20 Classroom Needs from an Elementary Teacher with 9 years of Experience
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WOWWWW!!!!
I can’t believe I have been teaching for 9 years! Where does the time go??? I have had the pleasure of teaching 4th grade, 1st, and 2nd. 2nd was literally my best grade, and I still will say SECOND GRADE is the BEST grade level to teach. Over these 9 years, though, I have had time to figure out what works best for me in the classroom and what I need to have a successful year.
Here is a list of 20 items I make sure I have in my classroom (in no particular order):
1. Post-it Super Sticky Easel Pad - This is my go to for creating anchor charts in my classroom. Since it is sticky on the back, I can easily place it wherever as soon as I am done with it. I don’t have to look for tape to stick them to the walls. MAJOR GAME changer for me!
2. Wireless Doorbell - I use this as an attention getter in my classroom. It eliminates me from having to talk over students when I want to get their attention. I teach them at the beginning of the year what the bell means, and it makes it so much easier. I have even used the bell chimes to transition between centers. Furthermore, I have seen some teachers put the bell outside the door, for a real home feel. When someone wants to enter, they will ring the doorbell.
3. Dry Erase Boards - I am always looking for a quick way to check for understanding. White boards can create great interactive lessons during whole group and small groups and are also good for quick assessments.
4. Flexible Seating - This one has grown on me. My partner teacher has flexible seating going on in her classroom, and I had to take a look at how student’s responded to it. It turned out, that they actually did better not having to sit in a regular desk all day, and I’M HERE FOR IT!
5. Personal Laminator - I absolutely dislike having to wait to get my smaller things laminated. With that being said, a personal laminator has become my best friend. So easy to use and I don’t have to wait long.
6. Label Maker - This has helped me stay organized by allowing me to label and store things for later use.
7. Water Jug - I still want to get my water in while I’m teaching, so I found the perfect water jug. The one I use has two ways to hold it, with was a HUGE plus for me. It’s so easy to carry it around and drink while I'm teaching.
8. Teacher Stamps - Save time by getting a stamp set. You DON’T need to WRITE EVERYTHING.
9. Lunch Bag with Straps - We always go straight to recess after lunch, and I hate having to hold my lunch box in my hand. I searched and found one with straps, and it has been a game changer. Now I can put in on my shoulder and not have to worry about it during recess time.
10. Wireless Keyboard & Mouse - This one is about convenience for me. Having to always go to the board or my laptop every time I was ready to move on to the next thing kind of got annoying. Now, I can simply handle the functions from my keyboard and mouse while I continuously walk around the classroom.
11. Recess/ Outside Duty Essentials - Make sure you have the proper wear for going outside: (store in your classroom closet): jacket, sun hat, sunglasses, umbrella, coat, poncho, just to name a few.
12. Teacher Planner - This one is self explanatory.
13. Personal Classroom Printer - ANOTHER convenience thing for me. I would rather print most things in my classroom instead of waiting in line in the copy room. Or even waiting for the office to put the ink cartridge in it. Also, try to get a printer that has a scanner/ copier. Easy to scan the documents that you need to keep and make copies of hard copy’s that you have.
14. Comfy Teacher Chairs - I have two ergonomic chairs that I used during my planning, grading, and small groups sessions. The chairs that were in my classroom were awful for my back.
15. Mini Fridge - If your school allows, having a mini fridge is a great option. You can keep your lunch in your personal fridge and don’t have to worry about going back and forth to the teacher’s lounge. Also, you don’t have to worry about someone going through your lunch and eating it. TRUST ME, I’ve seen this happen!
16. Disinfectant Supplies - Do I even need to explain this one?
17. Teacher Notes to Send Home - As teachers, we are already short on time. Find a way to send home notes quickly without taking to much time to write the whole entire note. Opt for something already pre-made.
18. Wireless Phone Charger - Always have a charger to ensure your phone is charged in case of emergency, or you simply need to get in touch with parents. Also, keep it charged in case someone needs to get in contact with you.
19. Cordless Hot Glue Gun - Quickly and easily carry a hot glue gun to different locations in your classroom without being stuck with a power cord. This is so much easier when you are needing your hot glue gun for different tasks.
20. Personal Items - Make sure you have deodorant, perfume/ body spray, floss, and feminine products. You can purchase a clear toiletry bag to store all the products in one space.
Investing in these things have improved my overall daily operations and my teacher well- being. Make your teaching experience more efficient and enjoyable with my 20 must have essentials.
