Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
When the going gets tough, the TEACHERS get going!
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items Having been and educator for 29 years, I can confidently say that I have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to the classroom. I remember when I first started teaching, I just wanted to stay afloat and hoped to impart a tidbit of knowledge to my students. But once I got into the swing of things, I began to realize how important an organized classroom and well-thought out lesson plans are. I hope this list helps you even just a little bit if you are an educator OR are just starting out. Some of the things on the list are free, online apps/games also! It is a calling and you can do THIS!
Kahoot is a great little app that puts thrill and fun into learning and assessment. You can use it to wrap up a session and test your student’s knowledge or you can launch a Kahoot quiz in the middle of a lesson to switch things up. Setting up a quiz...
Kahoot! for schools | Make learning awesome at school
Bamboozle is a huge database of 750,000 freely accessible games, created by teachers. Though not all games have high educational value. Many are just great to break the ice, take a break from learning, or reward your students with a little fun. The w...
Baamboozle | The Most Fun Classroom Games!
These are great for when you are playing review games. The kids LOVE to hit the button! It makes your “shy” ones a little less hesitant
Answer Buzzers-Set of 4
Let your students become teachers, too! They love to come up to the board and use the pointer to talk through problems.
15" Rainbow Hand Pointers
I use these when my students need a little reminding about being kind to others. Character building is just as important as academics!
Be Kind Cubes
This is another great tool for teaching kindness. I usually use it the first week of school and hand out a small metal bucket to each child. They then write a kind note on a small slip of paper to every classmate and they drop it in their buckets!
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? - 10th Edition by Carol McCloud (Paperback)
ClassDojo is centered around creating a positive culture in the classroom, giving students a voice, and engaging parents. Accomplishments and good student behavior are encouraged with real-time notifications and collected into progress reports that c... ClassDojo is a digital communication and sharing platform that connects teachers, students, and families and helps create a strong community around the classroom.
Learn all about ClassDojo ♥
Each child answers on their own board and holds it up for you to see. No one looks around so that the kids who get it wrong are not embarrassed!
Mr. Pen- Dry Erase Board, 14” x 11” with a Black Dry Erase Marker, Small Mini White Board for Kids
This is money well-spent! They LOVE when I drag this out. Use it for a prize wheel, names of kids to call on to answer……
18 Inch Heavy Duty Spinning Prize Wheel - 14 Slots --Tabletop Roulette
It magnetizes to your board, OR it can stand up on its stand. The visual is perfect for younger elementary students, and because it’s an entire foot tall, it can be seen ANYWHERE in your classroom.
Visual Timer
Seesaw offers a suite of award-winning tools, resources, and curriculum with interactive lessons, digital portfolios, and two-way communication features that provide continuous visibility into the student’s learning journey to support and celebrate t...
Home - Seesaw | Elementary Learning Experience Platform
Teachers tend to take care of everyone ….except themselves! Sometimes, you just need an ice cold soda (or water) and you deserve it. Get the fridge!
Retro Mini Fridge
I use these for when students work in groups or if I have a seating chart that has groups. Great to put glue sticks, scissors, etc in.
Storex Classroom Caddy, Assorted Colors, Case of 6 -- Small Caddy
This is a web site dedicated to new teachers. It has some great tips and tricks. I wish I would have had this when I first started!
New Teachers: Tips and What I Wish I Knew
I cannot say enough about Teachers Pay Teachers. All of the resources on this site are made by teachers. I use this weekly and you can even find free items!
Teaching Resources & Lesson Plans | TPT
These two little buckets saved my sanity! One class job at the end of each day is to go get all the dull pencils, sharpen them, and place them in the bucket ready to write. That way, I don't have kids sharpening pencils all day. If they need one, the...
Fun Express Sharp and Dull Pencil Buckets
This was required reading in college when I was taking my educaiton classes. It is hands down one of the best books to read before you set foot in the classroom.
THE First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher, 5th Edition (Book & DVD)
This is another great resource for Classroom Management ideas. I have used quite of few of these tried and true methods myself.
10 Classroom Management Must Haves
I adore these flip charts! It is a way for you to quickly evaluate which students are struggling and which feel they are doing well.
24 Pcs I Need Help Mini Flip Chart Signs-- Self Assessment Cards
These multipurpose pouches can be used to organize games, center activities, school supplies and more! They take up much less space than bins and are clear so that contents can be easily seen without opening up each pouch.
30pcs Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags
Add magnetic hooks to your whiteboard to display the monthly calendar, anchor charts, flashcards, and so much more. It’s such a simple item but can be used for endless displays and organization.
Magnetic Hooks 30lb+ Heavy Duty Earth Magnets with Hook Silver White, Pack of 10)
Timers are used throughout an entire school day in order for everyone to be on the same page. This timer has different volumes and a memory function. It’s so simple to use that you can even put a student in charge of setting the timer!
Classroom Timers for Teachers 2 Pack
Flexible seating is an essential element in an inclusive classroom! Be ready to support ALL students’ learning by providing comfortable seating and working options.
6 Pack Floor Cushions with Name Stickers-- Comfy Memory Flexible Seating Soft
Setting up your classroom is so exciting! This is a great resource to give you ideas! Make it fun! The kids want to come into an environment that feels safe and welcoming!
All the Things You Need to Know about Setting Up a Classroom. (Paperback)
It’s not just a bag; it’s an organization powerhouse. This teacher must have has so many pockets and storage compartments to help you organize. It also helps protect your laptop or Ipad when running back and forth between school and home. You can als...
Trunab Utility Tote Bag for Teacher
This lanyard is affordable and top-notch quality. Plus, you’ll always have your keys and identification card with you. Gone are the days of accidentally leaving them in the lounge or next to the copy machine (like me!)
Lanyards for ID Badges, Keys Clip & Buckle Badge Holder with Lanyard
Washi tape is the best way to organize and color-code your Chromebook or iPad cart. You can also use Washi tape for dividing whiteboards into sections, adding borders to posters, decorating baskets, and organizing planners.
Scotch Washi Tape, 10 Rolls
Attach a pencil holder to the top corner of each student’s desk and never worry about students losing their pencils again. Students will quickly learn the procedure for placing their pencils in the holder when it is not in use.
Pen Pal Pen Holder - 12 Pack Assorted Colors
Organize your papers into groups like send home, to be filed, make copies, and more. These are also large enough to hold a big packet of paper. Seriously, these will make your teacher heart so happy.Anyone need a little help keeping organized? I know I do!
Things to Do Binder Clips (6 Pack), 2"
This is a great resource video on Edutopia: Parent/Teacher conferences. I remember when I was a new teacher …I was so nervous about talking to parents. There are some great tips here…
A Primer on Parent-Teacher Conferences for New Teachers