Author: TCR Staff

Classroom Management, Classroom Organization, Giveaways, Miscellaneous, Teacher Resources, Teaching Tips

Classroom Must-Haves Every Teacher Loves

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Heading back to school after summer break can be tough. Make the transition to early mornings and structured routines easier with our roundup of essential school supplies that every classroom needs (and every teacher loves).

Whether they’re first-timers or seasoned educators, all teachers know that the key to successful classroom management starts with the right tools—that function well, last a long time, and create an environment where students can thrive. We talked to the teachers in our community, and they shared their must-have classroom items for Back to School. 

The Best Writing Instruments

Every teacher needs their favorite pens and markers to make the school year a success. Look for low odor dry-erase markers that won’t trigger any smell sensitivities, and opt for a variety of colors to add a pop of color to your whiteboard. Pick pens in colors students love that dry quickly to avoid smears on classwork.

Tried-and-True Tools

Laminators are essential for preserving art projects, protecting decor, and creating classroom resources that can be used again and again. Plus, no teacher will get very far without a reliable, high-quality stapler. Modern designs allow for more accessibility, making it easier to staple bundles without jams. Finally, every class needs organizational accessories, such as hooks and clips, to keep learning spaces uncluttered and neat with easy-to-hang, removable options.

Student Incentives

Even highly motivated students need a push now and then. Encourage your class to stay engaged in learning with student incentives and prizes. Smelly stickers, fidgets, and small prizes offer positive reinforcement for good behavior, academic accomplishments, and more. Store the goodies in a treasure chest for an experience even reluctant learners will grow to love!

Classroom Tech Done Right

Teachers have long wished for the ability to quiet their class with a touch of a button, and now they can. A classroom doorbell is an easy way to get students’ attention quickly, no shouting or clapping required. Simply walk your class through how to respond to the bell at the beginning of the year, then practice, practice, practice! 

An electric pencil sharpener is another must-have on every teacher’s list. Heavy-duty sharpeners take the work out of sharpening pencils, while the variety of settings on modern models allow teachers to choose the mode that’s right for each pencil and lead, to preserve supplies as long as possible.

Kicking off a new school year right starts with creating a classroom environment that’s organized, streamlined, and feels stress-free for students and teachers alike. To help a member of our teacher community get ready for Back to School, we’ve gathered together all of these must-have goodies and more (a $450 value), plus a $250 Teacher Created Resources shopping spree. Our second prize winner will receive a $100 shopping spree at Teacher Created Resources for books, games, classroom decor, and more. 

Enter for your chance to win by August 31, 2025! For a full list of rules, click here.

Giveaways, Miscellaneous, Teacher Resources

Teacher Appreciation Giveaway!

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Happy National Teacher Day! To help celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to thank all you hard-working teachers out there who have persevered through a challenging, life-altering year of teaching!

We’re giving away a $50 gift card to 5 lucky teachers. Just head over to our INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY POST, like the post, follow us (if you’re not already), and comment which of our two newest décor themes is your favorite!

Contest ends Friday (5/7/21 11:59 PM PDT). Winners will be announced Monday. Good Luck!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER CONTEST

Classroom Activities, Holidays, Parents, Teacher Resources

Easy Easter Paper Crafts

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Here are two easy Easter crafts you can do with your kiddos using materials that you most likely already have. We’ve included directions for handprint bunnies and mosaic eggs.

You’ll need just a few materials for each craft:

  • construction paper or craft paper
  • scissors
  • glue stick
  • pencil, pen, and marker
  • hole punch and string (optional)

We got the idea for this cute handprint bunny activity from the One Little Project blog. To make the bunnies, start by tracing your hand on the paper. (Note, if you’re using craft paper, you may need to fold the paper in half and glue it together if the design is only on one side.)

Tip: Trace your fingers wider than they are; otherwise the ears and paws of the bunnies will be too skinny.

Cut out the handprint. Make a deeper cut between the pinky and ring finger so the space lines up with the space in between the thumb and index finger:

You may need to cut the other spaces between fingers a bit so they line up with other. Then fold the thumb and pinky fingers down to create the rabbit’s “arms.” Then cut off the middle finger so you’re left with two bunny “ears”:

Using a marker, draw the nose and insides of ears:

Next, use a dark pen to draw in the eyes, whiskers, and mouth:

Finally, use the pen to draw “feet”:

For the mosaic eggs, draw an egg shape on paper and cut it out. Also cut small squares of construction paper or craft paper.

Glue squares to the egg shape. Don’t worry if some of the squares go past the outline of the egg; just trim them off at the end.

Once the egg is covered in squares, trim any excess square edges off. You may wish to punch a hole at the top of the egg and hang it from a window or wall.

Classroom Activities, Holidays, Parents, Teacher Resources

Family Fun Science Activity for the Holidays

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Looking for a fun, easy craft to do with your kiddos this season? Here is a super simple activity that parents can do with materials that are most likely already around the house. Salt crystal ornaments are pretty to decorate with, and you can also discuss the science behind the growth of the crystals.

The only materials you need are

  • salt
  • chenille stems
  • scissors
  • jars or other containers
  • clothespins
  • a pot for heating water (you can also just use hot tap water)

Start by creating designs with the chenille stems by bending and cutting them into different shapes.

You can get creative and use multiple stems to create 3D shapes:

Add an extra piece of a chenille stem on the end of your ornament so that the clothespin has something to hold onto while still being able to submerge your ornament completely in the water. You could also just attach an ornament hanger at this point.

Prepare the salt water solution. (Heating water on the stove makes the process go more quickly, but you can also use hot tap water.) Use as much water as you need to be able to completely fill the jars. As the water heats up, pour salt in a bit at a time and stir to dissolve.

As more and more salt is added, the water will eventually not be able to dissolve any more salt. You will see the salt stay at the bottom of the pan. It’s now ready.

Pour the salt water solution carefully into the jars. (Please note, if you heated the water on the stove, the jars will be VERY hot once the water is poured in. Please use caution when touching them.) Carefully add the ornaments, one per jar. Make sure the clothespin rests at the top of the jar to keep the ornament suspended in the solution.

Salt crystals start forming pretty quickly on the ornaments. You should be able to see a nice layer of crystals after about an hour.

Why is this happening?
When salt is dissolved in water, the water molecules separate the salt molecules. The added energy (heat) is what helps break the bond apart. As the water starts to evaporate in the jars, the salt molecules start to bond together again. This is called ionic bonding. As the salt crystals form and fall to the bottom of the jar (because they are heavier than the water), some cling to the chenille stems.

Leave the ornaments in the jars for about 24 hours. You can also try different lengths of time to see if that changes the amount of crystals that form. Then gently remove the ornaments and let dry completely.

Once dry, hang the ornaments on your tree using the long stem that was used for the clothespin, or attach ornament hangers. You can also hang them in windows or other areas to add some fun holiday décor around the house.