Top 10 Teaching Essentials

First year teachers often ask us "seasoned" teachers for advice before they begin their journey as an educator. If you are a seasoned teacher then you know how hard this is! I have a "teacher candidate" this year - yes, a "teacher candidate." Back in my day we were called student teachers ;) Anywho, she has been asking me for tidbits of advice and information to help her prepare for her first year as an elementary teacher. I decided to start making a list and felt it was unfair to keep it hoarded in my head. After all, the best teachers are ones that steal ideas! Here are my Top 10 Teaching Essentials for Elementary School Teachers. This is for you newbie teachers who don't know any better and you oldies who have forgotten!

Top 10 Teaching Essentials
For Elementary School Teachers

1. Monthly Planner
I'd like to emphasis the word MONTHLY on this one. Do not buy a weekly planner. It is very overwhelming to be a teacher. Our days are packed with things from ARDs and student reviews to picture day and assemblies. Having all your agenda items on one page in a planner is a life saver. I cannot tell you how many meetings I missed and schedule changes I overlooked because my weekly organizer was overwhelming. With a monthly planner, you are able to see all your agenda items on one page!

2. Watch
Schools run on a very strict schedule. Need to go to the restroom? Sorry, you'll have to wait until your conference period at 10:40. A watch was one of the first to make my list because it is astronomically important that you are on schedule. Teachers are expected to be PRECISELY on time during transitions... not a minute early, not a minute late. 

3. Paper Mate Felt-Tip Pens
This one is just a personal preference. I strongly feel that every teacher needs a good pen - and if you're an elementary school teacher, you need bright ones! These aren't cheap, but they are totally worth the splurge.

4. Mr. Sketch Markers
You are not a teacher until you have these. It is in the rule book. That is all.

5. Card Stock
Every year my mom asks what she can buy for my classroom. My answer is always card stock!!! I use card stock for task cards and games during my guided math centers. You know... come to think about it, I could write a whole Blog about card stock. Noted. Until then - just buy some! Don't forget to get fun colors.

6. Dollar Tree Baskets
I went to Dollar Tree my first year teaching and about $50 worth of colorful baskets in all shapes and sizes. That is 50 baskets for $50 (in case you are unfamiliar with Dollar Tree). You could easily spend $10 per container/basket at your nearest teacher supply store. This one is a huge money saver!

7. 1 BIG BINDER!
This may be a personal preference, but I HATE paper. I hate filing cabinets and unnecessary binders. We live in a digital world - get used to it! I have 1 BIG BINDER (3") and I use it for everything: student contact info, health info, parent communication, 504 notes, student review notes, ARD notes... the list goes on. I NEVER have to ask myself what binder to grab- I just grab my 1 BIG BINDER.

8. Post-It Notes
Post-it notes made the list for two reasons. (#1) They are helpful for small checklists, reminders, marking off pages you'd like to copy, and so on. (#2) Tell a kid to write what they know on scrap paper as an exit ticket: BORING... ask them to write it on a sticky note: FUN! Kids... I could go on, but I think you get the point.

9. Thank You Notes
Students bring you gifts for Christmas, teacher appreciation, Valentine's Day, Halloween, and the last day of school. They also bring you gifts on the second Tuesday of every April. Just kidding... BUT they do like to surprise you with things. Some gifts may be a homemade painting while others are a new pair of Kendra Scott earrings (both are pretty special in my book). EVERY GIFT DESERVES A THANK YOU NOTE. I keep an overstock in my desk drawer. FYI - buy your thank you notes at Target's dollar section. They're $1 and super cute!

10. A Teacher Pay Teachers Account
Teachers are always looking for new and exciting activities to do. Sign up for Teacher Pay Teachers!!! Don't want to spend money? That's fine! There are many things out there that are absolutely FREE! Click here for a link to my Teacher Pay Teachers store.