Whether you are a veteran teacher or entering the classroom for the first time, you know that there are items that teachers cannot live without!
Favorite markers, that perfect pair of scissors, that brain break trick that’s saved you a hundred times, there are just some things that you cannot teach without.
A few years ago I shared my 25 must haves for special ed teachers, but I was curious. So I decided to ask the veteran teachers in Mrs. D’s VIPs Facebook Group, what items they can’t live without and why. Is your must-have item on the list?
The original post can be found here. Not a VIP member yet? Join thousands of other teachers and sign up now (it’s free!). We’d love to have you join us!
From chairs to co-teachers, here are the top things that teachers can’t live without:
Rolling Chairs. Sometimes you just need to scoot across an area quickly, and a rolling chair can be a lifesaver!
Laminators. Teachers spend a lot of their own money on supplies and teaching tools, so a laminator that protects those things will be your BFF.
Paraprofessionals. These men and women can change the mood of the classroom in a moment with their enthusiastic, can-do attitudes. They are truly the backbone to so many classrooms. We would be lost without them!
Pens, Pens, and More Pens. There are never enough pens when you’re teaching. Think you have enough? You don’t. You’re going to need more.
Smartboards. What did you even do before you got a Smartboard?!
Mental Health Days. Sometimes the best teaching items are the ones not found in the classroom. Be sure to use those mental health days if you have them!
Color printers with inexpensive ink. Printing out all the things can be costly, but a color printer with inexpensive ink can feel like Christmas every time you use it.
Sticky Notes. These handy little sticky notes can be used for everything from writing notes to students to marking pages in your planner. The more you have, the better. Don’t forget to try them in different sizes and shapes too!
Sharpies. The king of permanent markers, Sharpies are a lifesaver for marking the things you don’t want to lose. Just be careful to keep them up high!
Let’s not forget about Mr. Sketch. He’s all of our main man… I don’t think I have ever heard a teacher say no to a fresh pack of Mr. Sketch markers.
Teacher friends. Is there anything more important than other teachers who know just what you’re going through and can help you get through the day? Teacher friends are the best of friends and can help get you through anything!
Planners. Whether you’re a paper planner person or a digital planner guru, planners help you stay on track and keep things focused. My favorite planner is the Erin Condren Lesson Planner (see my review and get a $10 off coupon code here.)
Document Cameras. Once a luxury, document cameras are now a must-have in most classrooms. They make teaching so much easier!
Coffee… or any type of caffeine! Try not having it for a morning and see how it goes. Caffiene definitely counts as a teaching thing.
Velcro. There is something so impressive about being able to stick things to walls, doors, students’ chairs and desks, and bulletin boards with a little adhesive strip of Velcro. It also serves as a wardrobe malfunction lifesaver in a pinch!
Timers. Stay on track with timers that help keep track of when work time is over, and it’s time to transition. Set them to vibrate or play music if the buzz is a bit too much. Timer clipboards are also SUPER helpful (and easy to DIY)!
File Folders. Organize all the things with file folders in different colors and patterns. They help keep paper clutter under control.
Background Music. Quiet, relaxing music can completely change the feel of the classroom. Invest in some quiet music CDs or turn on YouTube, Spotify, or Pandora for some relaxing background music for you and the students.
What are some of the items that you cannot live without? Are there teaching tools that you have found as an invaluable part of your day?
Share them with us below or join the group and let us know!
