I have always been one who was susceptible to those “must-have” lists for the latest and greatest classroom finds and purchase everything on the list. I would excitedly wait for the day my Amazon package would show up at my door step, rip it open, and start using these “fantastic finds.” Give or take a few days, I’d always find myself reverting back to my tried and true favorites.
That is what this list is all about, the “must-haves” that are actually must-haves. The items that will actually stand the test of time and fads that will come and go throughout our career. Yes, these links are affiliate links, meaning that if you did click these links and purchase the items, I’d receive a tiny commission. No, I’m not just linking things to try and earn commission. I truly love these items and want to share them with whoever might be in need of suggestions! If you want to see all of my favorites, click this link.
- Bic Gelocity Quick Dry 0.7 Pens
- Okay, when they say these pens are quick dry, they MEAN IT. I am a lefty and it is crucial that my pens dry quickly so that they don’t smear and make a mess out of whatever I am doing. These are it. The last time I purchased this pack of pens was August 15, 2023 and I am still using the exact same pens to this day! Well, not this exact day because I am not going into work, but I used them yesterday! These pens are smooth and the colors are beautiful, perfect for grading papers!
- Bostitch Office Easy Staple Remover
- Something you generally wouldn’t think about until the exact moment you need it and don’t have it. A very basic, but necessary tool in your arsenal. My teaching assistant actually commented on how much easier it was to remove our hallway classwork compared to another one she used for another teacher!
- DINOSTRIKE Wireless Presenter Remote
- Now this was an 2022 impulse purchase for sure, but it has turned into one of mine and my co-teacher’s favorite tools! A presenter remote allows you to move away from the computer and Smartboard and float around the room while you’re teaching your lessons, something I’ve found to be really helpful when it comes to student engagement. This remote also has a really cool feature where it turns into a Wii Remote and you can use it as an actual mouse to click on links in your presentation!
- Surebonder Hot Glue Gun
- I use my hot glue gun for more than just crafts in the classroom. From my experience (please test in an inconspicuous area before trying in your room), hot glue is strong, yet easy to remove when needed! So I have used it to hang up a lot of things on my walls. Need a makeshift bulletin board? All you need is Better Than Paper and some hot glue! Mine has been up for almost 3 years now!
- Bic White Out Correction Tape
- Last, but certainly not least is correction tape. Descendant of correction fluid, this is an easier (and cleaner) way to make your mistakes disappear! I use this product d-a-i-l-y, because just like Miley once said, “nobody’s perfect.” So I’ve got to work it and use my correction tape!