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Preschool and Special Education Classroom Essentials

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As an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, I put a lot of time and care into designing a comfortable and encouraging classroom environment. I make sure to find quality items that my students and I actually love. Check out this list for recommen...
Sections
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Teacher Must-Haves

Anything you may need as a first-year or tenth-year teacher and beyond! These are great additions to any classroom.
 
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Loooove EnerGel. As a special education teacher, I’m constantly jotting down notes and observations. A good pen is a must have!
Pentel EnerGel 0.7mm 3pk
 
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A classic! So smooth, and the color variety is top notch.
EXPO Dry Erase Markers, Low Odor, 21 ct
 
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These bins are an absolute life saver!! Use them to store books, papers, etc. in a convenient place. The magnets on these are STRONG.
Magnetic Folder Bins - Set of 3
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These pens are SO smooth and vibrant!! Some of my all-time favorites!
Pilot 3pk Precise V5 RT Deco Collection Rollerball Pens Extra Fine Point 0.5mm Black Ink
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I LOVE how thin and cute this keyboard is! It was easy to pair and the batteries last for quite a while. It’s perfect for taking around my classroom with me when I’m trying to flip through things on the screen while teaching.
Logitech MK470 Keyboard - Pink: USB-A Low-Profile Full-Size Keyboard & Mouse Combo
 
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These are a MUST! They work just as well as the big name brands and are reasonably priced.
Sanitizing Wipes
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Special Education Staples

These are items we use in my ECSE classroom daily- and I’m sure they’ll come in handy for older grades as well!
 
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These are so small and convenient. They make taking data a breeze!
Finger Counter
 
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We use this backpack to carry anything we may need when away from our classroom. This includes wipes, reinforcers, snacks, bandaids- you name it!
Vorspack Clear Heavy Duty Backpack Black
 
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I use this photo box to store extra visuals in my special education classroom. I have a hard time with organization, and this makes it a breeze!
Clear 16 Case Photo & Craft Keeper by Simply Tidy

Preschool Finds

I absolutely love finding developmentally appropriate items for my preschoolers that help them explore the world around them!
 
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Play-Doh is the best for working on fine motor skills through play!
Play-Doh 30-Pack
 
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A necessity for sensory play!
Kinetic Sand 3.25lbs Moldable Sensory Toy
 
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Pluffle is SUCH a fun sensory activity! I like to use it for our Halloween sensory bins because it almost reminds me of bugs with the way it moves!
Educational Insights Pluffle® 4-Pack Sensory Foam Set
 
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I use these to store crayons, scissors, small markers/pencils, and more within our classroom! They’re cheap and easy for my preschoolers to carry from table to table.
4pk Small Storage Trays White - Brightroom™: LDPE Organizer Tray, Portable, Universal Storage, 3.72"

Decor

One thing about me- I LOVE color! If you have a bright, cheerful, or rainbow-themed classroom, this section is for you!
 
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Add a pop of color and positivity to your room with this banner!🥰
Sproutbrite Classroom Welcome Posters & Banners
 
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I am OBSESSED with these borders! They add a pop of color to our classroom.🥰
Teacher Created Wildflowers Rolled Border Trim 50ft
 
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This poster is cheap and perfect for a reading nook or library!
Pete the Cat® Reading Rocks Poster at Lakeshore Learning
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Books for Littles

These books are ones that I have read in my classroom for years!
 
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I love to read this book on the first day of school!
Maisy Goes to Preschool: A First Experiences Book
 
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My students love using these plushies to describe their feelings. I am able to scaffold these books to make them more understandable for my younger students.
A Little SPOT of Emotion 8 Plush Toys Set
 
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A classroom staple! My students love this book and seek it out when they’re feeling big emotions. I have multiple copies in my classroom.
Little Monkey Calms Down (Hello Genius)
 
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Pete the Cat is the BEST for teaching early developmental skills! Pair it with the audio readings on Eric Litwin’s website, and I promise you’ll have your students’ attention!
Pete the Cat 3-Book Set by Eric Litwin
 
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Short, bite-sized learning for littles! We absolutely love the Little Dino books in preschool.
Little Dinos Don't Yell (Hello Genius)
 
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These books are short, entertaining, and just the perfect speed to help my little ones learn about expectations and life skills.
Hello Genius Milestone Box
 
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These books grab my students’ attention and help teach them about classroom expectations!
Little Dinos Don't Hit (Hello Genius)
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This book helps my littles learn about what it means to be a good friend!
Little Dinos Don't Bully
 
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This book has been extremely helpful for teaching my biters what we can and can’t chow down on!
Little Dinos Don't Bite (Hello Genius)
 
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Help your students learn the importance of keeping their hands to themselves!
Little Dinos Don't Push (Hello Genius)
 
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We read this book during our “Senses” unit, and my preschoolers loved it!
That's not my elephant. by Fiona Watt, Rachel Wells, Board Book
 
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My preschoolers absolutely love this book, and I love how interactive it is! It’s perfect for practicing letter sounds and recognition.
A is for Apple - by Georgie Birkett (Board Book)