Mr. Mac...A (Retired) Teacher's Point of View: This Blog Isn't Always About My Longwindedness!

Over the years I have purchased MANY items for my classroom, from electric pencil sharpeners to colorful stickers. Actually I only purchased colorful stickers my first year...I found that I was NOT a cutsie-put-a-sticker-on-graded-papers kind of educator. Anyway...I have discovered that there is a great deal of crap out there, and also some pretty cool stuff. Thought I would share. I also thought I would share a WAY-cool list of classroom essentials, and just some general stuff/information for your classroom from teachervision.fen.com...especially for you wonderful novices out there! One note to new educators...you will do as I did...you will try everything, and weed out the crap.

BEST ELECTRIC PENCIL SHARPENER!

I went through 7 electric pencil sharpeners until I found the Boston Pro at Staples. It was $44.00 then, but worth every penny! I bought it in 2003 and it is still going strong! It won't heat up and stop after 3 or 4 pencils...it is awesome! You can also purchase it online from Amazon.com!

Product Features

X-ACTO School Pro Electric Pencil Sharpener
Sold as 1 Each
Power Type: Electric, Color(s): Blue, Gray, Sharpener Type: Desktop
Height ominal : 6 3/8 inches and Depth ominal : 7 inches and Width : 4 1/2 in

The following is a list of 10 things every classroom should have from the website teachervision.fen.com

http://www.teachervision.fen.com/back-to-school/classroom-management/56968.html?page=1

1. Basic Supplies

Pencils (colored & standard), pens, crayons, markers, notebook paper, tape, index cards, poster board, notebooks, folders, erasers, construction paper, and scissors. You'll probably come up with your own, personal list as well!

2. Filing Cabinets/Boxes

Use plastic tubs or cardboard filing boxes to store holiday projects, art projects, special books, and supplies. Be sure to label these boxes with the name of each project or unit. Or, keep different boxes for different students as an easy organizational tool.

3. Classroom Rules

It's vital to establish rules on the very first day of school. Invite students to contribute a set of expectations about behavior. Try to keep your list to about five general specifications so students can remember the entire list.

4. Substitute Teacher Packets

Create a substitute teacher folder or binder early in the year. Use it to file class lists, fire drill rules, seating charts, class schedules, and a general plan for the day for substitutes to follow. You might also include the names and numbers of helpful teachers and teacher's aides, plus office procedures and classroom policies.

5. Museum of Student Work

Show your students how impressed you are with their work by dedicating a section of the wall or bulletin board to their completed assignments, drawings, and other projects. Make sure that each student's work is displayed often and proudly! Your Doodlers and artists will love a separate space for their work!

6. Personal Library

Books, newspapers, magazines...these are all vital for the classroom. They may encourage your students to spend their free time reading instead of staring into space. Just remember to write your name in everything you want to hang on to! It will take a while to build up a big library, new teachers. Visit thrift shops, and yard sales for age appropriate books. Turn nothing down if offered or TAKE any give-a-ways that are in the teacher's lounge! Local libraries sometimes sell books cheap annually.

7. Collection of Awards & Certificates

Congratulate your students for outstanding work, achieving perfect attendance, being a good listener, and much more, with awards and certificates. Many can be bought at Staples, or a teacher supply store (Expensive)...be creative and make your own. Plus there are a CAJILLION websites that are build-your-own type, or offer free certificates!

8. Introductory Packets for New Students

Make your life easier by creating a packet of materials that includes everything new students might need to assimilate into your classroom. Prepare lists of rules, procedures, current assignments, and other items you think a student entering mid-year might need. Great for the beginning of the year and those times when you get a new student...this could happen at anytime. I got 3 new students in a 4 week period. Sometimes you will know in advance when a new kiddo is coming in...other times you will get a call before first bell informing you of your newest addition. Either way...with this idea employed you will be ready!

9. Grade Book

It's important to keep all of your students' grades in one place so that you can easily see when students are doing well, improving, or letting their assignments slip. Try an online grade book for the quickest and easiest way to keep track of grades, while also allowing your students access to their records. I still have an "Old School" mentality and keep an actual grade book even though we are in the electronic age. I think I may be the only teacher in my district that actually records grade in an actual paper and pen grade book. I input the grade into the computer a couple of weeks prior to Progress Reports and Report Cards. My grade book is like my wallet...all of my most important information is in there (Student data, locker assignments, extra-credit, notes from parents, STAR and DCAS scores, etc.) also...I do not keep money in my grade book ergo there is NO MONEY IN MY WALLET!

10. And finally...

Perspective, a grain of salt, a sense of humor, an open mind, patience, a positive outlook, plans B & C & D, commitment, flexibility, compassion, hope, and creativity, a bullet to bite, a stress ball, confidence, honor, dedication, glasses for the eyes in the back of your head, a sixth sense, and most of all...an unfailing belief in your kids!

Mr. Mac...A (Retired) Teacher's Point of View

Mr. Mac

Thursday, December 27, 2012

This Blog Isn't Always About My Longwindedness!