In this episode, I am going to talk about some of my favorite elementary teacher must-haves. These are things I am loving that help me with my self-care and might be able to help you too! I am going to share 5 of my favorite classroom-related things and then 5 personal things.
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I’m excited about today’s podcast, it’s a bit different than my regularly scheduled episodes but I think it will be fun.
My Top 10 Elementary Teacher Must-Haves
The teaching profession is quickly becoming one of all work and not a lot of recognition and thanks.
It is important, as teachers, that we continue to priortize ourselves, our mental health, and our time, even over what we give to our kiddos at school.
There are much more important ways of taking care of the aforementioned things but, there are also some fun ways!
Including some great items for you both in and out of the classroom will provide a little bit of joy throughout your day.
That’s why in this post I am sharing some items I recommend for elementary teachers.
*Just a quick heads-up that this podcast was originally recorded in 2020. I’ve updated this post since then and taken out any old links, items no longer available, and replaced them with something similar.
Classroom Favorites
Kagan Cooperative Learning Timer
Time Management is super important in the classroom. This timer will help keep you, and your students, on track.
Learn more about managing time as a teacher here.
Erin Condren Teacher Planner
I am a huge fan of paper planners and Erin Condren has always been my favorite. The paper quality is great, a bit pricey but worth it since this planner will last me all year!
Get some lesson planning tips here.
Material Drawers
To go along with your organized lesson plans, you need a spot to organize all those materials.
Enter, the material drawers! These are my favorite way to organize papers.
See how I used my material drawers here.
Flair Pens
Color coding and brightening up student papers with some color is always a fun way to add some flair to the task of grading.
Teacher 4 Things Tote
I love my 4 Things Tote and use it all the time- for a trip to the grocery store, to carry my laptop, and to throw last-minute items in as I’m headed out the door.
See more teacher gift ideas here.
Personal Favorites
Alright, enough with the school items!
Let’s look at some favorite items for you to use in your personal life!
Mercy Candle Co
This is my absolute favorite candle collection! I order them more often than I care to admit, but they are of great quality, have a long burn time, and give back!
Sign up for their email list, they usually have sales at least once a quarter.
PowerSheets Planner
I’ve raved about these goal-setting planners for years! If you are looking for a way to set some goals across multiple areas of your life (work, personal, family, finance, etc.) then this planner is for you.
Learn more about why I love PowerSheets here.
A Quality Book to Unwind With
If you are an elementary teacher, you are likely reading children’s books all day long. So when you come home, you want something a bit more mature to unwind with.
You can hear me talk about some of my favorite books on this podcast episode.
Otherwise, check out a few mentioned on
Ice Roller
I know this seems like a weird item to include, but it is my go-to every single morning!
This little tool clears out my sinuses, wakes me up, and gets me feeling fresh before I apply all of my skincare ointments.
Stylish & Comfortable Shoes
As teachers, we know how important comfortable shoes are.
These shoes are a bit pricey, but I own two pairs and wear them every chance I get. The quality is top-notch and I can wear them for a full day of being on my feet.
Plus, they provide dignified jobs for people in Guatemala allowing them to earn a living wage. (And, the owner is so sweet and helpful!).
Outfit Formulas
If you want to look cute each day at work but struggle with putting together outfits in your closet, then check out Get Your Pretty On.
These outfit formulas take the guesswork out of picking out a stylish outfit and help you make the most use out of the clothes you already have.
I’d love for you to have a listen HERE. And I would especially love it if you shared it with your other teacher friends!!!
Related Posts
Until next time,
If you found this helpful, make sure to pin it to your Pinterest board so you can refer back to it or so other teachers can find it!
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