When I first starting teaching I thought I was ready! I had finished college with good grades, I had read books and articles about teaching, my room was ready, and I had on my new “school clothes.” As the first week of school progressed, I realized that there was more to being successful than sharpened pencils and smelly stickers. Here is a little list of things that I have found important to have at school in order to solve a crisis or at least make your days run a little smoother!
Sewing Kit w/ Safety Pins: I was cleaning out my apartment when I was moving into a house and came across a tiny sewing kit. It had needles, thread, buttons, and safety pins. I threw it in my school bag and stuck it in my desk. Best decision ever! I have repaired backpacks, jackets, and so much more! It has calmed a sobbing student more than once!
Hot Glue Gun: I have used my hot glue gun so many times! It is not just for crafts or art projects. I have hot glued the soles back onto sneakers…one two different occasions! The fact that it dries almost instantly is amazing when things happen in the bus line. I have been a hero many times because of my glue gun!
Hair tie: I always have one on my wrist, but sometimes they break or get lost. An extra hair tie (or pack of hair ties) is vital!
Mints/Gum: No need to elaborate!
Thank You Notes: I don’t need anything else on my “To Do” list, so when one of my little cuties brings me a handful of weeds, aka flowers, from their front lawn, I immediately write a quick thank you and pop it in my filing bin to go home at the end of the week in Friday Folders.
Thank You Notes: I don’t need anything else on my “To Do” list, so when one of my little cuties brings me a handful of weeds, aka flowers, from their front lawn, I immediately write a quick thank you and pop it in my filing bin to go home at the end of the week in Friday Folders.
Zip Lock Sandwich Baggies: These are perfect to have on hand for a variety of different things and more than just school items. They are perfect for student earrings, jewelry, crayons, money, and other treasures.
Cash: I never have cash on me and I pack a lunch/ water bottle every day. Sometimes, however, you will need something! I soda, a juice, a milk, a water, a snack….you get the idea!
Utensils: I try to pack forks, knives, and spoons as needed with my lunch, but it is always nice to have a spare. These are also good for snack time or if you have kids joining you for lunch and they forget to grab a utensil from the cafe!
Contact Solution/Case: If you were contacts, I would highly recommend an extra case and travel size bottle of solution for your desk.
Feminine products: I have been the “hero” of my third grade team many times…I just motion to my bottom drawer and I save the day without even pausing my teaching 😉
Chapstick: I am a chapstick person…I have 3489483504985 chapsticks. They are everywhere. Sometimes, however, they are nowhere…that is why I need one (or 5) in my desk drawer. If you are a chapstick person you completely understand the panic when you can’t find one anywhere!
Deodorant: I am in a rush in the morning. I get sidetracked with small children at home. I have gotten to school and had that panicked moment where I realize that I don’t have deodorant on. I have a stick in my bottom desk drawer and I have used it more times than I am willing to share. Much easier than trying to teach with my arms down all day.
Lotion: Obviously this is important for dry hand and elbows, but lotion is how I cure my students without a trip to the nurse’s office. Most ailments can be solved with the unscented bottle of lotion I keep on my desk. It makes the kids feel as though you are addressing their concerns without sending them to the nurse’s office. I am proud to say that I have had a student put a dab of lotion on a leg that bumped a chair…whatever it takes.
I hope this little list helps you in your own classroom! What are things you can’t live without in your classroom? Comment below!
~Heather
