I can't believe summer is halfway over! Back-to-school displays and sections are already appearing in stores, and much as I want to just ignore it all and keep basking in the laziness of summer, now is the time to buy if you want to get the best deals.
I haven't bought much for the upcoming year just yet. I got a couple of new bulletin board borders (from Target and from Michael's) since those tend to sell out quickly, and I bought myself a stool (from Walmart) to go with my podium. However, there are some things that I definitely need for the upcoming school year, and I thought I would share the top 10 with you.
*Items marked with an asterisk were purchased during Amazon Prime Day.
*Clever Fox Teacher Planner - I absolutely love this planner! It's the best one I've found so far. I like that it is not pre-dated; I had a lot of fun last year getting it all set up with the stickers, etc. I really appreciate that it's set up specifically for teachers, a.k.a. not 12 months. That combined with the fact that you put in your own dates means that there's not a bunch of unused pages -- I simply skip putting in dates for week-long breaks. It's also got places for long-term and/or unit planning, important dates, attendance/grade tracker, communication logs, etc. It's also much more durable than other planners since it's bound like an actual book. However, if you prefer one that's more like a notebook, they have those, too!
*Smart Board Clicker - I need a new one after dropping the one I had one too many times last year. It was surprisingly durable, but that last time was just too much for it, and, like Humpty Dumpty, it couldn't be put back together again. I can survive without one, but it sure does make life easier when I can control my slides from anywhere in the room.
*Pencil Sharpener - I went through two pencil sharpeners last year! The first one got accidentally knocked off by a student (he offered to buy me a new one, bless him), so who knows if it would have actually made it to the end of the year. Then the replacement burned out (I had twice the number of students using it as in previous years, so it got a lot of use). I asked around, and this robot one was highly recommended. I like that it controls the pencil, not the user, so maybe that will help protect the motor. It comes in a few colors, but I ordered the blue because our school colors are blue.
Pencil Holders - I want to try a pencil check-out system I saw online this year because last year's "I need a pencil" epidemic was ridiculous. I'm going to create a place on my white board, a pencil parking garage if you will, and I will supply the first pencils. After that, it will be up to the students to return them or replace them. I will put pencils I pick up off the floor in them, and I will replace them if/when the original pencils run out, but that's it. Who knows if it will work, but it's worth a shot. Now I just need to decide if I want to use golf pencils (students are less likely to steal those) or regular sized ones.
Pencil Top Erasers - These were surprisingly popular this past year, so I want to make sure I've got a good supply for this year.
Hall Passes - The ones I had last year did not make it to the end of the year. They just did not hold up at all. I'm thinking wooden ones this year. I like these ones shaped like pencils.
Cursive Alphabet Border - Okay, so I don't technically need this one, but I would like to put this above my white/smart board. Cursive has finally been added back into our elementary standards, so I want to make sure that I've got something to help reinforce that in my room. Also, I had so many students asking for cursive writing lessons last year; sadly, I didn't have time to add it in, but I'm exploring ways to incorporate it this year.
Desk Mat - The one I've been using has seen better days, and I'd like to replace it. In fact, I'm fairly certain I threw that one away when I was packing up my room...Anyway, these help to keep my desk a little bit neater and cleaner. I like this particular one because it comes with the wrist prop things and a cup holder.
Pen/Pencil Holder - I really don't like the one I have. It works, but it's really not big enough and one section is stupidly deep. Last year, I ended up using a coffee mug instead, but I don't really want to do that this year. I've been looking at this one for awhile. I like it's little feet and that it spins.
5-Tier Paper Tray - I have a solid turn-in routine that absolutely works, even with five classes. Now, I need a better way of keeping my grading on track. What I tried last year worked but was not organized at all. I'm hoping this will help me stay sorted and maybe on track of things.
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