Decide if you want students to have access to the app for checkouts or keep it teacher-managed.
• Technology Integration: Ensure your classroom has devices or a computer accessible for Sortly use.

Conclusion:

Sortly is a powerful tool that can transform your classroom into an organized haven. By streamlining inventory management, Sortly allows you to reclaim valuable teaching time and free yourself from the chaos of lost supplies. So, ditch the endless searches and embrace the power of organization with Sortly!