Things Organized Neatly

Main idea skills, including categorizing, feature prominently in most of the Keys to Literacy professional development programs. It is a foundational skill that is essential for comprehension and writing.

It is often the case that a visual (picture, chart, etc.) is the best way to teach a skill or concept to students. I have found a fun and whimsical website as a source for pictures that can help students learn the concept of categorizing and main ideas: Things Organized Neatly.

The website is curated by Austin Radcliffe who has been posting images since 2010 submitted by people from all over the world. The pictures are stylized images of everyday objects stacked, laid and arranged in neat, visually pleasing ways. Things Organized Neatly has hundreds of visual representations. The site has been featured multiple times in the news media, including a recent piece in CNN STYLE.

Some of the visual samples at Things Organized Neatly are excellent examples of how everyday objects can be categorized in different ways, such as the examples below that we show teachers. Some of the visuals are more interesting for their artistic quality. Either way, I think you will enjoy browsing through these intriguing and often beautiful pictures.  And a visit to this site might just inspire you to get the things in your life organized!