6 THINGS EVERY FIRST YEAR TEACHER NEEDS!

Want to know the essentials every first year teacher must have? Here are some of the best products that every first year teacher should know about. 

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Let’s face it, being a first year teacher can be SO overwhelming! If you are anything like me, you want to have the perfect classroom setup and feel extra prepared for that first day. As a teacher myself, I am giving you the top first year teacher essentials that saved me. 

You are going to learn about 6 things I believe every first year teacher needs to invest in. 

After learning about these first year teacher essentials, you will feel extra prepared to start the school year. 

This post is about 6 things every first year teacher should know about. 

First Year Teacher Essentials:

Here are a few things that I would highly recommend every first year teacher to buy:

1. Personal Laminator:

If I could only tell you how many times I had planned to laminate things during my planning time just to find out that the laminator needed changing (and I had no idea how to) or that the laminator, once again, ate my papers… Do yourself a favor and buy a personal laminator and some laminating sheets! 

2. Automatic Stapler: 

Trust me on this one…there’s nothing worse than having to staple 100s of copies with a regular stapler. It’s also a lot easier on your student’s hands when they need to use it. Don’t forget to purchase staples too! 

3. Accordion Folders:

I have one for each day and label them with things like “Morning Work, Word Work, Skills Practice, Math, Science, Social Studies.” I like to have my copies organized by day and then by subject. I didn’t start doing this until my second year of teaching but it was a lifesaver and helped me keep the mountains of papers in order! Paper clutter makes me stressed! I know several teachers use storage bins instead, but I like each subject or activity having its own file. Do what works for you! 

4. Class Set of Clipboards:

These are perfect for circle time, scoots around the room, and any time you do adventures around the school that students need to take notes. I label the clipboards with student numbers before I give them out to students. 

5. Class Set of White Boards:

I use these daily with my class and they really enjoy it. We use them for spelling practice, math warm ups, directed drawings, etc. They can be used for just about anything. 

6. Teacher Planner:

I searched for hours for the just right planner! I wanted one that gave me a monthly layout and also a daily/weekly layout but was not bulky. This planner comes undated and has plenty of room to write/brainstorm ideas. I also use a Google calendar and set reminders on my phone for EVERYTHING! As a teacher, there are so many things going on, that it is easy to get overwhelmed and forget things, or is that just me?! 

Keep in mind, it is your first year and give yourself some grace. Be patient, be adaptable, and don’t be afraid to make changes as you go! 

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