What do I need for my classroom?

So last year I had a leave replacement in Kindergarten, so pretty much everything was there for me. Now I'm getting my own classroom, and I am starting from scratch. Any suggestions on things I need that made your first years of teaching easier? I'll be teaching third grade.

Thanks!

Re: What do I need for my classroom?

Just go to staples and go nuts. you'll need everything. ask your school what they have in their supply room first and what you are allowed to have.

Re: What do I need for my classroom?

defintieyl ASK before you buy. it's easy to go crazy and buy everything to decorate and what you "think" you'll use. I know Catholic schools may not have tons of supplies to give you, but i am sure they have the basics. I would ask to see what they have first (things like paper, pencils, etc. i doubt you would have to buy). ALso, see if you can get a supply list for third grade from the principal or other teachers and see what the kids will be bringing in, so you don't have to buy those things. then i would ask if you are given any sort of budget to buy supplies... for example, in my school we get a set amount and then are required to order from a certain catalog. it's great because i don't have to lay out anymoney. or see if you get anything reimbursed and save your receipts.

once you have a better idea of what you need/don't need, then you can go nuts. i would definitely get some bulletin board borders, a classroom calendar, some posters to decorate the room, make or buy posters that have tips or curriculum info. on them. things like name plates for the desk are important... you could buy those or make them. make or buy bathroom/hall passes, perhaps a few throw pillows and a cheap throw rug if you'll have a reading corner, baskets for books, a CD player (can be a cheapo one, i used that a lot of audio books and quiet time music). Chart paper and markers are a must as are Expo markesr if you have a dry erase board. Also, a thumb drive is a must if you don't already have one, and you really need that if you will have a Smartboard in your room so you can prepare somethings at home and then just pop the disk in when you're ready to teach the lesson. I also liked gettign some stickers to put on kids work and nice pens for me ( I am OCD with my planner and notes home to parents... i like nice pens! basic desk supplies for YOUR use: paper clips, stapler, white-out, note pads, post-its, etc. post-its are also good for the kids when doing reading lessons so they can mark their pages or jot down ideas.

Dollar Tree has GREAT teacher stuff for sooo cheap. Any sort of .99 cent store you can get things like baskets and other cheap supplies. Staples is not always the cheapest, depends on what you need.

I love trendenterprises.com for posters, bulletin board stuff, board gamse and flashcards (which are so great to have for games and quick review)

i also like scholastic.com for teacher resources

lakeshore is great, but can be pricey.

GOOD LUCK!

Message edited 7/30/2009 2:09:16 PM.

Re: What do I need for my classroom?

I also agree with the above poster. Ask first. Then go and buy something. If you can ask the administration for the email or number of a teacher in the building who had the kids last year or is working in your grade.