There are several items that I can live without as a teacher. Some of these items have been with me since I started, while others I have just recently added to my toolbox. I may not carry a toolbox, but I do have a couple of Thirty-One bags that have helped carried all the teacher supplies I needed. I love these ten items, and I hope you will enjoy them.
1. Pilot G-2 Ink Pens-These are the best gel ink pens. They are bright and last a long time. I love to use them for grading and writing passes.
2. Classroom Management that Works: Research-based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement by Robert J. Marzano-I just recently became aware of Marzano’s strategies, and I love them! I bought the book and have been using the strategies it suggested. One strategy I created from the book was “Comparison Matrix”. I’m planning to have students use it to identify similarities and differences using two articles.
3. Post-Its-I love Post-Its. They are easy to grab for writing passes, notes, and even bookmarks. Students use them too for annotating their text, as exit slips, or as notes during a discussion. They’re so convenient and easily accessible.
4. Binders-Binders keep me organized. I bought a few designer binders and placed them on my work bookshelf. They add a pop of color to my desk, and they nicely tuck paper away. I use tabs and organize all the paperwork within the binders. This year, I have used more binders, and it has definitely kept the loose-leaf paperwork under control.
5. Tray Sets-These are a lifesaver. You will need one set for completed work and one for graded work. Make students accountable by having them turn in papers and pass out graded work. If I did not have trays, there would not be a system to collect or pass out work. I cannot recall one teacher that does not use trays or storage units in their class.
6. Planner-Teachers have department meetings, parent meetings, faculty council, IEP meetings, and staff meetings. All the meetings make it challenging to keep track of them. Purchase a planner and write down all the important events that are approaching.
7. Reserve Teacher Folder-When emergencies arise and you are not able to be at work, you need a reserve teacher folder. In the folder are emergency drills, seating charts, notes to the reserve teacher, and worksheets. Explain your expectations on completing the worksheet before you are absent. Providing the reserve teacher with a folder will make the reserve teacher’s day go smoother.
8. A Timer-What teacher does not have a timer? A timer can be used for the class’s bell ringer, time reading, time games, etc. I use my timer daily with my classes for those reasons.
9.Pencils (Golf Pencils for older students)-No one can get out of doing work because they don’t have a pencil when they can borrow from you. My students hate golf pencils, but the golf pencils are to encourage students to bring their own standard size pencil.
10. Writing Prompt for the Early Finishers-If you ever had a student that finished early or completed a quiz fast, you can hand them a sheet with a writing prompt. After a quiz, I typically give a word puzzle, but I also have a stack of writing prompts. This allows students to expand their knowledge and practice their writing skills. Don’t be without any work after a quiz or test; otherwise, students will begin talking.
Hope these ten items help you get your teacher toolbox together! They have endured for decades. In the comment section below, tell me what you keep year after year.
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