As they new school year looms in the shadows and people start thinking about what they need to get for their classrooms, I thought I'd put together a list of some of my favorite things I use. (From Amazon for easy access.)
These fun, different colored bracelets are great for breaking kids into groups. With my second graders it is SO HARD to "count them off" and have them go into groups together. Half the time they aren't paying attention to their number or are trying too hard to get into a group with their BFF. This way I can pick the groups the way I want and there's no confusion about where they need to go. You can grab some here for $8, or search for your own to match your classroom theme.
These are the best magnets known to man. They are, as they say, SUPER STRONG. They've also got a hook so they're great to hold anchor charts and whatever else you need. They are pretty pricey at $12.99 for four, but totally worth it. Grab some here.
I grabbed this idea from a friend's list last year but it was a game changer! Since our school is now 1:1 with iPads we get to do so much more technology and use a lot of interactive lessons. These were really helpful when students wanted to color or write instead of using their fingers text. You get 22 for $5.99 so buy a few because kids are vicious.
I like to have black markers on hand for student use. I tend to be stingy with my colored Expo markers and like to keep arguments away by making sure everyone is using the same color. To me, $25 is a good deal for a name brand. Now, if they could only remember to put the cap back on it...
If you have your own laminator then you've got to stock up on these. (Also if your team needs to borrow them...) 100 in a pack for less than $15!
Keeping snacks is something I've been doing for a while, to make sure no one goes hungry at snack time. These are definitely a fan favorite!
Again, GAME CHANGER! These mini Play-Doh were so much fun for my kids last year. In years past I've had STEM bins for my class to use when they finished morning work. In the year of COVID I had to break down my bins to individual bins and threw in some Play-Doh for fun. The kids loved it and I always did a "Fun Friday" where they could build something and take a picture, then upload it to Seesaw.
These are a new add for this year and I'm not sure what I'm going to use them yet! I figure everyone needs a little stress relief or I can use them as some sort of reward.
Kids love scented stickers. Do yourself a favor and get ya some. (My picture won't upload and I'm tired of trying.)
Hope this gave you a little bit of inspiration and, if you're inspired, check out my list for the new year for all kinds of fun things! (Buy me stuff.)
