Amazon Wishlist: Teacher Edition

Now that it's summer it's time for me to restock on some of my favorite classroom items!  Here are my TOP 10 things I use in my classroom, I hope you find them useful!  

Wireless Doorbell

I love this thing!  I got one for the first time this year and it saves my voice so much.  I use it to get the class's attention instead of trying to shout or clap or find my way to a chime.  Just clip the little button to your lanyard and off you go!  

Velcro 

I use velcro dots ALL. THE. TIME.  Half of my walls are fireproof brick so nothing sticks....but velcro does the trick.  These guys last all year.  

Teacher Planner 

I usually make my own lesson plan binder but for only $20 this one looks pretty enticing!  

Ink Joy Gel Pens 

I'll take these over flair pens ANY day!  I like to write my students feedback in these because they are so smooth I feel like I get my grading done faster.  (Wishful thinking, I'm sure!)

Address Labels 

I use address labels to label student notebooks, folders, cubbies, mailboxes, my personal library books, even dry erase markers!  You name it, it's labeled!  

Book Display 

People this is only TWENTY DOLLARS!!  I love the neutral colors too.  I use this to display our read alouds and mentor texts.  

Jumbo Sticky Notes 

These make anchor charts even more fun than they already are!  They come in 3 different colors and sizes.  

Sumoku 

This game is the math version of Banangrams.  I also love to use the colored tiles for numbers of the day, building math problems, and various activities for my visual/hands-on learners!  

Operation Die 

Again, another favorite for my visual and hands-on learners.  Just another little thing to up engagement!  

Dry Erase Sleeves 

I keep multiple class lists in these so I can check off homework, permission slip return, etc.  It saves me from having to make copies all the time!  I also keep these at math stations so I don't have to laminate and cut so much!  

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

5 Ways to Avoid the Conferring Conundrum

If you use the workshop model in your classroom and you're anything like me (too many things going on to even think straight!) then you probably struggle with conferring with every student on a regular basis and keeping track of what you talk about.  It's SO easy to fall into the trap of meeting with the same kids over and over again because they are able to grab your attention or you know they need a little more support.  It's taken me a long time, but I finally have it down to a science.  I've listed 5 easy steps below. 

1. Keep all subjects in ONE spot.  

I use a binder.  It house notes for reading, writing, and math. 

2. Each student gets their own tab.  

I picked up these numbered tabs from Office Depot.  I don't have to change them out every year and when I want information on a student during a meeting it's easy and quick for me to find everything I need.  

3.  Have a different colored sheet for every subject.  

Even though I use the same format sheet for each subject, I color code them.  Again, just another way to keep it easier on myself! 

4. Track strengths AND goals.  

Instead of always focusing on what the student needs to do to improve, I always give them a compliment. (I know this is pretty standard!)  But leaving a space for me to write down what I said to them forces me to not repeat myself again and again each time I meet with them.  Also, when it's time for data meetings I always have strengths to share out!  

5. Use a weekly checklist.  (THIS IS THE GAME CHANGER!) 

I keep a laminated weekly checklist in the front of my binder.  Each week I check off the students I have already met with.  This prevents me from doing repeat conferences and allows me to get to every student in my class.  

While these aren't all earth shattering ideas, it's what works for me and how I maintain a little sanity!  Hopefully you can take something away to use in your everyday!  

*Also, how could I not include the best book EVER?!*