With less than 3 weeks to go before my school begins our preservice, I am slowly feeling ready to get back into work mode. I found this fun linky over at
Swimming into Second that got me thinking about ten of the most important things in my classroom.
1. My stopwatch
I use this when teaching procedures at the beginning of the year. I time my students to see how quickly they can get lined up, and we talk about the importance of not wasting a second of learning time. The stopwatch motivates them to go as quickly as they can, and I keep using it throughout the year. I also use it to time their restroom breaks (we have to go as a whole class at my school). Most years, my whole class can be done at the restrooms in 5 minutes or less.
2. My easel
I use my easel almost every single time I bring my class to the carpet for a Reading or Writing minilesson. I use the dry erase board on it, but also put chart paper on it to make our class anchor charts.
3. Mr. Sketch markers
We make anchor charts for almost every new objective we learn, so I go through these fast. The kids love getting wafts of the smells coming from the markers!
4. Post-it chart paper
I love how easy it is to make an anchor chart on this paper, then just peel it off and stick it on the wall. It's expensive, but well worth it to me!
5. Class data board
It changes every year, but I love having some way for everyone to see their progress in math and reading via a class data board. On this one last year, I had their names on little monkeys that I moved up the chart as they progressed in their reading level and on Mad Minute.
6. Pens and mechanical pencils
It seems like I go through a pack of these things every week sometimes! I'm constantly grabbing for a pencil or pen throughout the day, and I don't know where they end up sometimes. So I always make sure to have extra packs on hand.
7. Clipboard
I carry one of these with me everywhere when I'm with my class. I always have a class list with me so I can gives checks to kids in the hallway if they are talking, running, etc. It is a big part of my classroom management. This year, I'm going to be having a clip chart, so this will help me remember if anyone has to move their clip (up or down) when we get back to the classroom.
8. Student book boxes
I am a big fan of individual book boxes for my students. This prevents them from constantly being in the class library getting new books. They can keep several at a time in their book boxes. It's a big part of my Reading Workshop setup.
9. Magnetic dry erase board
This was my first classroom that had a MAGNETIC dry erase board. In my old classroom, it wasn't magnetic. It made such a difference to be able to stick some magnet tape on the back of something and, "VOILA!" it sticks! I also loved being able to use magnetic clips to hold papers on the board.
10. Mini dry erase boards
My students keep these in their desks, along with a dry erase marker and a washcloth (to use as an eraser). We pull them out during Math class all the time to do quick reviews and checks for understanding.
Well, there you have it! 10 items from my classroom that I would have a hard time doing without! Link up with your top ten if you get a chance; I'd love to see some of your ideas.
Also, if you stuck through this long post, I feel like you deserve a reward. I've been wanting to try this Pin it to Win it idea. Head to my store and pin any item that you would like to own (link to my store over on the right). Leave a comment below with the name of the item, a link to the pin, and your email address, and I will choose a random number as a winner on Friday, July 26th. Good luck!
