It’s that time of year… AGAIN. Is it just me or do the summers get shorter and shorter every year? It’s time to set our alarms, set up our classrooms, and spend half of our salary on décor and supplies. 😉

I always love to see what other teachers use and love in their classrooms, especially when there is so much on our minds; back to school shopping can become super overwhelming. I have compiled a list of links to my favorite tried-and-true teacher tools that I have purchased and used from Amazon. Some products are for fun, some for organization, others for classroom activities, or items that just make my life easier (and also just some things that I am slightly obsessed with… and may require some intervention). These are not necessarily must-haves, but items I found myself reaching for again and again, AND using regularly for many different purposes.

If you’re interested in anything below for your classroom, just click the photo for the link.

What are some of your teacher favorites/must-haves?

Book Bins

When I finally decided to organize my classroom library, these were a godsend. I was previously using carboard book bins from Ikea, which were super economical, but did not last very long. I love that these are incredibly sturdy, come in a ton of different colors (you can even get a variety color pack), and have 3 different size choices. The price is pretty great for a pack of 6. I printed off labels from this TpT creator and taped them on. It instantly made my classroom look more organized and cute, and it was WAY easier for me to find the books I needed for each subject or theme.

Cubby Storage Bins

These cubby storage bins match the book bins. They come in a pack of 5 and also have various color choices, even clear! I used mine to organize my math manipulatives on my math station bookshelf.

Heavy Duty Tape

I don’t know about your school, but anywhere I’ve taught has been painted with some sort of paint that seems to be allergic to tape. I have tried so many types of tape (masking, painters, outdoor, double sided, etc) and EVERYTHING still falls, even items put up with hot glue. This tape works and keeps my posters and charts up all year long.

Velcro Dots

Velcro is a must have for me. I use them for charts, helpers, hanging items, etc.

Insulated Water Bottle

Having a large insulated water bottle is a MUST HAVE. I like that these have different options for colors/designs and what type of top you want to drink out of. It also comes is a HUGE size if you don’t have a lot of time to make water fill runs. I don’t know about you, but I rarely have time to refill and I get crazy thirsty talking all. day. long.

Mr. Sketch Scented Markers

I am obsessed with these. I am pretty sure I own every scent ever created by Mr. Sketch. This might be me trying to relive my childhood, but I use them quite often and usually end up buying several packs throughout the year. My students LOVE when I use them- they’ll sniff their assignments after I check them and get very excited when I use them to give “smelly smiley’s” as incentives. Smelly Smiley’s are smiley faces I draw on their hands for participating, following directions, doing a great job, etc. I also use them for writing on chart paper, grading, and I even put them in the treasure box when I am ready to buy new ones (very popular item- they go quickly)! It’s also a treat and makes small group lesson extra enticing when I let them borrow “Mrs. K’s very special smelly markers”.

Uni-Ball Air Pens

Sometimes I actually use pens with black ink and not crazy colors… sometimes. For those times, these are my go-to black pens. I don’t know what it is, but I feel like my handwriting is so much better when I use them. It writes in a similar fashion to a black Flair pen, but the tip is more pointy. Not too thick, not too thin, nice dark line…are teachers the only ones that are pen snobs and have unhealthy addictions to collecting pens…no? Just me?

Flair Pens

I may have a problem with Flair pens (see above). I may own an entire drawer full. If you haven’t joined the Flair pen craze, it’s time.

Sharpies

I am sure these are a no brainer. Every teacher already has these readily available, right? I also have a drawer full of Sharpies. I think these are must-haves though, especially black sharpies. You’ll have to label items and your students will probably need to use them at some point. Might as well get ALL THE COLORS!

Card and Envelope Pack

This pack has lasted me 2 years and I still have more than half left! I love them because they’re simple, have no words, and are the perfect size. I use them mostly for thank you notes, but also notes home. My team and I all bought a pack during quarantine and used them to mail off greetings to our students homes.

Hula Hoops

Okay, this one seems odd, but hear me out. In my kindergarten classroom, I introduce various types of graphic organizers, like the Venn Diagram. I try to make as many activities as I can more hands on, so we make “live” Venn Diagrams frequently. We use it mainly for science and social studies, but also to compare types of books, book characters- we use it for math lessons too when we start comparing shapes! There are a million ways to incorporate “live” Venn Diagrams into your lessons. I find that it keeps the kinders engaged and becomes a powerful learning tool. We also use them for team building games when we do character development education (synergy hula hoop games).

Jumbo Foam Dice

This is one of my favorite ways to teach counting, number recognition, subitizing, comparing numbers, addition, and subtraction concepts. It’s another great way to keep your students engaged for small or whole group learning. Who doesn’t love getting to roll jumbo dice on the classroom floor? Above you’ll see us in action using our jumbo dice for number line addition and subtraction.

Clipboards

These are super plain, but very economical. There are some fancier, more colorful class sets for a higher price point (if you like that sort of thing). In the past, I just took some good ‘ol spray paint to mine. I use these in my classroom for our weekly math or reading scavenger hunts/write the room tasks. We also use them to do activities outside, in the hallways, or at the big carpet.

Magnifying Glasses- Class Set

These aren’t fancy or the best quality magnifying glasses, but they work! My students adore using these. When we learn about rocks, soil, bugs, etc. I give them one and it becomes the most exciting lesson they have ever participated in. I also use them for math and reading “I spy” hunt activities, like find the hidden sight word, etc. Here is a free one I love from TpT: Bee on the Lookout for Sight Words

Popsicle Sticks

I don’t use these for crafts. I put the kids numbers or names on them and use them for turns at the smart board (because EVERYONE wants a turn). I put them in a “My Turn” cup and add them to the “Not My Turn” cup as they have been pulled and called up for a turn. Takes care of the chorus of “no fair”‘s. I use them for my table tally incentives. I use a pocket chart with each table color and the table that collects the most tallies (popsicle sticks) earns treasure box on Friday. They get the most use from being icing spreaders when we make fun Friday snacks. Way safer and more economical than using plastic cutlery. There are a billion different activities and classroom management ideas you can use with popsicle sticks.

Wireless Doorbell

I don’t personally own one of these, although it’s on my wish list for sure. About half of my team used these in their classrooms. Instead of capturing their students attention with a call back phrase like me (1,2,3 all eyes on me), they would ring the bell to signify it was time to listen, clean up, or switch groups. Great for classroom management and your sanity!

Slim Plastic Storage Baskets

I use these ALL THE TIME. And not for what you’d think. I use them for art supplies, math manipulatives, colored pencils/markers, and dice rollers when doing activities with the kiddos. It keeps what they’re using contained, they have their own, and as for dice rollers, it keeps the dice from rolling all over the floor and under bookshelves while we work on math activities. It’s a life saver during small groups and activities at their tables.