Posts Tagged ‘teacher resources’

Walking into a classroom at the beginning of a new year can make a teacher frazzled. “What should I teach?” “What kind of students will I have?” “Where am I going to get my supplies on such a small budget?” “How am I going to get this classroom in shape in just a week?” With a little help, the beginning of the year can go smoothly. Your frazzled look can turn into a dazzled look with the right tools.

After several years of teaching experience and ten years of being an educational editor, I now have some advice for frazzled teachers. As an editor, I have been able to go through many books and decoratives that would have come in handy when I was a teaching. As we all know, teaching is demanding and time is limited.

Need filler activities? No problem! Having a box full of writing prompt cards will always come in handy. Students might finish a task early or they might want a little extra something to do. Prompt cards are also a quick solution to a student’s dilemma about what to write when he or she is journaling. Also, have learning games available. Students can play the games and not even know they are practicing multiplication or learning their sight words. Don’t wait a minute!

Have a blank wall? No problem! There are so many cute border trims and calendars that are available. From polka dots to plaids, the designs are unlimited. Be daring! Some eye-catchers that I found are from artists like Mary Engelbreit, Debbie Mumm, Wyland, and Susan Winget. There are also some beautiful folders and teacher boxes for storing papers from these artists.

These are just a few ideas to get your classroom in dazzling shape—from border trims to prompt cards to learning games. If you need some help, I just may have a perfect book or decorative that will help you on your journey. Write back telling me of your troubles or successes. Your input just may help another colleague make it through the year!

There are many things you will find useful to have at the ready in your classroom. Hopefully, your school is well supplied and able to provide you with everything you need. However, that is not always the case.

In a perfect world, you will be supplied with each of the following to begin your year. If not, acquire what you can. Do not be afraid to ask for donations! Everything goes much smoother with the right supplies.

Once you gather your supplies, don’t hesitate in putting them away. Find locations that are convenient and logical. Don’t store all of your supplies in a big box in your closet and think that you will easily be able to access them later. Don’t throw them all into your desk to arrange later. Store and arrange them now in an organized way. The following list will be helpful in getting started. You may need to add to or delete from the list, depending upon your needs.

• lined writing paper (appropriate to grade level)
• notepads
• blank drawing paper
• colored construction paper
• file folders and pocket folders
• envelopes
• pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, pencil holder
• crayons and colored pencils
• markers and permanent markers
• masking tape and clear tape
• glue sticks and white glue
• rulers
• yard or meter stick
• paper clips
• rubber bands
• pushpins, safety pins, and tacks
• scissors
• stapler and staples
• brads
• three-hole punch
• pointer
• clipboards
• name tags or name plates
• calendar
• lesson planner and record books
• bookmarks
• hall passes
• dictionary and thesaurus
• brain teasers
• incentive charts
• stickers
• badges and awards
• bulletin boards, border trim, and accents
• headliners and banners
• chalkboard or dry-erase board
• chalk or dry-erase pens
• overhead transparencies
• overhead projector and projection screen
• easel, easel chart/tablet, and/or pocket charts
• computer, printer, and computer paper
• first-aid kit
• memory album

What might you need on the job when you don’t know anything about it? This happens every day when you are a substitute teacher. Here’s a list of things you should consider having with you on every assignment:

• Paper clips
• Marking pens
• Name tags
• Seating chart forms
• Ream of duplicating paper
• Literature selections
• Emergency lesson plans (see Chapter 5 in the Substitute Teacher Handbook for these)
• Whistle
• Sun hat or sunscreen
• Jogging shoes or flats for P.E. and recess duty
• Assignment calendar
• Time sheet
• Small cooler or lunch box and thermos
• Change of clothing (in case teaching assignment changes after your arrival)
• Copies of instructional materials that you wish to use with the class
• Stickers or ink stamp and pad (primary & elementary levels)
• Index card of “sponge” activities for students to use after they finish their assignments (see previous post)
• Copy of your own discipline plan (laminated and ready to post)
• Special objects or items that you would like to use with the class that may motivate them during the day, such as stickers, award badges, certificates, and incentive charts
• Teaching journal
• Blank forms of a regular classroom teacher report (to be completed and left at the end of the day)

For more substitute teacher resources, click here.