The one thing you can't teach without???

[libee]

HI Everyone,

I am a fairly new teacher and I have been hired to help set-up classrooms for a new private elementary school. It is really exciting, but a bit stressing at the same time. As we teachers know, everyone always has an idea to share. I am looking for your thoughts…if today you had to move classes, what is the one teaching tool and learning material that you would take with you? Second question: If you had no budget name something that you would love to buy for your class…and if you already have it and can not live without it, what is it???

Thanks for all your help. :)

[javamomma]

I have to have my computer or at least acess to one. I do everything with it (worksheet wise with word) I have even made a template for my grade book so I dont have to rewrite names each term.

I also love love my white boards (do they even still use chalk boards?) I have a main big board then a smaller portable easel style that I do groups/carpet work with.

[iteachsocialstudies]

Appropriate books would be what I would spend as much as I could on... And I agree with the computer!

[anyalee]

I couldn't live without a TV and a VCR/DVD player to show my kids historical documentaries and such.

[TeacherRW]

I couldn't live without my computer. In addition to it, I would say my other "must have" is an overhead projector. I use mine all.the.time!

[mkultra]

1. Overhead projector
2. Computer-preferably a laptop
3. individual white boards for each student
4. class library with authentic books
5. large post-it poster size
6. CD player or IPod with speakers

[TeacherRW]

No budget?? I would want a SmartBoard. There are a couple of people in our district that have one and the boards are spectacular!

Things that are generally overlooked include the little incidentals like: overhead markers, pens, pencils, Post-it-Notes, tape, 3hole punches.

A couple of other things to include in a teacher workroom might be: laminator, die-cut machine, binding machine, button maker.

[manonski]

Well, I still have a chalk board and I prefer it to the white one because I hate the smell of the markers for white boards.

That said, I use my overhead projector almost on a daily basis. I would not be able to teach without my computer, printer, dictionaries (I teach ESL), books.

I wish I could have a projector for my computer...

[awaxler]

Funny you should ask that question.

I teach a college course on classroom management (as well as teach 8th grade social studies) and I told my college students just last week that if I was only allowed one item to teach with it would be, without a doubt, my "timer".

I think a "timer" is the single most effective classroom management tool.

I literally do not say a word to quiet my class down...the timer does it for me...it's great!

--Adam

[anyalee]

don't forget a nice swingline stapler

[sara52345]

I'd get a good supply of that Germ X instant hand sanitizer... we have it in all our classrooms, and absences have gone down a few percentage points!

[anyalee]

good idea! My bottle is empty now....

[mkreher]

classroom supply of clipboards/lapboards!! I'm not teaching yet, but I do substitue and have found that those clipboards and lapboards are wonderful...that is going on my wish list for when I do start teaching

[teacher333]

I love those individual whiteboards, where all students get to participate at the same time and hold up their answers. I would not have a classroom without them!

[teach1027]

My overhead projector would have to go with me. I cannot teach without dry erase boards and markers for every student. Thjey make checking for understanding a breeze.

[Chef Dave]

If today you had to move classes, what is the one teaching tool and learning material that you would take with you?

I'm not clear on what you mean by "move classes." Are you talking about moving to another school for employment or moving from room to room throughout the day.

It also depends upon what grade you're teaching.

As a former elementary teacher, I'd want my math maniuplative kit.

As a chef instructor I wouldn't be able to function without my kitchen with all of the accompanying tools and equipment.


If you had no budget name something that you would love to buy for your class…

When I taught in Lebanon I would have loved having a computer in my classroom.