Color-Code Your Classes & Organize Your Supplies: Back-to-School with Happy Spaces
Photo by Stylite yu on Unsplash.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK
Have you ever spent five minutes digging through your backpack looking for one worksheet? It happens to the best of us! The good news is that a simple system can save you time and frustration all semester long.
Getting started
One of my favorite strategies is to color-code each class. Choose a different color for every subject and use that same color for your folder, notebook, and digital calendar if you'd like. Before long, you'll automatically reach for the blue notebook for Biology or the green folder for History without even thinking about it.
I also recommend having both a folder and a notebook for every class. The folder gives you a home for handouts, returned assignments, and other papers, while the notebook keeps all of your notes together in one place. When everything has a home, you're much less likely to lose important information when you need it most.
Although technology is a wonderful tool, I'm still a big fan of taking notes on paper whenever possible. Research has shown that handwriting notes can improve understanding and recall because it encourages you to process information rather than simply type every word you hear.
The goal isn't to have the prettiest school supplies. It's to create a system that's simple enough to use every day. When you know exactly where everything belongs, you can spend less time searching and more time learning.
This Week's Happy Spaces Challenge: Pick a color for each class and organize your folders and notebooks before assignments start piling up. A few minutes of preparation now can make your entire semester feel more organized.
A Great Week Starts
with a Great Plan.
The Student Weekly Planning Checklist helps students turn good intentions into a clear plan.
Designed to support executive functioning skills, this simple tool guides students through reviewing assignments, planning their week, breaking down projects, and staying on top of responsibilities. A few minutes of planning each week can reduce stress, increase confidence, and help students feel more in control of their schoolwork.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're feeling excited about putting this strategy into action and could use a little extra accountability and support, the It’s All in the Planning Starter Pak is here to help! Designed to set you up for success, it’s the perfect tool to keep you on track and moving forward.
Let’s make progress together—because great results start with great planning!
A Note from Happy Spaces
Our goal is simple: to add value to your life. If you think this project will be helpful, here are some steps to set yourself up for success:
Estimate how long it will take—then double it. Giving yourself extra time helps reduce stress.
Schedule it on your calendar for the week ahead. Setting a specific date increases follow-through.
Break it up if it will take more than an hour. Tackling it in smaller steps makes it more manageable.
Make a list of every action needed before you start. A clear plan helps keep you on track.
Do what works for you—you don’t have to complete every part, just what adds value to your life.
Find an Accountability Partner—having support makes it easier to stay committed.
We understand that building new habits and systems can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. For additional support, visit HappySpacesBySarah.com and let’s make organizing and planning easier together.
Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®
Sincerely,
Sarah Weingarten
Meet Sarah
As the oldest of nine kids with two working parents, I grew up juggling many responsibilities at home. Organization and time management became my lifeline amidst the chaos.
I attended the Cornell Hotel School and pursued my childhood dream of working in the hospitality industry. In 2016, I launched Happy Spaces, combining my passion for structure and efficiency with helping others.
I love working with students to develop essential organizational, time management, and study skills. These skills empower them to reach their full potential, build confidence, and create a future they feel good about.