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Your Not-So-Typical Classroom Must Haves

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment
Back to school season can definitely make your head spin. Classrooms to set up, meet the teacher letters to write, school supply lists to organize and so much more! So here’s a list of things you might forget but you will surely WANT! And to make it even easier, I’ve included links that will take you directly to Amazon…because I mean, who doesn’t love Amazon…am I right?

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

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Okay, if you haven’t tried writing with a flair pen yet then you are seriously missing out! These are THE ABSOLUTE BEST for teachers and here is why. They come in bright colors and have a fine point. So you can mark up papers and leave fun notes all while still writing neatly and with the ease of a regular pen. Seriously, you can thank me later. 
Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment
This is the ultimate attention getter. It has 7 different sounds which range from an alarm clock to a space ship, and it even has a volume control! This is perfect for creating transition routines and getting a whole groups attention without having to use your voice. My students love this and respond so well to the No Yell Bell.
Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

Having some lamps around your classroom can really help to create a warm learning environment. Those bright classroom lights can be harsh and even a trigger for some students. I’m not saying you should never have them on, but there are certain times of the day that using lamps rather than over head lights is ideal.
You can get some basic table lamps, colorful standing lamps, or my favorite, the classic white lamp that when knocked over doesn’t break!

                 

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

Another excellent way to make your classroom a fun and cozy learning environment is to have a selection of pillows available. Children can use these to sit or lay on during independent reading time, for flexible seating purposes, if they finish an assessment early and want to put their head down…the possibilities are endless and kids love them.
There are so many adorable pillows available on amazon. Check out some of my favs below (clickable images)








Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

Play-doh is a great thing to have handy in your classroom. You can use it for some hands on centers like Letter Formation Boards, Number Formation Boards and CVC Word Building Boards. But you can also use it in other ways too. I love to use play doh as a brain break. If you are working with a student and you feel they need a minute to step away from the assignment, pull out the play-doh and set a timer for them. It’s also a great stress reliever and calm down tool.

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

The perfect tool for making printables more durable. I love printing centers on card stock and then laminating them. I also love printing anything that I want parents to hold onto on card stock.

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

Speaking of making things more durable, having my handy dandy personal sized laminator ready to go is a must! I can’t tell you how many times I have to laminate something in a pinch and someone has jammed the machine or there’s no more lamination left and the office has to order it. Having the type of personality that I do, that just doesn’t work….when I want to laminate…I MUST LAMINATE. I personally use the Scotch Thermal Laminator and it works beautifully! I also came across these laminating pouches that are significantly cheaper than other brands and work just as good, if not better!

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

Don’t feel like laminating? No problem, grab some dry erase pouches and you essentially have the same concept. I love to put small group warm up activities in these and let them just use them over and over until they master the skill. It also eliminates standing at the copy machine for hours upon hours.

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

The last two items are all about classroom organization. I love these tall drawers because you sort different papers, supplies, centers, etc and it’s on wheels! 

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

Lastly, grab yourself a paper tray. I love to sort my weekly worksheets in these. It makes my day super easy as I just grab the “daily” stack and I’m good to go. It also makes for great organization when you have to call out sick and it was unplanned. Everything your substitute will need will be in the daily slot.

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

Do you think these things would be put to good use in your classroom? Here’s your shopping list with links to Amazon:

Drawer Tower
Paper Tray

Make sure to pin this image so you can refer back to it whenever you need:

Must have classroom supplies to get your routines going, classroom organized, and create a warm and inviting classroom environment

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Hi, I’m Michelle! I’m a teacher, mommy, and curriculum designer from Long Island, NY. I’ve taught both general and special education, with a focus on grades pre-k through first. My passion is hands-on learning, and finding ways to make all things engaging and fun!

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