Today I’m giving you my top 5 must-have classroom products that are guaranteed to set you up for a great year without putting a dent in your wallet!
Setting up a new classroom and ready to be a classroom management champion? Or looking for simple, inexpensive ways to upgrade your classroom management? Look no further!
Top 5 Must-Have Classroom Products For better class Management
August is already rolling around again, and I know your “I should be setting up my classroom” guilt is already looming pretty heavy. So let me help make your job a little easier.
Here are 5 items that will help set you and your classroom up for maximum success and efficiency this year!
#5: Pencil Sharpener/Supply organizer
Set up a station with pencils, paper, and other essential classroom materials for your students. This will shift the responsibility to them to gather needed materials before class begins.
If they need to borrow something, they know exactly where to go to get what they need. And they will do it without bugging you! 🙂
First, invest in a large, quiet pencil sharpener. It is worth it!!
I highly recommend this X-ACTO School Pro model. These are a bit pricey but if you can catch it at the right time, they often go on sale for about $40.
My quality of life improved so much after I bought this huge pencil sharpener. It’s quiet enough that it doesn’t interrupt my lesson much and I only have to dump it once a week or so.
Pair that with an organizer like this one for your extra paper/pencils and your students will be all set with everything they need! No excuses!
#4: Silent fidget Products
Some kids (and adults) just need to move!
I love having a few stress balls and resistance bands on hand for those students. Both of these products will help them silently release some energy without distracting others.
If I notice a student who is getting restless, I quietly set a stress ball on their desk and they LOVE it. I think it helps them feel cared for, knowing that I noticed they needed it!
With the resistance band, it’s easiest to slip it onto their chair legs right before class starts or hand it to them as they come in.
That said, both of these products can be a little bit tricky because once you give one out, everybody wants one. So be sure to pre-teach clear expectations for requesting and using them!
Seriously, give it a try. I promise, it will truly do way more good than harm!
#3: Phone Charging Station
This little set-up has been very helpful at reducing altercations with phone addicts.
I created a small charging station in my room where students are allowed to plug in their personal devices.
I paired this USB power strip with a simple clear plastic calculator holder. Students simply plug in the phone, write their name on the pocket, and set their phone in it to charge.
Rather than confiscating phones when they are misused, I often suggest that the student leave their phone in the charging station.
This has significantly reduced power struggles, though it is definitely not a fool-proof strategy.
Still, it’s handy to have something like this around!
#2: Teacher Apron
Teachers need pockets!! And girls pants suck.
Get one of these simple aprons and you will always be ready for whatever comes your way. This is definitely a must-have classroom product for me!
Now I am always prepared with writing utensils, rewards tickets, treats, hand sanitizer, sticky notes, my phone, etc. Click here for more on how to use rewards tickets to improve your classroom management!
Students get more immediate responses to their every need with this bad boy,.
This handy little apron has totally changed my life. No more searching frantically around the classroom for that favorite pen you accidentally set down! For $10, you can save your sanity.
I love this particular apron because the ad basically gives you a pattern with dimensions, so if you’re handy with a sewing machine you can EASILY make this for yourself!
#1: Wireless Clicker
If you don’t have a way to control your projected computer screen, you will be stuck at your computer and all kinds of naughtiness will ensue.
This little clicker is my lifeline. Probably my most-needed classroom product of all classroom products.
I love that it isn’t bulky or heavy. It feels like carrying a pen around, only this magical gadget can control your screen, volume, and has a built-in laser pointer! It easily clips onto a lanyard or pocket, and the battery lasts forever.
The best classroom management strategy is circulating your room constantly. This clicker enables that freedom.
Proximity to your students will help them stay focused and help you stay on top of all their needs, both academic and otherwise. Just implementing this one strategy will make you a better teacher and help them become better students.
Summary: Top 5 Must-Have Classroom Products for better class management
So there you have it! 5 must-have classroom products that will make your classroom run smoother!
In summary, here is a list with all the links again:
- Wireless Clicker
- Teacher Apron
- Phone Charging Station: USB power strip & calculator holder
- Silent Fidget Products: Stress balls & resistance bands
- Supply Station: Pencil sharpener & supply organizer
Share Your Favorite Classroom Products!
What am I missing?? Please Share in the comments!
What other products help your classroom run smoothly?? I would love to hear from you and learn from your experiences!
