I have long-admired the way Toyota does things, and I have for many years injected plenty of their principles into my educational practice because they focus on continuous improvement (kaizen) and respect for people.

I know schools aren’t factories housing production lines but the 14 principles that make up The Toyota Way make a lot of sense and are transferable to many other organisations. So why not education?

Baerland Primary School in Rogaland, Norway looked towards the industrial sector and they also have adopted a 5S way of working inspired by Toyota.

An inefficient classroom is a waste of time, but the 5S approach will help you steal the time back.

In a classroom context, what does the 5S look like?

Step 1: Sort Yourself and Your Classroom

• Sort exactly what it is you want children to learn. Can you cut anything out?
• Do children have everything they need to do an activity?
• Does your classroom have too much furniture?
• Are there more desks and chairs than are needed?
• Are wall displays cluttered and too busy?
• Do you store unnecessary paperwork?
• Can you remove what isn’t absolutely necessary?

Step 2: Straighten Your Classroom

• Does everything in your class have a place?
• Is everything in its place?
• Is it accessible?
• Do children know where to find what they need?
• Are drawers, trays, cupboards etc clearly labelled?
• Do you have allocated spaces for different types of learning?

Step 3: Make Your Classroom Shine

• Are containers and storage areas clean and tidy?
• Do you get children to clean up after themselves?
• Is there a clear expectation that work-spaces and the floor space are to be kept ship shape?
• Are children’s desks covered in things that aren’t needed for the task in hand?
• Can we remove mental clutter and distractions?
• Can we reduce waste and add value?

Step 4: Standardize Your Classroom

• Do your labels do their job?
• Is your classroom communicating or confusing?
• Have you given consideration to where key information, timetables, reminders and menus are placed?
• Do you have colour coding that differentiate between topics and instructions?

Step 5: Sustain Your Classroom

• Do you maintain and keep on top of the classroom or does the classroom get on top of you and the children?
• Do children have pride in their classroom and want to be there?
• Is there an expectation of excellence?
• Are standards maintained through regular updates and weekly checks?

Read more at https://www.teachertoolkit.co.uk/2017/05/12/the-toyota-way/