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
5
Teacher Must-Haves
Special Education Staples
Preschool Finds
Decor
Books for Littles
Teacher Must-Haves
Anything you may need as a first-year or tenth-year teacher and beyond! These are great additions to any classroom.
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
A classic! So smooth, and the color variety is top notch.
EXPO Dry Erase Markers, Low Odor, 21 ct
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
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
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.
These are a MUST! They work just as well as the big name brands and are reasonably priced.
Sanitizing Wipes
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!
These are so small and convenient. They make taking data a breeze!
Finger Counter
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
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!
Play-Doh is the best for working on fine motor skills through play!
Play-Doh 30-Pack
A necessity for sensory play!
Kinetic Sand 3.25lbs Moldable Sensory Toy
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
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!
Add a pop of color and positivity to your room with this banner!🥰
Sproutbrite Classroom Welcome Posters & Banners
I am OBSESSED with these borders! They add a pop of color to our classroom.🥰
Teacher Created Wildflowers Rolled Border Trim 50ft
This poster is cheap and perfect for a reading nook or library!
Pete the Cat® Reading Rocks Poster at Lakeshore Learning
Books for Littles
These books are ones that I have read in my classroom for years!
I love to read this book on the first day of school!
Maisy Goes to Preschool: A First Experiences Book
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
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)
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
Short, bite-sized learning for littles! We absolutely love the Little Dino books in preschool.
Little Dinos Don't Yell (Hello Genius)
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
These books grab my students’ attention and help teach them about classroom expectations!
Little Dinos Don't Hit (Hello Genius)
This book helps my littles learn about what it means to be a good friend!
Little Dinos Don't Bully
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)
Help your students learn the importance of keeping their hands to themselves!
Little Dinos Don't Push (Hello Genius)
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
My preschoolers absolutely love this book, and I love how interactive it is! It’s perfect for practicing letter sounds and recognition.