15 Game Changers in the Classroom

15 Game Changers for the Classroom

I have compiled a list of 15 things that I absolutely couldn’t live without as a teacher. You might call them my MVP’s most valuable (classroom) possessions.

1. Staples Desk Apprentice- Rotating Desk Organizer

I use this magical rotating organizer to declutter my desk. In the center I use hanging files labeled for each day of the week. I keep all my copies for lessons in the corresponding hanging file.  The exterior compartments have been used for a multitude of things over the years. Sometimes I keep copies for a class we have called Core plus- which is non-content specific. I use them to house clipboards, and other papers/books I want readily accessible (like rosters and such). The smaller exterior compartments hold pens, pencils, scissors, markers, staplers, etc... I absolutely LOVE this thing. 

2. (Large) Flat Desk Calendar Pad

These jumbo calendars are great for writing down important meetings, events and dates. I prefer these over wall mounted calendars because they are easier to write on. I also use my desk calendar as a quasi-folder. Whatever unit we are studying I keep important answer keys tucked under that month’s page. I LOVE using washi tape to mark recurring events (using the same color every month). It’s hard to forget important dates when they’re written in plain sight at your fingertips. I always purchase these at Target. 

3. Recollection 10 Drawer Rolling Organizer

I not only have two of these in my classroom, but also have one at home. They are easy to assemble, take up minimal space and can be used for a multitude of purposes. They are sold at Sams and usually go on sale (plus you can use a coupon) at Michael's http://tinyurl.com/hx28ax6

4. Magnetic Easy Staple Remover

I know a staple-remover probably seems like a weird game changer, but I seriously love this thing. It’s the very best at taking staples out of bulletin boards without tearing up the paper. ALSO, the staples that have been removed don’t fall onto the floor, this remover hangs onto them! In addition it has a magnetic underside for picking up any stray staples. I purchased this item on Amazon. http://tinyurl.com/h2rhvb2

5. Customized Teacher Notepad

Thank you Vista Print! There are dozens of small notepad templates. Once you select a design it’s easy to customize by adding any font you want. I received a pack of 2 pads for $10 and they have lasted for years! I adore this design- I added my own lines and signature at the bottom. http://www.vistaprint.com

6. Stabilo Fine Point Pens

So maybe this item is more of a LOVE than a must-have. I used another coupon at Michael's to purchase a pack of these pens. They’re amazing! I don’t have the best penmanship and these markers actually improve the look of my handwriting, no joke! In the past I have always used flair pens, which seem to dry out quickly. Another wonderful alternative to these pens are the Staedtler fineliner pens (can be found at Target).

7. Erin Condren Planner

Usually I don’t splurge on planners, but this planner is perfection. I love the checklist in the back for recording student grades. I like the layout for the planner portion when it comes to lesson planning. I would recommend this planner more for a High School or Elementary teacher with multiple preps. Some of the extra space goes unused since I teach the same content all day. Side note: I also recommend using washi tape to mark off important dates/meetings. It certainly doesn’t hurt how ADORABLE the cover designs are either. https://www.erincondren.com/

8. Fabric Scissors

This might seem random but fabric scissors are FAR superior to desk/office scissors. They have longer blades nature which allows longer cuts which equals faster cutting. They are nice and sharp since they are designed to cut fabric. My students are always begging to use my pair. They’re slightly more expensive than traditional scissors but it’s a one-time purchase. Trust me they are worth it; regular scissors pale in comparison. They can be bought pretty much anywhere. I know Joann’s fabric store sells them and they typically have excellent coupons and teacher discounts.

9. Personal Paper Cutter

This may not seem like much of a game changer, but I can’t even tell you how often this paper cutter has come in handy. Typically, copy rooms have paper cutters, but it’s so nice to have one in your classroom. Teachers in my hallways were always borrowing this from me. They’re reasonably priced and will save you extra trips to the copy room. This model was created by Swingline.

10. Personal Laminator

This is ANOTHER MAJOR favorite of mine. I purchased my Scotch Thermal Laminator for $18 at Walmart. The laminating pouches can be bought in bulk from Sams. I have used this to laminate student awards (makes them look more official), bookmarks, labels, and other handouts I wanted to use and reuse with my students. I know a math teacher who laminated number charts for students who were allowed to use them on tests as a modification outlined in their IEP. It’s great for laminating smaller items. I seriously laminate everything now!

11. Giant Post-it Pad

Creating anchor charts is extremely valuable when explaining difficult content/concepts. It allows you to use a visual aid for your visual learners (which is the most common learning style). I like this particular pad better than others because they are post-its. This means I can hang them anywhere in my classroom and avoid the hassle of taping them to the wall. It’s nice to not have to worry about finding space for an anchor chart stand as well. I simply used command strips to hang it up on the wall when it is not in use. This pad has lasted me 5 years!

12. Bluetooth Mouse & Keyboard

I recently purchased a Bluetooth mouse to help solve the setup issues in my classroom. My computer has to be at the back of my classroom where my Smartboard hookup is located opposite the Smartboard at the front of my room. It’s a huge pain running back and forth in my room whenever I need to use my mouse or keyboard. Even if your computer is located in a convenient place, you’d be surprised how nice it is to have a mobile mouse. Typically on student presentation days I will set up my keyboard and mouse at a desk near students who typically have difficulties focusing. It allows me to monitor them with proximity while still being able to access my computer to pull up a document, video or slideshow for the presenter. I also use it when I am sitting with my team at a table and we want to display certain things on the board during the meeting. I like being able to sit with the group rather than being banished to my desk like a loner 

13. Strong Magnets

One way that I save valuable learning time is my paper distribution system. Rather than spending time at the start of class passing out dozens of papers, I have students manage that task. Once a paper has been graded I clip it to my whiteboard. Anytime students see a stack of papers under their hour label, they automatically begin passing them out. I also try my best to put papers for absent students on the board as well. A full stack of class papers (30 or so) can be very heavy for a traditional magnet to hold up. I purchased these super strong magnets at a local teacher store. I was able to find them on Amazon as well. If you search Learning Resources Super Strong Magnetic clips, they will be the first to appear on the feed. http://tinyurl.com/jxjxr55

14. Dry Erase Bins

These are THE best organizing bins EVER. Not only are they SUPER cheap (just a dollar a piece) but they have a whiteboards surface so they can be easily labeled, erased and relabeled. I bought dozens of them for the shelves in my classroom. The rectangular shape allows you to store books and binders, and anything else you don’t want cluttering up your shelves. These can be bought online or in-store from Dollar General. I also love how they add a pop of color to the classroom. 

15. Wire Step File Organizer

I use wire file organizers for a variety of things in my classroom. I use it as Chromebook storage and clipboard storage. Before getting my desk apprentice, I used it keep daily copies in files. Clipboards are an awkward shape to store horizontally, this organizer makes it easy. My students borrow these all the time if they want to work in different areas of the room. For the Chromebooks it’s convenient not only for storage but also makes it easy to charge the devices.