The 2020-2021 school year is not exactly starting out in the usual way. As I write this, we are looking at doing some kind of hybrid learning schedule for going back to school in North Carolina.
While I usually stock up on my favorite essential teacher supplies right about now, I’m also looking at supplies I may need for remote teaching as well.
So here is my shopping list of all the supplies I cannot live without! New teacher supplies are one of the best parts of going back to school.
Office Supplies
*Teacher planner — your school may give you one of these, but it won’t be cute. I have used this Bloom planner and really like it. Other teachers like the Happy Planner from Michael’s Stores
*Post-it notes in a variety of sizes
*Ticonderoga pencils — the best!
*Stapler in a color so that you can find it easily!
*Binder clips in a variety of sizes
*Astrobrights paper – great for classroom signs and letters
Room Decor & Supplies
*Washi tape – for marking off areas on the board or on tables
*Vinyl dots – these might be useful for designating where students should sit to be safely distanced from each other
*Gym tape – this might be useful for marking areas around tables or on the floor so students know where to safely stand or sit within a socially distanced zone
Instructional Supplies
*Dry erase pockets – perfect for putting practice sheets inside and not having to make multiple copies – kids just write answers on the pocket!
*Or this rolling organizer (I like the different sized drawers on this cart)
Teacher Tech
*Echo Dot – this is great for playing music, getting the weather updates, asking for random facts, the list goes on!
*Wireless doorbell – this is a great attention-getting device
*Wireless remote clicker for presentations – you can be anywhere in the room and advance your slides without having to be at the computer
Personal Supplies
*Emergen-C or Airborne – protecting your immune system is more important now than ever
*Electric hot water kettle – perfect for making hot tea or hot chocolate
*Hydroflask water bottle – you have to stay hydrated!
*Yeti – so your coffee actually stays hot!
Tools You Might Need
*Hammer with tools inside the handle — this is the greatest gadget ever! I use mine for so many minor classroom repairs.
*Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
*Painter’s tape – while many schools do not allow you to hot glue anything to the wall, one of my favorite hacks is to use painter’s tape to attach to the wall, then hot glue the poster or chart to the painter’s tape!
Remote Teaching Supplies
*Gooseneck tablet/phone holder
*Ring light – this makes you look SO much better on video, Zoom or Google Meet!
Despite the challenges of starting the school year (in a normal year) and the particular stress of starting this school year, I wish you a wonderful start to your year. Be safe and remember to take care of yourself first!