Are you just starting out as a teacher, or are you a veteran teacher who needs to shake up your routine? Find the top things every teacher (new and seasoned) needs in the classroom in this slideshow of tips, articles, and resources.
Grades:
K
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3
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5
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Pencils and learning materials

Basic Supplies

Pencils (colored & standard), pens, crayons, markers, notebook paper, tape, index cards, poster board, notebooks, folders, erasers, construction paper, and scissors. You'll probably come up with your own, personal list as well!

Find more classroom supplies ideas.

Filing Cabinets/Boxes

Filing Cabinets/Boxes

Use plastic tubs or cardboard filing boxes to store holiday projects, art projects, special books, and supplies. Be sure to label these boxes with the name of each project or unit. Or, keep different boxes for different students as an easy organizational tool.

Find more .

Male teacher lecturing

Classroom Rules

It's vital to establish rules on the very first day of school. Invite students to contribute a set of expectations about behavior. Try to keep your list to about five general specifications so students can remember the entire list.

Read more on Students' Contributions to the Rules.

Female teacher

Substitute Teacher Packets

Create a substitute teacher folder or binder early in the year. Use it to file class lists, fire drill rules, seating charts, class schedules, and a general plan for the day for substitutes to follow. You might also include the names and numbers of helpful teachers and teacher's aides, plus office procedures and classroom policies.

Find more .

Children's classroom

Museum of Student Work

Show your students how impressed you are with their work by dedicating a section of the wall or bulletin board to their completed assignments, drawings, and other projects. Make sure that each student's work is displayed often.

Find more Decorating Tips for the Classroom.

Tall stack of books

Personal Library

Books, newspapers, magazines...these are all vital for the classroom. They may encourage your students to spend their free time reading instead of staring into space. Just remember to write your name in everything you want to hang on to!

Find more .

Certificate of honor

Collection of Awards & Certificates

Congratulate your students for outstanding work, achieving perfect attendance, being a good listener, and much more, with awards and certificates.

Find more .

SchoolGirl

Introductory Packets for New Students

Make your life easier by creating a packet of materials that includes everything new students might need to assimilate into your classroom. Prepare lists of rules, procedures, current assignments, and other items you think a student entering mid-year might need.

Include this Newcomer's Welcome Book.

Coffee and computer

Grade Book

It's important to keep all of your students' grades in one place so that you can easily see when students are doing well, improving, or letting their assignments slip. Try an online grade book for the quickest and easiest way to keep track of grades, while also allowing your students access to their records.

Check out Engrade.com. It's free.

And finally...

And finally...

Perspective, a grain of salt, a sense of humor, an open mind, patience, a positive outlook, plans B & C & D, commitment, flexibility, compassion, hope, and creativity.

Find more Helpful Bits of Advice from Veteran Teachers.

Featured High School Resources

lesson plans for animal farm - kit for a complete unit on the novel

LESSON PLANS

Animal Farm Teaching Unit Kit

Everything you need to teach a full or partial unit on Animal Farm Help your students dive into the modern relevance, m...

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creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
Poetry Packet for High School

ACTIVITIES

National Poetry Month Themed Packet for High School

To celebrate Poetry Month, this resource shares 3 activities that will help high school students to engage with poetry i...

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creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER
Romeo and Juliet Teaching Unit Kit

LESSON PLANS

Romeo and Juliet Teaching Unit Kit

A complete teaching kit for a full or partial unit on Romeo and Juliet Take your students on a thought-provoking, insig...

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children's book
activities
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language arts and writing
vocabulary
Create new folderCREATE NEW FOLDER

Related Resources

Certificate of honor

EDITOR'S COLLECTIONS

Top 10 Free (& Cheap) Rewards for Students

Are your students getting straight A's, demonstrating kind behavior, and turning in homework assignments on time every w...

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TEACHING RESOURCE

Discipline Strategies in the Music Classroom

Discipline Strategies in the Music Classroom Classroom Management Behavior Contracts Rules Classroom ManagementAffirmati...

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Top 10 Behavior Management Tips From Veteran Teachers

EDITOR'S COLLECTIONS

Top 10 Behavior Management Tips for the Classroom

Enjoy our Top 10 collection of terrific behavior management tips and advice from experienced educators.

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TEACHING RESOURCE

Classroom Organization Tips from Veteran Teachers

Classroom Organization Tips from Veteran TeachersUse accordion folders with 10 to 14 slots to organize anything.

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BulliedChildinClassroom

EDITOR'S COLLECTIONS

10 Classroom Organization Tips from Fellow Teachers

Being well-organized will help save you precious time and energy.

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creative writing
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TEACHING RESOURCE

Behavior Management Tips from Veteran Teachers

Behavior Management Tips from Veteran TeachersDon't make any rules for your class that you are not willing to follow thr...

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creative writing
children's book
activities
classroom tools
language arts and writing
vocabulary
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