As the back to school season approaches, teachers everywhere are gearing up to create a positive and productive learning environment for their students. To help you kick off the new school year with confidence, I’ve compiled a list of essential must haves every teacher should consider having in their arsenal. From practical supplies to innovative tools, let’s explore the essentials that will set you up for a successful start to the academic year.
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Organizational Supplies
- Teacher Planner: A reliable teacher planner will be your lifeline throughout the year, helping you stay organized with lesson plans, events, and important dates. I also love an oversized desk calendar for noting faculty meetings, professional development, district closings, and more. It helps keep my desk free of paper piles. Speaking of clutter…
- Storage Solutions: Invest in bins, baskets, and organizers to keep your classroom tidy and materials easily accessible. I’m obsessed with my teacher toolbox; year 13 and it’s still going strong! I made a second one for my students to use and never looked back. Invest in your organizational systems now so you’re not pulling your hair out later.
Classroom Essentials
- Whiteboard or Chalkboard: A classroom staple for daily announcements, notes, and brainstorming sessions with students. You can section it off with washi tape or a decorative bulletin border. The larger the board, the better. If it’s magnetic, consider that an added bonus!
- Dry Erase Markers or Chalk: Stock up on markers or chalk in various colors for visually interactive lessons. Pro tip: store your dry-erase markers upside down to keep them writing vibrant.
- Classroom Library: Build a diverse collection of books that cater to different interests and reading levels to foster a love for reading in your students. Math teachers, don’t think you’re off the hook! Click here to learn why you should also be reading in your content class.
Digital Tools
- Document Camera: Enhance your teaching by projecting books, student work, and teaching materials onto a screen for all to see. I love my lightweight Hue HD Pro!
- Online Platforms: Utilize educational websites, apps, and platforms to enrich student learning and engagement. Prodigy and Epic! Books are my tried and true (and free!) favorites… so much so, I am an ambassador for both brands!
Teaching Resources
- Curriculum Guides and Standards: Familiarize yourself with curriculum guidelines and standards to ensure your lessons are aligned and purposeful.
- Interactive Notebooks: Incorporate interactive notebooks to make learning engaging and to encourage student ownership of their work. I’ve even got four foldable templates you can DIY and try out for free!
Classroom Decorations
- Bulletin Board Sets: Decorate your classroom with themed bulletin board sets to create an inviting and visually stimulating environment. For math teachers, I created an interactive math joke display even my middle schoolers get a kick out of! Check it out.
- Posters and Visual Aids: Display educational posters that reinforce key concepts and encourage critical thinking.
Assessment Tools
- Rubrics: Use rubrics to provide clear expectations for student assignments and projects. They make grading more efficient and transparent.
- Assessment Apps or Software: Explore digital assessment tools that streamline the grading process and provide valuable insights into student performance. I love Prodigy Math Game for grades K-6.
Teacher-Student Communication
- Parent-Teacher Communication App: Use a reliable app or platform to facilitate open and timely communication with parents. Find what works best for you. Some popular ones to consider: Remind, Classtag, and Class Dojo.
- Classroom Newsletters: Send out weekly or monthly newsletters to keep parents informed about classroom happenings and student progress.
Ensuring a Successful Start
Equipped with these back to school must haves, you’ll be ready to embrace the upcoming academic year with enthusiasm and confidence. As you set up your classroom and plan your lessons, remember: the most essential resource is your passion for teaching and nurturing young minds! You are the must-have essential item for class. Wishing you a fantastic start to the upcoming school year, filled with lots of learning and memorable moments.
ACTIONABLE STEPS: What’s in your teacher toolbox? Share with other educators in the comments section below your teacher must haves. Remember, the most valuable tools are the ones that inspire creativity, foster engagement, and build meaningful connections with your students. Happy teaching!
