Can you believe it is already time to start thinking about and planning another school year? There is always SO MUCH that goes into a new school year and at times it can feel overwhelming, so I have compiled a list of some of my favorite classroom must haves!
1. Teacher Bag
Every teacher knows they need a convenient way to tote their materials and (ungraded) papers to and from school. Throughout my teaching career I have tried SO many different bags, but this backpack is a game changer. Backpacks won't slip off your shoulder like many tote bags and it frees up your hands for opening doors and carrying your morning coffee.
This stylish backpack comes in a variety of colors and is large enough to store a 15" laptop with plenty of additional space. Available on Amazon - 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 10,000 reviews!
2. Water Tumbler
Does anyone else feel like they drink more water throughout the day when you're drinking from a cute tumbler? Just me? Either way it's super important for us to remember to drink water throughout the day, so a tumbler certainly makes my list of teacher must haves.
This adorable teacher tumbler is double walled to keep your cold drinks cold and your warm drinks warm. Available on Amazon. 4.7 out of 5 stars with over 200 reviews!
3. Wireless Doorbell
Y'all... If you haven't already tried this in your classroom, stop what you are doing and order one NOW. It is a classroom management GAME CHANGER. Seriously. I was skeptical at first, but it is one of the most frequently used items in my classroom. It can be used as an attention getter, to signal station rotations, and so much more.
This wireless doorbell comes in several colors and is extremely easy to install. Available on Amazon. 4.6 out of 5 stars with over 21,000 reviews!
4. Utility Rolling Cart
Another item with a variety of uses. Store supplies, small group materials, or stations easily using one (or several) of these 3 tier utility carts. The wheels make it a breeze to move these carts throughout your classroom to fit your needs.
This 3 tier utility cart is available in a variety of colors on Amazon. 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 2,000 reviews.
5. Cordless Hot Glue Gun
If you're an elementary school teacher you already know how much of a lifesaver a hot glue gun is in your classroom, but this cordless option is truly the greatest. No longer tied to your counter, you can easily move around your classroom when necessary. As a STEM teacher this is fantastic during all of our engineering projects.
Available on Amazon with 4.3 out of 5 stars and over 3,600 reviews!
6. Laminator and Laminating Sheets
Here we go with yet another frequently used item in my classroom. In all honesty, if I don't use this daily it is definitely used every other day. Yes, my campus does have a large laminator for teachers to use, but having this personal laminator is so convenient for prepping stations and games for my students. I've had my Scotch laminator for 10 years now and it is still going strong.
In addition to the Scotch laminator I also prefer the Scotch laminating pouches. I've used other brands that are okay, but they don't always hold up as well as the Scotch brand. Save yourself the time and hassle of having to re laminate something and just go with these!
7. Paper Cutter
Again, I know there's one in the teacher workroom. I use that one too, but how many times have you been in your room and suddenly remember something you need cut 3 minutes before the students come in. Plus having one in your classroom saves you the time it would take you to haul all of your papers to and from the work room. Every minute of that planning period counts, doesn't it?
This Swingline Paper Cutter is one of the best I've found, personally. Clean cuts and super lightweight, which makes for easy storage.
8. Teacher Toolbox
The absolute easiest way to organize all of your personal supplies. This toolbox has 6 large drawers and 20 smaller drawers. I use the larger drawers for things such as Sharpies, pens, sticky notes, and glue sticks. The smaller drawers are perfect for thumb tacks, rubber bands, and paper clips.
9. Individual Whiteboards
Another item I don't know how I would teach without. We use these multiple times a day for quick checks, independent practice, and stations. This set comes with 24 dry erase boards (double sided) and mini erasers.
10. Pencil Sharpener
If you've been teaching any length of time you have probably gone through a couple of pencil sharpeners and already know that they are not all created equal. This X-Acto pencil sharpener is honestly the only one I will ever buy. It lasts far longer than any of the less expensive brands and is an all around teacher favorite. Available on Amazon. 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 8,800 reviews.
Are you a teacher? Do you have any favorites that you think should have made this list? Comment below! Let me know where you're from and what are some of your classroom favorites!
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