Classroom Management

As a teacher, having a well-stocked desk is essential for successfully navigating daily classroom challenges. Here are 26 teacher desk supplies that you’ll be glad to have in a pinch!

1. Sticky Notes: These versatile tools are perfect for jotting down quick reminders or marking important pages in a book.

2. Pens and Pencils: Keep an ample supply of both on hand for you and your students.

3. Highlighters: A must-have for emphasizing important notes, passages, or dates.

4. Whiteboard Markers: Always have backup markers available for note-taking during lessons or brainstorming sessions.

5. Stapler and Staples: An essential desk tool for keeping papers organized.

6. Binder Clips: Perfect for securing large stacks of paper together.

7. Paper Clips: Ideal for attaching a few sheets of paper or keeping your place in a book.

8. Scissors: Necessary for cutting anything from paper to opening packages.

9. Ruler: Important for making precise measurements or drawing straight lines on the board.

10. Erasers: Keep a few handy to quickly fix pencil mistakes on the go.

11. Hand Sanitizer: For maintaining cleanliness in the age of germs.

12. Tissues: Essential for emergencies and everyday sniffles alike.

13. Calculator: A useful tool for quick calculations and number-crunching during lessons.

14. Clipboard: Keep your essential papers and notes easily accessible at all times.

15. USB Flash Drive: Safely store lesson plans, handouts, and other digital files.

16. Headphones or Earbuds: Handy to have when prepping video content or tuning out distractions briefly during breaks.

17. Rubber Bands: Useful for bundling items together or adding structure to posters and displays.

18. Push Pins or Thumbtacks: Crucial tools used for attaching items to bulletin boards.

19. Small First-Aid Kit: Perfect for dealing with minor cuts, scrapes, or headaches that may come your way.

20. Post-it Flags: Simplify the process of marking and collaborating on documents or books.

21. Clear Tape: Perfect for putting up posters or fixing book covers.

22. Label Maker: Stay organized by creating labels for files, folders, and storage containers.

23. Stamps and Ink Pads: Provide instant feedback with motivational stamps on student work.

24. Hole Punch: Quickly prepare papers for binder organization with this essential tool.

25. Coffee Mug and Coaster: Fuel your caffeine needs and keep your desk spill-free.

26. Personal Items: Add a touch of home to your desk with photos, mementos, or small decorations that bring joy to your space.

In conclusion, having these 26 teacher desk supplies will save you from scrambling when unexpected challenges arise. Equip your desk with these items to ensure smooth transitions throughout your teaching day!

Introduction:

Building positive relationships with students is an essential aspect of successful teaching. In today’s educational climate, where many students face challenges in their personal lives or struggle to keep up with their academic work, having a strong relationship with a teacher can make all the difference. Teachers who invest in creating meaningful connections with their students witness significant benefits in terms of student engagement, behavior, and overall performance. In this article, we explore the power of building positive relationships with students and hear from teachers sharing their experiences.

The Importance of Building Positive Relationships with Students:

1. Boosts Student Engagement:

When teachers develop stronger bonds with their students, they create a learning environment where students feel comfortable participating and speaking up. When they know their ideas and opinions matter, student engagement soars, creating a more dynamic and effective classroom.

2. Enhances Classroom Behavior:

Positive relationships between teachers and students often lead to fewer behavioral issues in the classroom. When students feel respected and valued by their teachers, they tend to behave better and focus more on learning.

3. Improves Academic Performance:

A strong teacher-student connection fosters students’ motivation to succeed academically. Moreover, when there is trust between teacher and student, it becomes easier for the student to ask for help or clarification when needed.

4. Supports Emotional Well-Being:

Cultivating caring relationships with students also contributes to their emotional well-being. Teachers who have a positive rapport with their students are better equipped to recognize potential mental health issues or offer emotional support during challenging times.

Teachers Sharing Their Experiences:

– Miss Johnson, a high school English teacher, discovered that taking just five minutes at the start of each class to discuss her students’ lives made all the difference in getting them engaged during lessons. They appreciated her genuine interest in them as individuals and felt encouraged to participate actively in class discussions.

– Mr. Lee, a middle school science teacher, observed that by implementing a more approachable and open demeanor, his classroom dynamics changed significantly. Students were more likely to come to him with concerns or questions, and they became more focused during lessons as they respected his kindness and understanding.

– Mrs. Patel, a primary school teacher, found that establishing morning routines where she greeted each student individually helped in forming stronger connections. By doing so, her students felt seen and valued right from the start of their day.

Conclusion:

Building positive relationships with students is crucial for their success and emotional well-being. Investing time and effort in creating these connections benefits both teachers and students alike. As we have seen from the shared experiences of Miss Johnson, Mr. Lee, and Mrs. Patel, even simple changes can lead to powerful outcomes in fostering an engaged, respectful, and supportive learning environment for all students.

As a teacher, one of the biggest challenges I faced was managing the many classroom tasks that piled up throughout the day. From grading assignments and taking attendance to planning lessons and organizing events, it seemed like there was always something demanding my attention. Eventually, I realized I needed to find a way to take control of these responsibilities without sacrificing my sanity.

After researching different automation tools and strategies, I devised a plan to automate several key aspects of my classroom. The result? Not only did I save time and reduce stress, but I also became more organized and gained more freedom to focus on what truly matters: shaping young minds.

Here are the ways I automated essential classroom tasks:

1. Grading Assignments

The time-consuming process of grading assignments was the first thing on my automation hit-list. By using tools such as Google Forms and Quizlet, I created self-grading quizzes and activities that immediately assessed students’ work and provided feedback. This not only saved me countless hours but also allowed for quicker intervention when students struggled with particular concepts.

2. Taking Attendance

The simple yet regular task of taking attendance used to take up a surprising amount of time each day. To streamline this process, I implemented an online check-in system using Google Sheets. Every morning, students signed in on their devices, marking themselves present or absent in real-time. This eliminated the need for manual roll calls and provided an accurate record for administrative purposes.

3. Lesson Planning

To make lesson planning more efficient, I started utilizing online planning tools like Planboard. This platform enabled me to easily drag-and-drop lessons into specific calendar dates, create templates for recurring activities, and store resources such as videos or articles to use in class. By automating my lesson plans this way, it allowed me more time to think creatively about how to engage my students and adjust teaching strategies as needed.

4.Threaded Outlook reminders

To keep track of the never-ending to-do list, I started utilizing threaded reminders in Outlook to set up tasks and due dates. These reminders would send a notification to my email and phone whenever an important deadline or meeting approached, helping me stay organized and avoid unexpected surprises.

5. Virtual Assistant

Finally, I decided to take advantage of AI virtual assistant technology by using tools like Amazon’s Alexa in my classroom. I could ask Alexa questions on the fly, set timers for activities, or quickly check the weather before heading outdoors – all without having to manually search for information or interrupt my workflow.

By automating these essential classroom tasks, not only was I able to save my sanity, but my students also benefited from a more relaxed and efficient learning environment. Embracing automation allowed me more time to focus on what truly matters – teaching and nurturing these young minds as they develop into the leaders of tomorrow.

Introduction

Creating an inclusive and compassionate classroom environment is essential for a positive learning experience. This starts with the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) resources that encourage empathy and kindness among students. SEL resources provide teachers with various tools, activities, and strategies to promote emotional intelligence, understand different perspectives, and create a caring culture in the classroom. Here are some impactful SEL resources that can inspire empathy and kindness in your classroom.

1. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)

CASEL is a leading non-profit organization focused on advancing the practice of promoting integrated academic, social, and emotional learning for all students. Their comprehensive resources include guides for educators, professional development, research-based strategies, and an SEL framework to help cultivate empathy and kindness. Visit their website at casel.org to get started.

2. Responsive Classroom

Responsive Classroom offers evidence-based teaching practices designed to nurture positive behavior among students while creating a joyful learning environment. They provide training materials, workshops, online courses, books, podcasts, and newsletters with practical SEL strategies to develop caring communities inside the classroom. Learn more at responsiveclassroom.org.

3. Edutopia’s Social-Emotional Learning Resources

Edutopia hosts a collection of articles, videos, and blogs that provide insightful advice on integrating SEL in your lessons. Their extensive library includes topics like empathy-building exercises, conflict resolution techniques, mindfulness practices for both teachers and students alike. Visit edutopia.org/social-emotional-learning-resources to explore their offerings.

4. Start With Hello from Sandy Hook Promise

Start With Hello is a program developed by the non-profit organization Sandy Hook Promise aimed at combating social isolation among children. This initiative provides resources such as lesson plans and activities to help teachers build social connections between students while fostering kindness and empathy. Sign up for Start With Hello at sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhello.

5. Kindness in the Classroom Curriculum

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation developed the Kindness in the Classroom Curriculum – a free, ready-to-use resource that includes engaging lesson plans, activities, and discussion topics all aimed at developing kindness and social-emotional skills in students. By fostering a compassionate environment, this curriculum can help improve classroom relationships and overall student wellbeing. Download it at randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-curriculum.

Conclusion

Helping students develop empathy and kindness not only enhances the classroom atmosphere, but it also equips them with essential life skills to foster healthier interpersonal relationships. By exploring and implementing these SEL resources in your classroom, you can create a more inclusive, empathetic, and caring learning environment that will benefit every student’s personal development and academic success.

Introduction:

As a teacher, you probably never thought that dealing with lice would be a part of your job description. However, when working in an environment with many children, it’s not uncommon for lice outbreaks to occur from time to time. In this article, we will discuss the common challenges faced by teachers during an outbreak and provide practical tips on how to deal with the situation professionally and efficiently.

Understanding Lice:

Lice are tiny parasitic insects that can live in human hair and feed on blood from the scalp. They spread quickly by direct contact and can cause severe itchiness and discomfort. Lice aren’t particularly dangerous, nor are they an indication of poor hygiene. However, their presence can be very distressing for students and their families.

What Teachers Can Do:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the basics of lice infestations, including how these parasites spread and the most effective methods for treatment and prevention. Being well-informed will enable you to provide accurate information to parents and students.

2. Create a Protocol: Work with your school’s administration to develop a standard lice protocol for your classroom or school. This might include procedures for identification, assessment, treatment, notification, confidentiality, exclusion rules for infected students until receiving treatment and prevention strategies.

3. Maintain Confidentiality: Respect the privacy of students who have been diagnosed with lice. Avoid using their names when discussing the issue with other students or parents. Informing families privately helps maintain dignity for the affected student while ensuring correct information is shared.

4. Encourage Parent Communication: Encourage parents to proactively check their children’s hair regularly for signs of lice infestation and inform you if anything is found.

5. Teach Students Proper Hygiene Practices: Educate students on the importance of not sharing personal items like combs, brushes, hats, scarves, and headphones. Encourage children to avoid head-to-head contact during playtime or other activities that may facilitate the spread of lice.

6. Maintain a Clean Environment: Regularly clean shared items and spaces in the classroom, such as rugs, pillows, and couches. Lice can survive for a short period away from their human host, so reduce the chances of re-infestation.

7. Keep Calm: It’s essential to remain calm and reassure your students that lice are a common problem that can be dealt with effectively. Avoid creating panic or hysteria, which will only make the situation worse.

Conclusion:

Dealing with lice as a teacher can be challenging and certainly not something we signed up for. However, by educating yourself and your students on proper prevention and treatment methods, creating a protocol for your school or classroom and maintaining open communication lines between teachers, students, and parents – it’s possible to manage outbreaks quickly and effectively. Remember to stay calm, provide support and reassure affected students; together we can keep our classrooms happy and itch-free!

Introduction

Literary sidekicks have charmed us, engaged us, and on occasion, even made us more inquisitive about the primary characters. Instructors can draw motivation from these endearing figures to educate as well as engage their students. This article highlights some of these literary sidekicks and how their attributes can help educators become better teachers.

1. Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings

Sam is the epitome of loyalty, dedication, and support. He accompanies Frodo on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and never leaves his master’s side. Teachers can learn from Sam’s unwavering commitment, as they too need to be loyal and dedicate themselves to helping their students reach their full potential.

Lesson: Loyalty and dedication towards students.

2. Dr. John Watson from Sherlock Holmes stories

Dr. Watson serves as both a sidekick and chronicler of Sherlock’s adventures, which demonstrates the importance of collaboration in problem-solving tasks. As a teacher, one must collaborate with students to help them overcome learning obstacles and foster curiosity.

Lesson: Collaboration in problem-solving.

3. Hermione Granger from Harry Potter series

Arguably one of the most iconic sidekicks in literature, Hermione’s intelligence and resourcefulness bring an added layer of depth to Harry’s journey. She constantly encourages her peers to learn more and expand their horizons. Teachers can model this enthusiasm for learning and inspire their students to remain curious, no matter the circumstances they face.

Lesson: Enthusiasm for learning.

4. Sancho Panza from Don Quixote

As a wise character that offers comic relief in otherwise serious situations, Sancho Panza helps ground Don Quixote back into reality with his simple common sense wisdom. Educators can adopt this practical approach by breaking down complex concepts into simple terms that cater to each individual student’s level of understanding.

Lesson: Simplifying complex concepts.

5. Piggy from Lord of the Flies

Piggy symbolizes rational thought among the group of boys stranded on the island. He continuously reminds them of the importance of cooperation and order, vital qualities all teachers must uphold to maintain class discipline and establish a comfortable learning atmosphere.

Lesson: Importance of cooperation and classroom discipline.

Conclusion

Literary sidekicks encompass a range of attributes that make a story engaging and memorable. As educators, we can benefit from studying these characters to nurture a classroom environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and cooperative learning. By adopting the qualities exemplified by these beloved literary sidekicks, teachers can inspire students to reach their full potential and enjoy every step of their educational journey.

Intro: The school year is upon us, and teachers everywhere are preparing their classrooms for the arrival of eager students. One of the most fun and important aspects of setting up a classroom is creating engaging bulletin boards that can inspire learning and creativity. We’ve gathered a list of 50+ brilliant back-to-school bulletin boards that you’ll want to copy!

1. Welcome Aboard: Create a nautical-themed board with a ship mast, sails, and flags to give students a warm welcome.

2. Superhero Students: Decorate your board with superhero figures, masks, and capes to empower your students for the school year ahead.

3. Get to Know Your Teacher: Showcase your personal interests, hobbies, and favorite things to help students connect with you.

4. Tree-mendous Work: Make a tree out of construction paper and add students’ work as leaves to celebrate their accomplishments.

5. Reading Garden: Transform the bulletin board into an enchanted garden where readers can grow their literacy skills all year long.

6. Wild About Learning: Turn your board into a jungle scene with exotic animals and green foliage to inspire curiosity in learners.

7. Emojis Galore: Utilize popular emojis as symbols for behavior expectations and essential classroom rules.

8. Time to Shine: Craft a shining sunburst design where each ray has student photos or inspiring quotes from famous figures.

9. Mindful Moments: Dedicate a display to mindfulness techniques featuring calming images, quotes, and interactive activities.

10. The Incredible Growth Mindset: Encourage students to adopt a growth mindset by highlighting famous failures that led to success.

11. Our Future is Bright: Illuminate lightbulbs made from student pictures next to pathways indicating the steps they will take through grade levels.

12. Reach for the Stars: Use vibrant colors and outer space elements, encouraging students always to reach for their dreams.

13. United We Learn: Display flags, languages, and cultures from around the world to advocate inclusivity and global learning.

14. The Art of Self-Expression: Create a graffiti-style board where students can share their names, goals, and unique qualities.

15. Baking Success: Arrange a bakery-themed board filled with recipes for learning success and individual student “ingredients.”

16. Hogwarts Classroom: Immerse your room in magic by introducing a Harry Potter-themed board complete with house points and wizardly snapshots.

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Conclusion: With these 50+ brilliant back-to-school bulletin board ideas, get ready to spark learning inspiration, motivate self-expression, and foster a positive classroom environment. Don’t hesitate to put your creative spin on these designs or integrate multiple ideas. As the school year progresses, watch how your bulletin boards impact students’ motivation, engagement, and overall experience within your classroom. Happy teaching!

In recent weeks, social media has become a treasure trove of nostalgia and reminiscing, as teachers from around the world have started sharing their first classroom photographs under the hashtag #MyFirstClassroom. This trend showcases the beginning of their teaching careers and offers a heartwarming glimpse into the passion and dedication they bring to their profession.

From empty classrooms awaiting their students’ arrival to veteran teachers sharing side-by-side comparisons of their first and current classrooms, the trend reflects a diverse range of experiences. Each snapshot carries a unique story, and together they build a visual narrative of teaching journeys that inspire both educators and students alike.

Many teachers have used this opportunity to express gratitude for the incredible transformations they’ve seen in their profession throughout the years. Some recount how they started with minimal resources and simple blackboards, now replaced by smartboards and digital devices that enhance learning experiences. Amidst this change, however, one element remains steadfast—the passion that drives teachers to empower future generations through education.

For some educators, these photos serve as a reminder of how far they’ve come in mastering classroom organization and aesthetics. From boldly colored walls to meticulously placed bulletin boards, these images inspire creativity and demonstrate endless possibilities for designing spaces that foster engagement and curiosity.

The photos have also caught the attention of several prominent figures within the education community. Many school administrators and influencers have joined in on the conversation, sharing their appreciation for the hard work, resilience, and love infused into each one of these classrooms.

In addition to receiving praise from colleagues and educational leaders, #MyFirstClassroom has also attracted positive feedback from parents and students. The images reaffirm the important role that teachers play in children’s lives—shaping not just academic growth but also inspiring aspirations to reach great heights.

In a time when educational institutions face continuous challenges due to global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, #MyFirstClassroom provides an uplifting look at the education sector’s progress, resilience, and determination to make a difference in countless students’ lives.

As we continue to scroll through these captivating images and inspiring stories, we’re reminded that behind every classroom lies a journey marked by passion, dedication, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders. The #MyFirstClassroom trend showcases the unwavering spirit of teachers who have chosen to be change-makers in an ever-evolving educational landscape. And honestly, we can’t get enough of it!

Every individual has their unique journey through the world of education – some find it easy to sail through with flying colors, while others might have to struggle and stumble along the way. However, contrary to popular belief, it’s often the worst students who go on to become the best teachers. While this may seem paradoxical at first, there are a number of reasons why this is true.

1. Empathy

The worst students understand what it’s like to be on the losing side and struggle with subject matter. They have experienced failure and frustration, and as a result, they develop empathy for their own students who may face similar challenges. This familiarity with defeat allows them to connect more deeply with students who need extra support and give them tailored advice based on their own experiences.

2. Adaptability

Having struggled themselves, these “worst” students often come up with creative solutions to grasp difficult concepts in order to survive academically. As teachers, they are more likely to think outside the box, be aware of different learning styles, and provide alternative teaching methods for students who might find traditional approaches ineffective.

3. Resilience

Overcoming academic struggles requires determination and resilience – qualities that often translate well into teaching. A teacher who has faced failures in their own education is likely to be more persistent in encouraging their students not to give up until they succeed. Furthermore, these teachers can use their stories as a source of motivation and encourage grit in the face of adversity within their students.

4. Appreciation for Learning

Students who had a tough time going through school might appreciate the value of education more than those who found it easy. As teachers, they understand that knowledge is hard-earned but ultimately rewarding and can inspire a similar love for learning within their students.

5. Humility

Those who have stumbled along the way are less likely to take success for granted, and are aware of their own limitations. This translates into a teacher who is open to criticism, continuously looking for ways to improve, and genuinely cares about developing both personally and professionally.

In conclusion, while it may seem counterintuitive, the worst students often possess traits that make them some of the best teachers. Through empathy, adaptability, resilience, appreciation for learning, and humility, these individuals can harness their hardships as a tool to inspire and educate the next generation. So the next time you come across a teacher who openly shares their previous academic struggles, do not dismiss them – instead, cherish their unique perspective and celebrate their determination to guide others through learning.

Introduction

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial aspect of education that focuses on the development of students’ emotional intelligence, sense of community, and interpersonal skills. Building a strong community within the classroom not only promotes a positive learning environment but also leads to increased academic success. This article presents a free guide of SEL activities to help educators foster an engaging, supportive, and connected classroom community.

The Importance of SEL and Community Building in Class

Integrating SEL strategies into lesson plans allows learners to develop essential life skills such as empathy, self-awareness, decision-making, problem-solving, and healthy communication techniques. These capabilities are significant contributors to personal growth and positive relationships with others. Creating an inclusive atmosphere empowers students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate effectively, appreciate different perspectives, and understand the value of respect and kindness.

Free SEL Activities for Building Community in Class

1. Sharing Circles: Organize weekly sharing circles where students form a circle and take turns discussing a topic or responding to a prompt for a few minutes each. This activity fosters active listening, empathy, and authentic expression while giving every student the opportunity to be heard.

2. Gratitude Practice: Encourage students to share what they are grateful for at the beginning or end of each class. Gratitude practice strengthens bonds among classmates by acknowledging positive experiences and expressing appreciation for one another.

3. Team-building Games: Conduct team-building games that require collaboration and cooperation within small groups. These activities can include puzzle-solving, charades or even physical exercises that involve teamwork. Such activities promote trust-building among peers.

4.Classroom Agreements: Collaboratively develop classroom agreements with your students at the start of the school year. Work together to establish guidelines around communication, respect, behaviour, accountability, and handling conflict in class. Let everyone present their ideas and finalize the agreements together so that everyone feels heard.

5. Discuss Inspirational Stories: Share and discuss stories of individuals who have triumphed over adversity, shown kindness, or achieved significant accomplishments. Teach students to analyze the characters’ actions, emotions and motivations, exploring what they can learn from their experiences.

6. Encourage Group Work: Assign group projects to foster collaboration, negotiation, and communication skills among peers. Allowing students to share ideas and work together nurtures a sense of belonging and trust in class.

7. Cultivate a Safe Space: Ensure that your classroom is a safe space where every student feels comfortable expressing their feelings, opinions, or concerns without fear of criticism. Establish norms around respectful communication, kindness and empathy.

Conclusion

Incorporating SEL activities into your teaching practices equips students with essential skills for their academic and personal journeys. By building a strong community in class through these free SEL activities, educators can enhance students’ emotional intelligence, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being. As you strive to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment, you are fostering lifelong learners who will be better equipped for success both inside and outside the classroom.