There is a short list of must-haves that both teachers and students can't get enough of in the classroom. They are rarely on the back-to-school supply lists that parents get – but they are ALWAYS in the carts of teachers everywhere. We use them over and over and can't get enough of them. They are on our teacher wish lists and if we got them as a gift we'd pretty much jump for joy and hug your neck simultaneously. Trust me. I've been the jumper-hugger multiple times.
Teachers and Students and Pencils – OH MY.
For teachers, there are certain things that have a strange magnetism about them. For instance, whenever I see ANYTHING shaped like a pencil – I feel the strange need to OWN IT. Seriously.
I own pencil-shaped earrings and two pencil-shaped pillows (that Target made me buy). I own socks that look like pencils and a pencil case that looks like a…pencil.
Teachers and students alike seem to be affected by this need to purchase ALL the pencil things. I have a large glowing night-light pencil that was a gift from a student, and have been gifted jars and cups that all look like…you guessed it…PENCILS.
I'm not complaining. I may or may not also get excited when I see things that look like a ruler or an oversized paper clip.
(I would almost bet that if you are a teacher reading this, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. An office supply obsession that is borderline problematic.)
So…you have an almost kindergartener…You're in luck! I'm here to dish the dirt, spill the tea, and then cheer you on!
Get ready to be: CONFIDENT – IN THE KNOW – & READY TO GO!
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OH…your kindergarten teacher will LOVE YOU.
TRUST ME.
Back to School Time
I teach kindergarten, but the items listed below can be found in any elementary teacher's classroom. If you can't find them – it's likely because they've already run out or another teacher has ‘borrowed' them!
When it's back-to-school time, I keep an ongoing wishlist of things I need-want-should get more of. I know I will somehow always have enough glue sticks and scissors – for some reason these seem like the meat and potatoes of classroom supplies.
But dessert? Ohhhhh yeah. The sugar rush you get from that first bite of key lime pie is much like the rush a teacher will get when a student unexpectedly walks in the door with one of these items – or you KNOW that Amazon box that just got delivered is filled with brand new “supply candy”.
Without further ado…let's talk about what teachers and students LOVE – and why.
1. Astrobrights Color Paper and Cardstock
First of all, with color names like solar yellow, pulsar pink, re-entry red, and gamma green I'm already hooked!
Printing on Astrobrights provides that eye candy – without using up expensive colored ink! Our school doesn't have a color printer, so this is especially attractive to me and my kindergarten needs.
Click here for my favorite picks! (Look in the Gotta Have Extra list)
How I Use in My Classroom
These are just a few examples of how I use Astrobrights in my classroom. (Click on any pic to see the full post) Another thing I love is that they also post great inspiration ideas on their website! What is YOUR favorite way to utilize them in the classroom or at home? Share in the comments!
2. Post-It Notes
They advertise 2x as sticky – and I gotta say – they're right!
I learned the hard way that sometimes buying a generic sticky note brand isn't always the best move! I had my yearly observation and the culminating activity was for them to use a sentence strip and sticky notes to re-tell a story using the correct sequence.
THE STICKY NOTES DIDN'T STICK. Which meant…chaos. Lesson learned. Post-its for me, please. Teachers and students agree.
Click here for my favorite picks! (Look in the Gotta Have Extra list)
How I use in my classroom
These are just a few examples of how I use Post-its in my classroom. (Click on any pic to see the full post) I also love how they post great inspiration ideas on their website! What is YOUR favorite way to utilize them in the classroom or at home? Share in the comments!
3. Flair Pens
Teaching with FLAIR. This one can only be summed up by my favorite…Mr. D. 🙂
Click the link below for either of these flair-filled items to take a closer look. (Look in the You Know You're A Teacher If… List
For my favorite Flair Pen Pics – click here. (Look in the GOTTA HAVE EXTRA list)
4. Dry Erase Pockets
I honestly don't know what we'd do without these dry-erase sleeves in my classroom! We use them for SO MANY things!
I have found that the best eraser for little hands are magic erasers – cut into 1/4s. They last a LONG time – and really get that expo marker smudge off.
Click here for my favorite picks! (Look in the Gotta Have Extra list)
How I use in my classroom
These are just a few examples of how I use dry-erase sleeves in my classroom. (Click on any pic to see the full post) What is YOUR favorite way to utilize them in the classroom or at home? Share in the comments!
5. Scotch Personal Laminator
I think these Scotch Laminators are one of the best, and easiest to use inventions a teacher could ever ask for!
The big laminator in the school office is great for bigger jobs – but the quality of these laminating pouches is much more heavy-duty for things like bookmarks, ornaments, and things you want to last a while!
Click here for the link! (Look in the Gotta Have Extra list)
How I Use in My Classroom
6. Little Rewards: Treasure Chest & Birthdays
If you teach elementary – you know the power and fun of a Treasure Chest. Whether it looks like an actual chest, or is just a basket or box like you see I have – it's a favorite for teachers and students!
I love to keep inexpensive trinkets, party favors, Target dollar spot items, etc on hand to keep it fresh and fun for the kids. (Parents also bring in items whenever they run across them – helps a LOT!)
I also let each kid fill up a birthday bag with some of the same items I keep in a separate place – along with a fun pen or crazy straw and birthday pencil and bracelet.
Click here for my favorite picks! (Look in the Treasure Chest and Birthday Bag Favorites list)
7. Face Stamp
Ok, so maybe number seven is less of a “NEED” and more of an “OH MY GOSH you GOTTA GET ONE!!” I saw this on a friend's IG and knew I had to get one for myself. Let me tell you that it arrived QUICKLY and works GREAT and I plan on adding more to my arsenal! I have a feeling my new kindergarteners are going to think it's hilarious! Go get one and tell them I sent ya!
What would YOU put on YOUR stamp? Let me know in the comments!
YOUR Must have Classroom Supplies
What would you add to your dream list of supplies that both teachers and students love and use almost daily in the classroom? I'd love to know! Now…off to laminate some “First Day of Kindergarten” necklaces on my Astrobrights!
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