There is no standard classroom that is perfectly mapped out for us containing everything we need. We take our time curating materials, along with hitting up every garage sale to find the perfect classroom resource. Whether we're hoarders or throwers, every teacher has those specific items they can't
From the perfect coffee cup or roll of duct tape, we all have our go-to favorite resources, these things just seem to make our teaching life click. I've teamed up with the bloggers over at Upper Elementary Snapshots sharing my Classroom Must Haves. In fact, I can't "picture" myself teaching without them! So, will they match up with yours? Make sure you collect our "Must Have" freebies and enter our Giveaway at the bottom of this post!
This is a my ratchet set. It is my best friend. We've taken apart and put together so many wonderful things at school. From dissecting a computers, to raising tables and lowering chairs--this little buddy has been with me a long time. This ratchet set is used at least once a week to fix a problem.
I hate having to rely on the custodial staff. They're busy enough, which is why this guy comes in handy. It is an absolute classroom must have. Just to be clear, I don't teach with this, but I have used it with students for teaching moments.
In school we have parts and materials that can be brand new to fifty years old, meaning that assembly (or unassembling) isn't an exact science. Let's be clear--this is not a tool box (but you should have one of those too). It can screw/unscrew with more than 50 attachments--which is something, considering we have rounds out screws, rounded bolts, and school furniture older than my grandma.
And if you needed more convincing: This is one of the best tool for putting together items from IKEA or Target. Think about that shelving.
If you're looking to get one like this, I'd highly suggest checking out this Ratchet Screwdriver SKIL set at Amazon. This one is a little smaller (mine has since been discontinued), but contains all the essential elements and options to become your best friend. Tim the Toolman would be proud (mid-90's reference).
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| For context. |
I don't care what read aloud you have or how big your classroom library is. If you don't have the a Calvin & Hobbes book, you are doing your students an injustice. That's right, and injustice. These books are literary staples. They are a must have.
It's a bit tough to convey all my feelings for Calvin & Hobbes. Bill Watterson created a safe place for creativity, imagination, and unlimited possibilities for kids and adults in his stories and characters. And as educators it's our responsibility to give kids a chance to get lost in those ideas, and maybe find their own stuffed tiger.
Grab a copy for your classroom (or get the whole set) for around ten bucks at Amazon.
My must have resource my class is Zoo Design. My inner child is coming out, as a kid all I ever wanted to do was be a zookeeper. It didn't happen. Instead, I'm a teacher. Zoo Design is framed around having students apply area and perimeter skills to build their own zoo, but it is much more, as students must make key decisions while problem solving to complete the project.
I started by designing two levels that can easily and immediately be differentiated BUT the PBL activity looks exactly the same to all. This helps with my resource students who work at different levels, but don't want to stick out. Besides applying math skills and using a project based learning approach, this resource allows me to gauge how well students can create, imagine, and be inventive. I can see their strengths true strengths also, which don't always come out on the tests. Find ZOO DESIGN, Area and Perimeter here.
You, my friend, have made it all the way to (possibly) my favorite resource. The power of being a good friend is critical, that's why I love my How To Be A Friend poster set. This'll be the third year to hang it from my wall, which means more time to discuss how and why to be a good friend.
Make sure you grab your yourself a copy for your classroom. You can see it on my wall (above). I like to put it low enough so students see it at eye level. Find it here or click the image below.
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| This is just a miniature version I've scaled down. |
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