My Top 10 List of Back-to-School Essentials You Didn't Know You Needed
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As the back-to-school season approaches, you’re probably gearing up for another exciting year of learning and growth.
While traditional supplies like pens, notebooks, and lesson planners are staples, there are numerous other essentials that can significantly enhance your daily routine as a teacher.
In this blog post, we explore the top 10 back-to-school essentials for teachers that you didn’t know you needed. These practical and budget-friendly items, all available on Amazon, will help you stay organized, improve your classroom environment, and streamline your teaching processes.
Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a new teacher preparing for your first year, these innovative tools will become indispensable in your teaching toolkit.
Why You Need It: A document camera is a versatile tool that transforms your teaching experience. Instead of holding up books or papers for students to see, you can project detailed images onto a screen.
This is invaluable for demonstrating problem-solving techniques, showing detailed illustrations, or sharing student work. It enhances student engagement and ensures everyone has a clear view.
In my large chemistry classes I use these to project laboratory demonstrations or the proper technique for different experiments. Students can focus on my hands while I am speaking without getting distracted. Check it out here.
Why You Need It: Time management is crucial in a classroom setting. A visual timer helps you and your students manage time effectively during activities, transitions, and tests.
It reduces anxiety about how much time is left and helps students develop better time management skills. The visual aspect is particularly helpful for younger students or those with special needs who benefit from a clear, visual countdown.
This Timer is magnetic so you can stick it up on your white board for all to see.
Why You Need It: I know not everyone uses presentations to teach, but for those of you who do, this remote gives you the freedom to move around the classroom while presenting.
You can engage with students more dynamically, rather than being stuck at your desk or podium.
The ability to navigate slides effortlessly allows you to maintain a smooth flow during lessons, making your presentations more interactive and engaging. Learn more here.
Why You Need It: These dividers help create individual workspaces for students during tests, independent work, or quiet reading time. They reduce distractions, helping students focus better. Privacy dividers can also be used to manage group activities by providing physical boundaries, promoting a more organized and controlled classroom environment. Get the pack of 20 here.
Why You Need it: A thermal laminator is an essential tool for every teacher. It allows you to protect and preserve important documents, teaching materials, and student work from wear and tear.
Laminated items are more durable, making them perfect for frequently used classroom resources like flashcards, charts, and signs. This not only saves you time and money on replacements but also ensures that your materials look professional and last longer. Investing in a thermal laminator is a practical way to keep your classroom organized and your teaching materials in top condition. Get the thermal laminator here.
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Why You Need It: A wireless doorbell is an essential tool for enhancing classroom management and organization. It allows teachers to quickly get students' attention and signal task transitions without raising their voice.
The flexibility and portability of a wireless doorbell make it easy to move between classrooms and set up without hassle. It can be integrated into classroom routines to reinforce positive behavior and establish predictable procedures, using customizable chimes for different activities. Check it out here.
Why You Need It: As a teacher, having card stock in your classroom is a game-
changer. This durable, versatile paper is perfect for creating high-quality, long-lasting materials like flashcards, bulletin board decorations, student awards, and instructional aids. It holds up better than regular paper, making it ideal for items that will be handled frequently.
Card stock also works well for arts and crafts projects, giving your students a sturdy base for their creative work. With card stock, you can produce professional-looking, reusable resources that enhance your classroom's organization and aesthetic appeal. This is the best one i've used.
Why You Need It: Maintaining good air quality in the classroom is important for the health and well-being of both you and your students.
An air purifier helps reduce allergens, dust, and other pollutants, creating a healthier environment. This is especially beneficial during flu season or in areas with poor air quality, helping reduce the spread of illnesses and improve overall comfort. Get the two pack here.
Why You Need It: A teacher toolbox keeps all your small supplies like paper clips, push pins, staples, and rubber bands neatly organized. Having everything in one place saves time and reduces the frustration of searching for small items during a busy school day. Get yours here.
Why You Need It: Keeping student papers, assignments, and important documents organized is crucial. A portable file organizer allows you to easily transport and store these materials. With compartments for different subjects or classes, it ensures that you can quickly access what you need without rummaging through piles of paper. I particularly like this one as it has storage on top for my pens , post it notes and stickers. check it out here.
Equipping yourself with the right back-to-school essentials can make a significant difference in your teaching experience. These innovative and practical items not only enhance your productivity and organization but also create a more engaging and efficient classroom environment. By investing in these tools, you can focus more on what truly matters—educating and inspiring your students. Remember, sometimes the smallest additions can have the biggest impact. Happy teaching, and here's to a successful and rewarding school year ahead!
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