6 Essential Supplies I LOVED Implementing this Year
/Being a teacher is hard, some days more than others, but every day presents its own challenges. We work at what we love and we do it for our students. We only want what is best for them despite the hardships. So if I find something that makes my life just a little bit easier, then you can bet I am adding it to my toolbox.
Sometimes we don’t think of simple classroom supplies as a tool, but they absolutely can be when they make transitions, grading or organization easier. Read on for 6 new teacher supplies I loved implementing this year and how I found them to be life changing in the classroom!
Dry Erase Pockets
I have always loved using dry erase boards in my classroom to do quick checks for understanding. However, I didn’t love the bulkiness of them, the time to get them out and put them away and how easily they would break if dropped on the floor. I came across these dry erase pockets at the beginning of last year and almost instantly fell in love.
Sometimes I have my students put a worksheet in them and complete it. This means that the copies can be used over and over again for multiple classes or even multiple years. This method saves both paper and ink. Other times we slide a white piece of paper in it and use it for fast math or to show understanding of a new skill.
I have my students keep them in their notebook making it easier to get out to use each time. It has cut my transition time in half which increases our learning time each day.
Whiteboard Markers WITH Eraser
Another new teacher supply that I loved implementing this year was whiteboard markers with the eraser attached. By having the eraser built into the cap of the marker there is one less supply to get out and put away. Again, this helps with transitions.
It also helps with the clutter on the student’s desk. There is only so much room on a desktop and we need that space to get our work completed. This two in one option keeps things much more organized.
My students are also more prepared and not constantly looking for their missing eraser! The simplicity makes this teacher’s heart happy.
Small Groups Pocket Chart Organizer
I love running groups in my classroom! What I don’t love is the chaos that can ensue when getting students into groups. So I started using the small groups pocket chart organizer last year and it is a game changer.
It came with prelabeled direction cards and blank name cards. You can easily change up your groups and what they are doing that day. You just move a few cards around and consider it done.
My students have gotten used to checking the organizer each morning as they come into the room to find their group for the day. When it is time to transition they are ready to go…with no chaos!
Table Spots
I love having some type of marker on my group tables. It makes it easier for students to find their spots quickly and get to work. This is why table spots made my list of supplies.
And the best part about this particular brand of table spots is that they are dry erase friendly! Students can write down ideas, practice math problems or take notes during their work.
They are also fun to add to each students’ desk and leave a little positive note to start their week.
Fidget Chair Bands
Do you have a student that just can’t sit still during instruction time or independent work time? I know you probably have at least 5 or 6 of them! We all do and that is why fidget chair bands made my list of 6 new teacher supplies that I loved implementing this year.
These are like a miracle made out of rubber! They wrap around the front legs of the student desk and your kiddos can “bounce” their feet on them without being a distraction. They are durable and super simple to use.
I was amazed that something so effortless made such a noticeable difference with my wigglers!
Answer Buzzer Door Bells
Now, before you think you’ve seen these a zillion times before… it’s not what you think!!! Yes, of course you can use these as attention-getters as an amazing classroom management strategy, but this set I bought comes with 5 doorbell buttons!
How did I use them? For review games!!! My students are some of the most competitive people out there..it doesn’t even matter that I change kids each year! When we played review games they were always trying to yell over each other making it impossible to know where the correct answer was coming from. I ordered Answer Buzzer Door Bells and my students love them.
You can program them with different sounds so you can tell who has buzzed in their answer first. It has taken review games to a brand new level! This was a cheap and easy fix to a huge classroom management problem.
I am always looking for ways to make life easier…because let’s be honest, things are hard enough without any help from us. I have personally used these 6 tools in my own classroom and seen the benefits that they make without extra work for me. I know they will make a difference for you too and I can’t wait to hear what uses you come up with!
