After years as a traveling teacher, I’ve really narrowed down the few items I actually need in my classroom.
While there are certainly classroom luxuries I appreciate, these are the 5 classroom supplies that I use every day. Each one makes teaching a little easier!
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Classroom Management Supplies
In high school, a lot of classroom management focuses on time. How can teachers help students manage their time? How can teachers help make students aware of time? And how can you make that part of your classroom routine without also losing instructional time?
To help with time management, I rely on a timer and a wall calendar.
Now, you might be thinking that a wall calendar is an elementary idea, but it’s actually a great resource for the high school classroom! My wall calendar is at the front of the room, and I just use Vis-a-Vis markers to write upcoming dates and deadlines. When we begin a new project or unit, we use the calendar to get an overview of the upcoming unit. As deadlines and due dates approach, we visit the calendar and visualize. This helps give students a visualization of time management. I know it sounds childish, but it works!
Pro Tip: Using Vis-a-Vis markers is a must because it’s too easy for students to change the dates when you’re just using Expo markers!
Similarly, I adore this set of kitchen timers to help me manage classroom time! These are great because they keep students on track, but they also help me to ensure that I’m giving the appropriate amount of think time. Since these are so affordable, I keep one at the front of the room, one at the back, and one in my bag for days when we travel to the library.
Classroom Supplies for Anchor Charts
Anchor charts are another instructional tool that you might associate with elementary school! However, I’m a big believer in using anchor charts with my students. This year, some of my past students came back to take pictures of our anchor charts so they could reference them in their new courses!
Because I find anchor charts valuable, I’m very specific about the classroom supplies I use with them!
- First, I prefer adhesive chart paper, especially the kind with holes on the binding. The holes allow me to store the chart paper by hanging it on Command Hooks on the back of my door. This is helps keep my classroom clutter free!
- Second, I like to use Command Hooks to store the entire pack of chart paper, and I use Command Strips to hang any non-adhesive chart paper. I’ve tried every other option for hanging my anchor charts, and this one is the best!
- Finally, I love the Sharpie Chart Markers and the Mr. Sketch Markers! I can never choose which ones I like the best, but when I want a bullet tip, I choose Sharpie, and when I want a chisel tip, I choose Mr. Sketch!
Health Favorites
In 2021, my word of the year was “sustain,” and my word for this year is “water.” With those two words in mind, it’s important for me to keep a water bottle on hand. More than any other water bottle ever, I love this one from Giotto! (Are you tired of hearing about it, yet? It’s also a perfect gift for any teacher!)
Plus, the pandemic has made me super germ-aware, so I also use Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer every day! I’m still obsessively having students clean their hands and desks every block!
A Note About Classroom Spending
I wanted to share these classroom supplies because they are an essential part of how my classroom operates. However, I’ve said it before, but I want to say it again: the amount of money you spend on your classroom is not a reflection of how much you love your students or how good you are at teaching.
Similarly, except maybe the water bottle, everything on this list is something your school should buy for you.
What are your must-have classroom supplies?
