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10 Immediate Actions to do NOW to Prepare for a Substitute Teacher

Jordana — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 20:37:00 +0000

Whether you woke up feeling like you were hit by a truck or stayed up all night taking care of your sick child, we have all been there. . . in desperate need of a Substitute Teacher! I have always heard it said that for teachers, it’s more work to be out of school for a day than it is to actually come in and teach. But what if I told you there was a better way to plan for a Substitute Teacher? Well, there is! Read on for easy ways that you can prepare for a Substitute Teacher. And the best part? You can do these right now!

Organize Your Substitute Materials

First, choose a binder or a file box that will be used solely for your substitute plans. I actually like to use both!

In my experience, using a binder works well for planned absences. You can use tabs to separate sections of information from the work you leave. It also makes it easy to further categorize the work by subject or class.

A file box works well for unplanned absences because you have room to include printed-out activities, books, and manipulatives your sub may need to complete lessons.

I like to organize my substitute materials at the very beginning of the year. This way, I am prepared as soon as possible and I can forget about it until I need it. Knowing that I am ready for a sub takes some of the stress off of being sick or an emergency situation.

However, since our student needs change during the year, this isn’t a one-and-done activity. I do check periodically to see if I need to update the materials in my sub-box. Not even a sub wants to complete an apple activity in January.

I have found that checking in once a month or once a quarter allows me to keep the sub materials timely and make any changes to the information. But don’t worry, this is a quick check and is usually done in 5-10 minutes.

The Sub Binder

When preparing for a sub, there are many important pieces of information you will want to leave them. Here are ten items that your sub will NEED to have a successful day in the classroom.

1. A list of names of several responsible student helpers

Your student helpers should be students you can trust to answer questions and help your sub with class routines. Also, leave names of teammates or other staff members that can help the sub if needed. Make sure to let the sub know where to find them, or leave a phone number, in case your sub has questions before students arrive.

2. A list of procedures for the classroom

This is a must for a smooth day in the classroom. We all know that kids do best with consistency. If we add a new teacher to the mix, the best chance for a great day is to keep everything else as consistent as possible. Here are some of the daily classroom procedures your substitute will need to know.

how to take attendance
making lunch choices
expectations for lining up
how to take bathroom breaks
how to ask questions during class
snack time expectations
how to handle dismissal

and anything else your sub needs to know to get through the day. Think about all those procedures you teach at the beginning of the year and jot them down for the sub.

3. Classroom Rules / Behavior Plan

It helps a sub to know how you expect your students to behave. When the sub knows and understands the class rules and expectations they are better able to keep the day as normal as possible.

In addition to the rules, don’t be afraid to jot down some notes on what you expect from your students when it comes to behavior. Provide details on your classroom behavior plan so that they can use it just like you would.

I also like to leave a visual incentive so my students know their good behavior will earn them a reward! I (or the sub) will write “FREE TIME” on the board, and the sub can remove a letter anytime they see whole group behavior is not acceptable. If there is at least one letter left when I return, my students get free time!

4. Class List and Seating Chart

A sub’s life is so much easier when you leave this! They need to know the names of those they are talking to. If students have assigned seats or places in the classroom, leaving the sub a seating chart is also very helpful.

5. Schedule

For the day to run smoothly, your sub needs to know how long each subject should last and at what times they should take your class to other places. Also, give them the heads up when staff members will come in or pull students out (such as a Speech Therapist, Counselor, etc…). And if any special activities are going on, be sure to leave the sub all the important details.

6. A list of all medical issues they need to know about (asthma, food allergies, etc…)

Subs should be trained on how to handle this information, but always copy this page on colored paper and mark “CONFIDENTIAL” at the top.

7. Important Safety Procedures

Fire Drill, Tornado Drill, and Lockdown Drill procedures should be very explicitly written. Include a note to speak to a Team Teacher who would know this information if they have even the tiniest question about these procedures!

8. The names of students who may need extra support

Many students need support in different ways during the day. This may include things like repeated directions, help focusing, assistance with transitions, and more. Letting your sub know this information before they happen prevents misunderstandings and possible behavior issues.

9. Directions for using classroom technology

There’s nothing worse for a sub than not being able to access the classroom technology. This includes how to turn on and use equipment and any passwords they may need to complete the day’s activities. I would suggest keeping things very simple or leaving a trusted “Student Tech Helper” tasked with helping the sub.

10. Lesson Plans (planned absence)

Leave as thoroughly DETAILED lesson plans as possible. Don’t assume subs “just know” what they should be doing when it comes to the work you have left. If applicable, copy teacher textbook pages and highlight what should be completed. Save your plans so that you can use them as a template for your next substitute lesson plan. Since the format and times are already there, you can simply change the text as needed.

When I know I will be out, I leave the binder out on my desk so my substitute can easily find it. Right next to the binder, I leave any copies or supplies the sub will need and I make sure to label everything!

The Sub Tub

While it would be great to have advance notice of all absences, we all know that is just not the case. In fact, more often than not, our need for a substitute teacher arises at the last minute. By preparing in advance, you can have some ready-to-go sub plans at a moment’s notice.

When leaving lesson plans and student work for an unplanned absence, a file box or basket is a great way to organize your resources. Simply fill your box with plenty of ready-to-go printed-off worksheets/activities that will review grade-level skills. I do not differentiate the work I leave as I don’t know what my students’ levels will be when I’m out and I also want to keep things easy for my sub.

Because I don’t know how long I’ll be out in an emergency, I leave 3-5 days’ worth of these activities. Leaving a good number of assignment options also gives my sub the freedom to choose the work they give for the day.

In the lesson plan or on a sticky note, I will say: “Choose one of the following Math activities”, “Complete one of the following Reading Pages together as a whole group”, etc…

Having this amount of work already prepared not only means that my sub has plenty to choose from, but also keeps me from having to replenish activities as soon as I return.

My “Sub Tub” stays in a prominent area of my room where it is easy to find. But just in case, I have gotten into the habit of leaving a note on my desk at the end of every day that shares the location of the tub.

Here are some essential resources and activities to keep in your Sub Tub.

1. A read aloud

A picture book along with a reading graphic organizer makes a great activity any time of the year. On the back, they can draw and write about their favorite part of the book. As a whole group, students can make a list of character traits on the board. Time Frame: 30-45 min

2. No Prep Skills Review

A no prep activity that reviews a skill you have already taught is the perfect addition to your sub tub. Review is an important part of the learning process, and a great activity for students to complete without needing a lot of assistance. Color by Code activities make students think and review important skills, but allow coloring which makes it fun for students to complete. Time Frame: 30-45 min

3. Spelling Practice for Any List

Spelling activities and worksheets allow students to practice spelling correctly and writing neatly. And since this is often a skill that gets cheated out on time, adding them to the sub tub is perfect. Check out these creative spelling ideas that are perfect for a sub! With versatile activities that can be used with any spelling list, the sub can use these any time of the year! Time Frame: 20 min

4. Journal Writing

Journal writing is a great way for a sub to provide some dedicated writing time without the need for an extensive writing lesson. Students can write a journal entry about their day, something funny that happened to them, or anything they want the teacher to know and illustrate their story. If you don’t use writing journals, simply provide the sub with a list of writing prompts they can choose from. Time Frame: 30 min

5. Math Mystery

Looking for a super engaging and academic activity that will make the sub’s life a breeze? Look no further than Math Mysteries! These math activities include lots of critical thinking and math review, but working in partners allows students to feel like it’s just a normal school day. These math mysteries take a little longer than your typical math lesson, but students love them! Time Frame: 1-1.5 hours

6. Word Search

Word Searches are a fun way to keep students busy, but are also good for critical thinking and focus! Easy and low stress for students and substitutes alike! Time Frame: 20-30 min

7. Craftivities

Craftivities that ask students to color, cut, and glue while reviewing important skills are perfect for sub-work! They are more fun than a typical worksheet and students love them. Anything that engages students means they are more focused on work and are less likely to cause disruptions or have behavior issues. And . . . the demands placed on teachers and time, these “fun” activities sometimes get pushed to the back burner. Time Frame: 1 hour

8. Games

Games such as bingo, Scoot, or game boards with task cards are a great way for your students to have a break from worksheets! Grab a bingo set or task card set that reviews a skill and let students have some gamified learning time. Games are great for small groups or the whole class! Time Frame: 30-45 min

Free Resources for Planning for Your Sub

Planning for a sub does take some time, but by getting this set up and ready before you need it, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress. Grab this free Substitute Information pack! This resource is exactly what you need to get your Sub Binder or Box in tip-top shape!

Pin this Substitute Prep Plan!

I hope this Blog Post was super helpful in getting you prepared for a Substitute Teacher- whether you planned to be out or your absence was an unwelcome surprise! There is a lot of information to retain, so be sure to Pin this post to your favorite Teacher Pinterest Board so that you can come back when you’re ready to prep!

The post 10 Immediate Actions to do NOW to Prepare for a Substitute Teacher appeared first on Elementary Island.

Help! 10 Tips for a Successful Back to School Night!

Jordana — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 13:11:00 +0000

Ahhh, back to school night. . . This exciting event can truly set the tone for relationships with parents and families as you begin a new year. While it can sometimes feel a little stressful or overwhelming to know exactly what to plan for back to school night, it doesn’t have to be! Today, I am sharing my tried and true, tips for a successful back to school night in your classroom!

1. Sign In Area

I know this seems simple, but trust me- don’t skip this one! Having a sign sign-in area is essential for many reasons! First off, it will help you remember which parents belong to each of your students right off the bat. I also like to take this opportunity to gather updated contact info such as emails, cell numbers, and home addresses. You would be surprised how often this info is incorrect at the front office!

Also, having a sign-in area will help you keep track of who wasn’t able to make it to back to school night. I always like to reach out to those families and make sure they receive copies of anything I hand out and fill them in on anything they missed.

2. Supply Drop Off Area

At the beginning of the year, our school always distributes lists for requested supplies by grade. Some schools have children maintain their own school supplies while others use a “community” supply stash that all the children share. Either way, you will want to have some kind of system set up for parents to drop these items off during back to school night.

If you have students keep track of their own individual supplies, I recommend having parents drop these directly into their cubbies or lockers right after they sign in. You can make a little sign directing them to do so. Alternately, if you have community school supplies, set up boxes or bins labeled for each item and have parents sort these out upon arrival. This will save you time and give parents something to do while everyone gets settled.

3. Student Activities

Definitely be sure to prepare some kind of simple activity for students to work on and keep busy! You could plan a simple craft for this or provide some practice activities for them to work on while you speak with parents. Some of my favorite activities are color-by-code worksheets and word searches. Both of these activities are great because students can work independently and require very little teacher instruction, making it easy for you to focus on the parents during this time. And . . . if you need a no-prep option, you can never go wrong with a small tub of playdough at each student’s desk.

4. “Catch-All” Folder

Every year, I make a folder for each student that will help families keep track of all the important information they will receive this night. There is a lot of information given and I know parents will enjoy the time to go over the information again, more thoroughly, on their own time.

I like to label one side of the folder “Keep at Home” and one side “Return to School”. Keep at home is usually all the rules and procedures during the school day. The return to school side will be any programs I would like the parents to sign up for like Xtramath, Remind, or information that needs a permission slip like emergency dismissal procedures or photos posted on the internet permission.

5. Welcome Gift

As a nice touch, I always love to add in some kind of cute welcome gift for families.

This doesn’t have to be anything big, just something that shows families you are excited to work with them this year! In the past, I have given out lots of different things including:

a small bag of fun-size candy bars with a cute gift tag (be sure to check Pinterest for this one, there are SO many cute and witty tags to download for various types of candy)
a pen and mini notepad with a personalized note from me (grab these items from the dollar store)
a bag of microwave popcorn with a note that reads “thanks for popping in”

There are so many fun, inexpensive ideas out there, feel free to get creative! Again, it truly doesn’t need to cost much to show that you care.

6. Scavenger Hunt

I always like to plan a scavenger hunt for families to participate in together for back-to-school night. This is a great way to help students get familiar with the classroom and learn where things are. This is an excellent “icebreaker” activity to start the night off!

Some things I always include in the scavenger hunt in my classroom include:

Find where you will make your lunch choice. What will you choose tomorrow?
Find the classroom rules. Which rule are you already a master at?
Find the classroom jobs. Which job will be your favorite?

Feel free to include as many questions as you need to cover the “high usage” areas of your classroom and help families understand your daily routine. You can even make this activity use more than just your classroom if you want families to get familiar with other areas in the school as well.

7. Volunteer Information

I always use back-to-school night as an opportunity to provide lots of information about volunteering. Often, it can be really tricky to even find parent volunteers for the classroom, so this is a great time to mention it! I like to write up a little information sheet with all the possible options for volunteering in our school and make sure each parent gets a copy. Also, make sure to let them know if there will be future opportunities, such as field trips, and how they can keep an eye out for those!

Make sure opportunities to sign up are available during the meeting. I usually do NOT add this to the return to school folder because I tend to get more volunteers when I physically see them. For example, I always know we have Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day parties. So I will have 3 sheets laid out for parents to sign up for whichever, or all, holidays they will be happy to provide items for or set up. I already have my go-to list when the holiday rolls around!

8. Classroom Wishlist

Don’t forget to prepare your own, personal classroom wishlist! Often, the school will be in charge of the school supply requests, but they don’t always match up with the materials that you would like to use in your classroom. If you’re stumped on what to add to your wishlist, I’ve got you covered!

For this, I like to make sure each parent gets a copy of our classroom wishlist and then also leave a little sign-up sheet out for anyone that wants to commit to specific items that evening. Some things you might not need to include on the signup (if you would like multiples) but for larger, more specific items be sure to make a signup sheet!

9. Teacher Contact Info Magnet

This one will take a little bit of planning ahead, but is always a huge hit among families!

I like to make magnets for parents to put on the fridge will all of my contact information on them. For this, you can either order custom magnets from a company like Vista Print, or go the DIY route!

To make these yourself, grab some cardstock and mini magnets. Design a simple postcard-sized image with all the information you would like to include.

On mine, I always made sure to include my email, the school office phone number, and our classroom Facebook page. Anything that you want parents to have right at their fingertips is perfect for this magnet.

Next, print out the designs, cut and laminate them and then stick a magnet to the back. Parents will be able to display these on their refrigerator at home to keep your info close!

10. Photo Area

Last but not least, I love to include an area in the classroom for families to snap a quick photo to commemorate back to school night!

I always set up a simple backdrop that matches our classroom theme for students and parents to pose in front of. Amazon has a ton of fun, plastic backgrounds like the one I used that are simple and easy to hang!

I hope you found some fun, new ideas to incorporate into your back-to-school night routine this year!

These tips and tricks have served me well over the years and helped me make a great impression with new families on this special night!

Save These Ideas for Later!

Don’t forget to save these ideas on your favorite classroom Pinterest board so that you can quickly and easily plan your back to school night next year!

The post Help! 10 Tips for a Successful Back to School Night! appeared first on Elementary Island.

30 Classroom Must Haves for an Awesome Year!

Jordana — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 16:37:00 +0000

If you’re anything like me, you probably have A LOT of materials, tools, and resources in your classroom. But have you ever thought about what you just couldn’t live without? I think it’s fun to see what other teachers are loving in their classrooms – you never know when you will find a new favorite! Today I have compiled a list of my top 30 classroom must-haves for an awesome year. These are the things I just have to have for smooth days in the classroom and personal sanity as an elementary school teacher!

1. Post-It Notes

Can you ever have enough post-it notes? I think not! I buy these in all sizes and lots of colors. There’s always SO much floating around in my head and I love having these on hand to jot things down quickly. They are also perfect for collecting data on students, sending a quick note home, or using with interactive lessons. Giving each student a sticky note to answer a question and then stick to the board or an anchor chart is a fun and engaging way to get every student involved in a lesson at the same time.

2. BIC 1.6 mm Pens

These BIC 1.6mm Pens are my all-time favorite pens! They are super cheap, which is great because I always seem to lose them and they write nice and smoothly on the thin pages of a grade book. I love that I can get them in a variety of colors too!

3. Crayola Markers

Crayola is one of those brands that I love and trust. When it comes to markers I love these Crayola markers because the colors are always bright and vivid. I buy 4 sets of these when they are priced super low at back-to-school time for myself. This allows me a fresh new set each quarter for grading papers and writing anchor charts.

4. Personal Laminator

I love my personal laminator. While I don’t use this for laminating everything, it is perfect to avoid lines in the workroom or for those things that I want to last a long time. I find that the lamination on this laminator is thicker than the school laminating machine. I love to use it for things like center activity pieces and game boards. It’s also great for activities that are going to get lots of use. This Scotch Thermal Laminator is my favorite! And you can’t forget those laminating pages. I really like to stock up with the Amazon brand of laminating sheets.

5. Hand Sanitizer

Surely, you understand the absolute need for this as a teacher. . . I mean, are they really washing their hands in the bathroom? I buy this in big jugs at Walmart right before school starts to stock up for the year. Even if hand sanitizer is on your school supply list, it never seems to last until the end of the year. Stocking up never hurts!

6. Black Sharpies

Sharpies are my go to permanent markers. I’ve been known to label ALL the things and I love these for the job. I like to buy both the regular and chisel tip so that I have just the right one for the job. You can even get them in a variety of colors which makes them great for color coding and labeling.

And . . . did you know that you can even use Sharpie on a dry erase board without ruining it? It’s perfect for posting things on the board that you don’t want to be erased like focus wall headers. When you are ready to remove it, simply color over the Sharpie with a dry erase marker, then erase. The ink in the dry erase marker connects to the permanent ink too! Please don’t ask me to explain the science behind it – I just know it works!

7. Page Protectors

I love using plastic page protectors because they cut down on the need for laminating everything. By sliding a page into the page protector students can complete the page using a dry-erase marker. It makes a really quick and easy way to add practice pages to centers. It saves on copies and laminating and the students love using dry-erase markers! That’s a win for sure.

8. Mailing Labels

These Avery Address Labels go right along with my need to label everything. You can get Avery labels in a variety of sizes which makes them perfect for just about anything. I use them to label everything from stored center activities to student notebooks. If you need to remove them later, just use some rubbing alcohol.

Teacher Tip: At the beginning of the year I print up a sheet of labels with each student’s name on them. Then I have name labels I can easily grab throughout the year to label book bags, folders, water bottles, and pencils.

9. Expo Markers

I buy 4 sets of multicolored Expo markers every year! I always go with the name brand because not only are their colors bright and vivid, but they erase well. Not all dry erase markers are created equal! This is one of those situations where the cheap knock-offs just don’t compare.

10. Comfortable Shoes

This is a major requirement for me! I fell in love with Rothys for teaching. I love the look of these shoes, but even more important is how comfortable they are. As a teacher you are on your feet all.day.long! It’s really important to have shoes that comfortable and supportive. Check them out if you are looking for something that falls in the category of cute and comfortable! Use this link to get $20 off!

They have lots of different styles and colors to choose from.

11. Band-Aids

Second maybe only to stickers, band-aids are a lifesaver in the classroom. There are many nurse requests that can be quickly and easily solved with a band-aid. Since we don’t want a student to miss out on 5-10 minutes of instruction for a boo-boo that’s NOT bleeding, having a supply of band-aids in the classroom is key! Whether it’s actually “needed” or not, a band-aid fixes any minor injury!

Bonus Idea: Another great boo-boo fix is a cold sponge. If you have a refrigerator in your classroom, simply cut a kitchen sponge into four pieces. Add water and wring them out so they are just damp. Then put it inside a small zip-lock bag and throw it in the freezer. It’s the perfect solution for bumps and aches that aren’t quite nurse-worthy.

12. Yearly Calendar

These days there is so much more to teaching than just teaching in your classroom. There are lots of meetings and planning. Having a good calendar system is key. While I do like to keep things on the calendar on my phone, I also like to have a paper calendar. There’s just something about seeing it that helps me to remember things. I like to hang a big calendar, like this Aesthetic Greenery Wall Calendar, behind my desk for quick and easy reference.

13. Stickers

Elementary students love these at any age! I use them for their papers as well as on their hands at the beginning of the year as a reward for following procedures. I always grab a few sticker books at my dollar store when I am there. I have even added strips of stickers or small sticker packs to my treasure chest. They are an inexpensive option for encouraging or rewarding students.

14. Cardstock

Use cardstock to print charts, activities, and game pieces you plan to use more than once. While it is more expensive than regular copy paper, it can really add life to your classroom resources. Your materials will last SO much longer, so you won’t have to reinvent the wheel every year.

15. Plastic Utensils

Random, I know, but trust me you will need them at some point or another! Paper plates don’t hurt either. Whether it saves you a trip to the cafeteria to grab a fork or an impromptu project you will find that some utensils can come in quite handy.

16. Astrobrights Paper

I LOVE Astrobrights! This colorful paper is the perfect way to add some pizazz to your copies. Whenever I have an important note to send home, I use these so that it doesn’t get lost in a sea of white copy paper. These are also a great way to save color ink. Print in black and white on colored paper to make the activity or cards pop!

17. Clear View Binders

When it comes to keeping myself organized this is my go-to resource. I use the 1/2 inch and 1-inch notebooks for everything. I love that I can keep everything I need in one place. I can stay organized while also using the clear covers to keep everything labeled. At any given time, you can find my lesson plans, small group reading plans, data binders, and more on my shelves. These are always the best price at Walmart during their back-to-school sale.

18. Wall Timer

If there’s one tool that is not only practical but also helps students to learn independence it is a large wall timer. This larger timer is perfect to display at the front of the room and use any time students have a time limit. They are perfect for reminding students how much time they have left to complete an activity. It is great for writer’s workshop, independent reading time, and center rotations. The kids love being able to see how many minutes are left and it really helps keep everyone on task!

19. Zip-lock bags

You can’t go wrong by stocking your classroom with ALL sizes of zip-lock bags! Trust me, I seriously use these all the time. They come in handy for manipulatives, art supplies, books, broken necklaces, and even the occasional lost tooth!

The gallon-size bags are the perfect way to store center supplies when not in use. They are big enough to add in a master copy of the student response sheet too! This way everything you need stays together in one place.

20. Wireless Doorbell

A wireless doorbell is the BEST classroom management hack I have found. I think we can all agree that gone are the days of silent classrooms. That means, getting students’ attention is a little more difficult. But raising your voice doesn’t have to be the answer. Instead, use a wireless doorbell chime as your signal. Starting on day 1 I teach my students what it means when they hear the chime. In my classroom, students stop what they are doing and look at me. Then I can give an instruction without having to spend 30-60 seconds getting everyone’s attention.

21. Insulated Water Cup

Yeti makes these, but there are lots of cheaper brands that work just as well! After all, I don’t need to keep my drink cold for days on end. But I do love having a cup that will keep my water cold all day long. This Teacher Life cup is perfect for just that!

22. Cute Teacher Bag

I would love to get to the point where school stuff stays at school, but I’m just not there yet. Sigh! So having a large tote bag (aka teacher bag) is a must. It becomes my version of a student’s backpack. Anything that needs to go to school gets put in there. It is much easier than trying to grab a stack of papers or multiple items and get them from the classroom to the car and then to the house.

23. Fun Teacher Shirts

I don’t know about you, but sometimes just wearing a cute shirt helps perk up my morning! Plus, they are great for those days that you have “nothing” to wear! I’ve also had administrators that will allow a teacher shirt or school shirt with jeans. You can find lots of amazing teacher-themed shirts on Etsy.

24. Nice Lunch Box

Just as my students do, I get SO excited to pick a new lunch box for the school year! I like to find one like this with separate compartments to keep my cold food away from other items. An insulated lunch box is also a great thing to have if you don’t have easy access to a refrigerator. As an added bonus, having one of these really helps me stay on track with eating healthy on a budget!

25. Emergency Sub Tub

There’s nothing worse than waking up sick and not having something for a substitute teacher to do. In fact, I truly believe that many teachers go to work not feeling well because sub plans can be just too time-consuming to put together in a pinch. I highly recommend taking some time before the year begins to put together a sub tub. I like to think of a sub day as a great review day. By including activities that my students already know how to do, they can work more independently. And . . . some time reviewing previously learned skills never hurt anyone! I like to update it each quarter based on their skill level. You will thank yourself by taking a few minutes every couple of months to update the activities. It’s so much easier to do when you healthy and feeling good.

26. Student Certificates

In my classroom, I love celebrating my students. I don’t think there is a better way to encourage good habits, taking risks, and hard work. Letting students know that you recognize all they are doing goes a long way to building relationships too! Using certificates is a great way to do this. I love having these on hand to recognize my students for a job well done. Check out my Superhero and Rockstar theme editable certificates!

27. Electric Pencil Sharpener

I know your classroom wall probably already comes complete with a pencil sharpener, but let’s be honest. They don’t always work well, can make a mess, can be loud and students can’t sharpen a pencil very quickly. Instead, grab one of these electric pencil sharpeners and solve all those problems! And . . . to help them last longer don’t use them sharpen colored pencils or “fancy” pencils that have the plastic decorative coating on the outside. There’s something about colored pencils and the plastic coating that will send an electric pencil sharpener to an early grave.

28. Wax Warmer or Diffuser

Kids play pretty hard at recess! This means that sometimes your classroom can need a little “freshening up.” I love using non-toxic essential oils in this diffuser as a way to refresh my room. Wax warmers are also great if you like heavier scents. Just make sure to keep anything that warms up high and out of reach of little hands. You might also need to check with your local fire marshall to see if there are any rules or regulations about using them in the classroom.

29. Clorox Wipes

Whenever you have multiple people in one place you get lots and lots of germs! Consistently using disinfecting wipes is a great way to cut down on the germs and do your part towards keeping everyone healthy. Clorox wipes are great for wiping down desks, shelves, and doorknobs at the end of the week.

30. Chocolate Stash

Trust me, if you get nothing else from this list of teacher must-haves. . . you absolutely NEED some emergency treats! Enough said!

Have the BEST Year Ever!

I hope you enjoyed my list of classroom must-haves! These items help my days run more smoothly, the classroom more efficiently, and really do help me be a better teacher!

Did you see anything new you might try in your classroom? I know there are a lot of ideas on my list. You don’t need to use them all. Instead, think about one or two areas where your classroom needs a little tweaking. Then find something to help solve those problem areas. I hope some of these items help streamline your teaching and routine or at the very least bring you some calm during the more chaotic days!

Save These Classroom Must Haves!

Pin this post to your favorite classroom Pinterest board so you can quickly and easily come back to it when you’re ready to try some of my favorites in your classroom!

The post 30 Classroom Must Haves for an Awesome Year! appeared first on Elementary Island.

Top 15 Teacher Must Haves from Amazon

Jordana — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 19:17:00 +0000

I think it’s safe to say that teaching is one of those professions that comes along with a lot of “stuff”. Whether you teach kindergarten or upper elementary, you probably have a ton of materials to keep organized. This is no easy task but it’s SO important for creating a calm and inviting classroom. Over the years, I have tested a ton of tools, systems, boxes, and bins. Some were great and others didn’t even last a year. Today I am bringing you the tried and true winners for a well-organized classroom. Check out my Top 15 Teacher Must Haves from Amazon!

1. Teacher Toolbox

I’m honestly not sure if there is anything better than this for staying organized. I LOVE my teacher toolbox as a way to keep all my most frequently used items organized and easily accessible.

If you’re looking to customize your toolbox like mine, be sure to check out my Cactus theme and Superhero theme decor sets! These toolbox decor sets are editable and sized to fit the drawers on this unit perfectly. Also, I have seen these cheaper at Home Depot and Lowes, so be sure to shop around on this item if you’re looking for a bargain!

2. View Binders

These are true classroom heroes! I stock up on these at the beginning of the year and use them for just about everything! I find that Walmart typically has these for the cheapest price right at back-to-school time.

I love these for organizing small group materials, math and literacy resources, and seasonal activities. They are easy to store on a shelf and the view pocket makes it simple to find exactly what you’re looking for.

3. Rolling Teacher Cart

This is my all-time favorite teacher cart and it’s often 50% off at Michaels! I love how many drawers this has and how bright and cheerful the colors are. I use this for my small group materials and store them right next to my small group table. It is super easy to access everything I need!

4. Shoe Organizer

This one might seem a little odd to include in a classroom roundup, but trust me, it is an organization and storage dream! These can be used for so many things, and are a great space saver since they hang right over a door.

I personally love to use these for my classroom store. The pockets are clear, making it easy for students to see what is available for “purchase.” This avoids having to dig around in a bin or search for just the right thing. Since I started using them, the shopping process has sped up too!

As an added bonus, you will know when you need to replenish your supply! These are also great for storing extra pencils, crayons, markers, and craft supplies.

5. Storage Trays

These are great to use if you have classroom helpers or assistants. I use 4 of these and print labels for each that read, “copy”, “review”, “grade” and “file”. This way, if my assistant happens to have any downtime they can easily check the bins and see what needs to get done. It’s a simple way to keep things organized and avoid your assistant having to wait on you for direction.

6. Paper Sorter

While these aren’t the cutest organizational system, they are SO functional. I have used these for sorting colored construction paper and printer paper but they are also perfect for collecting student work. I like to label these with each subject so that students can place their finished work in the appropriate bin. This makes grading a breeze! As a bonus, this paper sorter stacks to save space.

7. Circular Magnets

At the beginning of the year, I assign each student a number. The students will use their numbers to keep track of their own materials, cubby, drawers, etc. I number these magnets with a permanent marker and will then use them on a magnetic board to have students make their lunch choice for the day upon entering the classroom. I love giving my students this responsibility and as a bonus, this system doubles for taking attendance super quickly as well!

8. Tower Drawer Unit

The options for this unit are endless! I especially love the durability of these drawers, making them great for students to handle. These drawers are another great option for collecting student work. I purchase enough of these units for each child to have a drawer and label by numbers so you don’t have to change the label every year. Children compile their work in here, rather than shoving them into their desks. We all know those desks eat loose papers!

You can also find these at Michael’s during the 50% off sales, bringing this item down to around $50 each! It’s a steal in my opinion!

I also love these for housing seasonal materials that get swapped out every month that I was the students to have access to. I’m pretty sure you can never have enough drawer units in an elementary classroom!

9. Library Book Bins

These are the BEST book bins for your classroom library. They are wide enough that students can flip through the books in each bin and easily see the entire cover of every book. I also love that a label will easily fit on the front, so the kids can put their books back in the correct bin independently. I have also seen these at Walmart, Target, and occasionally even the dollar store!

10. Colorful Book Bins

These colorful book bins have so many uses, and they don’t just stop at holding books! I love to use these for helping students corral and keep track of items assigned to them. During small group time, each child will have their own set of materials in the bin and then they return all the items when finished. It makes it super easy to pass out and collect materials, and saves time too!

Another fantastic use for these is for silent reading time. Each student will choose 5 books and place them in their bin before the timer starts. This way they are actually reading during the allotted time, rather than “searching” for a book. This is a great tool for behavior management during independent activities. I often see these in the Target Dollar Spot, and they come in a ton of colors!

11. Dry Erase Pockets & Dry Erase Boards

These items are crucial for my daily small groups. I love that students can use the same worksheet over and over with the handy dry erase pockets. This set also has a hole punched in each pocket, making these perfect to hang on a command hook attached to your small group cart or shelf.

You can also use a metal ring to create a set of dry erase activity sheets for students to complete during centers. Once on the ring, students can just flip through each activity. And don’t forget that you can add a page that will show through on the front and back of each dry erase pocket.

The dry erase boards, though similar to the pockets, are also essential all on their own as far as I’m concerned! These are perfect for practicing just about any concept. I love that we don’t need to print off a ton of paper when using these and they are great for whole group games, small groups, centers, and quick assessments. And . . . there’s something about saying ‘grab a dry erase marker’ that increases student engagement too!

12. Student Mailboxes

If you’re in the market for student mailboxes, don’t even consider the cardboard ones! Trust me, those were a total waste of money and sadly don’t even hold up a year. While these ones are a bit pricier, you will be pleased to see how sturdy they are. I bought the 24 compartment set and they lasted 20 years in my classroom! The 24 compartment set is a bit more compact. If you have the space, it’s much cheaper to buy 2 of the 15 compartment units instead.

To keep these organized, I write each student’s number on a binder clip with a permanent marker and clip it to the shelf. Each child can easily find their cubby this way and take minimal effort on your part!

13. Giant Post-Its

These are so useful in the elementary classroom! I love using these for anchor charts, brainstorming, quick visuals for a lesson, or really anything I want the children to be able to reference later. Having a large whiteboard is great, but eventually, you have to erase the info you put up there. This solves that problem and allows you to revisit the chart anytime your kiddos need it! Since they are sticky you can quickly and easily move them to a new wall.

14. Wireless Doorbell

This little gadget will solve all of your classroom management woes for under $20! I love this battery-operated doorbell as it has so many different chime options and volume levels, so you can customize it to your liking. I LOVE using this to get my kids’ attention. It’s especially helpful when your class is getting a little rambunctious. I love that my students know exactly what the chime means and I don’t have to shout and try to get everyone’s attention.

15. Velcro Carpet Dots

Last but not least, these velcro carpet dots will save your sanity! I like to use these as a visual reminder for where students will stand or sit throughout the year. Great for maintaining a bit of space between the children during silent reading time or independent activities. This will prevent you from having to “remind” your students where they should be during an assigned activity away from their desks. They are a great option for carpet time if you don’t have a rug with marked seating spaces.

I hope you enjoyed taking a peek at my favorite classroom tools and materials! I have found that using these items in the classroom makes for a much smoother day-to-day operation and promotes independence among my students.

While you aren’t likely to try everything on this list, give one or two a try. Think about the areas in your classroom that give you the most frustration and try one of these to help fix it. And . . . when you order from Amazon you can have it delivered directly to your school. No more lugging boxes from your house to the classroom.

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