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toddler teacher sanity savers
12
items i’m not gonna sugarcoat it- spending all day every day in a room of toddlers is chaos. I don’t love chaos, so here’s a mix of stuff that holds me together and helps my class grow together
Sections
3
toys
books
teacher stuff
toys
I’ll admit it, I’m a toy snob!!! I love natural materials, sturdy toys, and toys that are the perfect mix of cutesy & realistic. NOOOOOO toys that make noise, nothing that feels like getting stabbed in the ears when it’s dropped on the floor, and...
These puzzles are the best!! The kids love the construction theme, the pieces are perfect for toddler hands, and they’re super sturdy so they stand up to constant cleanings!!
Melissa & Doug Puzzles
These are the best for fine motor development and life skills!! My kids love using them to chop fruit and veggies. They work shockingly well, and they’re super safe!!
KOLODOGO 10-Piece Kids Wooden Kitchen Knife Set
The kids love these!!! They’ve held up super well to being bleached, they’re super cute, and they’re very magnetic. We keep them on our fridge, or use them for a fishing activity by putting a big paper clip at the end of our “fishing rod”
Wooden Sea Life Magnets for Kids 2+
books
Reading to toddlers is so important for their literacy, and it’s important for your sanity to find books that are fun to listen to AND fun to read
We love this book!! It’s the perfect mix of sweet and silly, the illustrations are adorable, and the message that it’s okay to have a bad day is so good for everyone!! Pro tip: download Novel Effect if you’re not already using it & try it with th...
Grumpy Monkey Children's Book
I have this whole thing memorized because every class I’ve ever had has been OBSESSED. Great rhythm, sweet message, and repetitive enough for toddlers to catch on without being too boring to read!!
Pout - Pout Fish - by Deborah Diesen and Daniel X. Hanna (Board Book)
Such a great book to have in the classroom to help show the children that everyone’s families are different, and that’s wonderful! The illustrations are so cute and relatable for toddlers and preschoolers. This is part of a series- i have the others ...
Love Makes a Family
Such a beautiful book about concrete ways young children can show kindness. The art style is adorable, the text is very short and concise, and the situations on the pages are super relatable for toddlers. This is part of a series- i have the others l...
Kindness Makes Us Strong
It’s so hard to find books that put themes of environmentalism & conservation in terms toddlers can understand, but this one nails it! It gives kids concrete & actionable ways that they can help the earth. This book is part of a series, I hav...
Change Starts with Us
teacher stuff
I’ve been teaching since I was 16, so I’ve picked up a ton of little tricks along the way. These are my favorite ME things in the classroom!!
These puppies are a game changer. The best layouts, I love the monthly organization pages, they’re super sturdy, and the designs are beautiful!! I recommend them to everyone at my school, and they’re always a hit!
Teacher Planners
Adding a candle warmer to the classroom is one of my favorite hacks!! No more dirty diaper smell, something concrete to help the kids with taking deep breaths, and I get so so many compliments on how great my room smells!!
Sparoom Candle Lamp Warmer Crystal Ribbed Shade: Electric Glass Warmer, Contemporary Decor, Rose Gold
These are so cute, I get tons of compliments, and they keep that harsh fluorescent light out of my classroom!!
Light Covers
This rug is ADORABLE and very durable!! I have it outside my classroom on my patio & it looks brand new still!
Bufflo Plaid Outdoor Rug 2'x4.3' Fall Decor