As teachers, we spend so much of our time and money ensuring that we create the best experiences for our kids. Over the years, I have realized that I enjoyed things much more when I was organized and when I could treat myself to some new and FUN things every now and then. Here are a few of my favorite teaching tools and I am sure many can relate–teachers or not!
I have included affiliate links to Amazon for you to access most of these products.
These pens are amazing. They come in so many colors, and help me stay organized by allowing me to color code my planner. They do not bleed through pages–and that is always a plus in my book!
This binder is so great for keeping everything in one place. I love how it’s not as bulky as a binder, but still holds all the same features. I can print out my online lesson plans from Planbook (which I will touch on later), and can 3-hole punch them right in. It comes with built in folders, a clear-view cover, and paper. I keep everything I might need–class list, schedules, calendars, etc. so it’s ready for me or a sub.
I enjoy Kimberly Geswien’s fun fonts for creating new parent letters, or products for classroom use. She offers them for FREE for personal use. My favorite is KG Miss Kindergarten. Please read her terms of use, especially if you plan to use them to sell on TPT, as you will need to purchase a license.
I have been using Planbook for the past four years. It does cost money, but it is definitely worth the $15/year. They do offer a 30-day trial. There are so many great things about it. Some of my favorite features are:
Access your plans from anywhere–easy to print, easy to share.
SO ORGANIZED.
Add in your schedule once, and have it set up for the entire year!
Supports weekly, two-week, A/B, and cycle schedules.
If you have an unexpected “no school day”, you can add it in and all your lessons automatically shift.
If you didn’t get to a lesson, just “bump” it to the next day!
You can add images, colored fonts, etc. and it doesn’t mess up your template!
Tubs & Baskets
Here is my teacher planning station. I Have a tub for each day of the week, plus some extra “drawers.”
Tubs and baskets for EVERYTHING. I love book bins, flat tubs, and baskets of every shape and size. I took one summer and went through everything, putting it in a tub and labeled it. Makes life so much easier!
Baskets are great for organizing both YOU and the KIDS.
Dollar Tree has a great variety of containers. Most of my storage items have come from there, or the Target dollar spot.
I could do a whole post on these!
Iris Storage Containers
Although I typically buy cheaper tubs and baskets, these containers are really AMAZING and keep everything in great shape. They are strong and durable and stack up great. I store many of my small group manipulatives and “traveling” items that students need to carry with them. I also store thematic unit materials (books, writing cards, etc., in them. These can be pricey, but they are oh so worth the money. I have the “thicker” and “thin” versions. I initially wanted to use the thin ones to replace my filing cabinet files, but that might be a whole other summer task!
Those of you who are not “teachers” there are GREAT for storing craft items! I also have them at home and use them for storing my different craft materials (felt, faux leather, vinyl, cardstock, etc).
No Teacher Desk
This year took my teacher desk out of my room because I always felt like it was cluttered with piles. Plus, my classroom is awkward, and I needed to make use of as much space as possible. I now use my kidney table as my main desk, and store all my materials in a cart beside me, or on a shelf behind me. It helps me stay organized because I need to ensure it is cleaned off completely each night for working with my small groups the next morning.
Flexible Seating
This year I started offering flexible seating options for independent work time. In Kindergarten, I always feel it is important for students to know how to sit and work at a “desk,” but I also know that not all students or adults work best sitting at a table or desk. I now offer a tall standing table, a short table to sit on the floor with wobble cushions, clipboards for laying, or stability balls. In my photos above, I include regular cushions and wobble cushions for students to sit on while on the floor table. These also work in regular student chairs for those who may be “antsy.” My goal is to get a set of 6 for my small group table.
These are just a few of my “teaching favorites”…but as each new year starts, I find new things to try, and usually end up loving!
What else do I need? Share your favorite teacher item or idea below! OR what else do you want to see!?
Comments