Teaching Must Haves

So you are a teacher... congratulations! If you have found your way to this blog then you are likely just beginning 😰 I won't have a whole page explaining the demanding and rewarding work that you are about to undergo, because you probably won't read it. Instead here are some items that I found useful in my first year of teaching. Hope this helps.

1. Yearly Planner

In my first year, I found this very helpful in organising my day. It also provided a singular location to write down any notes from the day (e.g. observations, student behaviour, etc.), future tasks to complete, and upcoming events.

A4 day-to-page planners are my preference. The space allows me to clearly organise my day with enough space for notes. However, for a more compact option, an A5 week-to-view will allow you to organise everything just as well.

2. Hat

Playground duty will be a regular aspect of your teaching life. Most of the time this will be outside. A wide-brim hat provides the ultimate sun protection. Another option to protect your face is a baseball cap. Both these options ensure you are not being hypocritical if your school has a "No Hat, No Play" rule when in the sun.

Bonus use for school carnivals and excursions.

3. Whistle

Students are noisy. Sometimes you need something to cut through the noise, especially outside. A whistle is a valuable tool for any teacher. Attached to my lanyard, I have a simple whistle to use when needed.

A hand squeeze whistle is a great option, especially to give students more independence. For example, allowing a student to be the referee when playing a game in sport. This is not a necessary item but is definitely helpful.

4. Stamps and Stickers

You are probably already aware that stickers and stamps are a must-have for every classroom, especially in primary school. Here are some of the stamps I found most useful:

• Dated and Signed Stamp

• Verbal Feedback Given Stamp

For stickers, you cannot go wrong. I love a good punny sticker, however, a range is great to have in your teacher toolbox. This set from Amazon has 3000 stickers with different designs.

5. Laminator

When I asked colleagues about 'Must Haves' for first-year teachers, this was the main item mentioned. A good laminator will help you with not only classroom design (e.g. posters, titles, job charts, etc.) but also help protect any resource you create (e.g. board games, question cards, etc.). Although your school will likely have a staff laminator, usually it jams or a queue will form. Therefore, it is useful to have your own laminator.

6. Paper Trimmer

In my first year of teaching, I spent plenty of time cutting resources or trimming student artwork. A paper trimmer is a fantastic tool to have on hand in the classroom.

7. Teacher Website Subscription

Although not the only sources of information and planning, Twinkl and Teachstarter are useful websites to assist you.

Twinkl has a wider range of resources.

Teachstarter resources are well organised.

Conclusion

All of these items are just suggestions. Every teacher is different and although these items worked for me they might not work for you. The examples provided are just an option, you by no means have to buy that product. I am an Amazon Associate therefore I do receive a small percentage of the profit made from your purchase at no extra cost to you.

Let me know if you have any other Teacher Must Haves.