Ideas for Teacher Gifts: TEN Time-Saving & Unique Etsy Gifts!

Are you crunched for time and worried you won't find a personalized gift for your special teacher?  Maybe your children are struggling to find that special gift for teachers from students. Or, are you looking for something different & unique for a colleague?

And, hey!...when shopping on Etsy, you are also supporting small business owners (many of whom are teachers!)

Check out these inexpensive & unique gifts for men and women on Etsy!

gives for teachers who are retiring: retirement gifts and retirement ideas

BEST Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for Teachers: Classroom Guide

If you are a teacher, Black Friday is a great opportunity to score HUGE deals on classroom supplies!

Are you thinking about adding some flexible seating options to your space? Or, maybe you're thinking about taking on some DIY projects? Whatever your classroom needs are, this is a fantastic opportunity to get some bargains!

Check out the BEST Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for Teachers 2020!

{This post contains affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}

Teacher Supplies "Must-Haves": Ideas for Classroom Management and Organization!

Preparing for your first year as a teacher?  Or, maybe you are a seasoned teacher looking for new items to spice up your room? 

Regardless of your experience, there are some standard classroom supplies and resources you'll want, to ensure you and your students are in the learning groove!

Check out my FAVORITE and most "necessary" items.  These are all items I use and love!  

Ten Must-Haves for Any Elementary Classroom:

{This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}

Hopes and Dreams: Creating Student & Community Goals. First Six Weeks of School!

Looking for a way to build classroom community, start student goal-setting, AND decorate your classroom at the beginning of the school year?  Look no further! 

You can head confidently back to school, using these decorative bunting banner flags to help your students establish their Hopes and Dreams for the school year.

{This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}

Teach CVC Reading & Spelling Practice, Through Thematic Activities! FREE Ocean Printable

Have you noticed how hard it is to find phonics-based CVC thematic units, where the words are actually related to the topic? 

When my son wanted to learn about ocean words, all of the beach word work activities and games online had unconnected words!  (For example: they had words like pin, wig, and fox.)  What?!!

{This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}

Flexible Seating DIY, Teacher Hacks, and Tips for an Elementary Classroom!


Check out these ideas, to create alternative seating options for your classroom!

P.S. I purchased ALL of these items while on a tight budget. You can, too! Check out this post for other money-saving tips.

A Basic Overview of Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Instruction: Low-Prep Activities Ages 2-5


Literary terms and jargon, for emergent and developing readers! 


Two of the most important terms to know are PHONEMES and PHONICS.  Not sure how they are they are related or different?  No problem!  Here is a simple overview, to get you started.

10 Children's Books Using Rhyme

10 Picture Books Using Rhyme

One of the best ways to develop an ear for rhyme is through stories, short poems, nursery rhymes, and songs read or sung aloud. While reading, notice and talk about patterns and make predictions.

Check out these books and grab a free printable of the list, down below!

10 Picture Books using Alliteration: Text Summaries Included!

10 Picture Books Using Alliteration

One of the best ways to develop an ear for alliteration is through stories read aloud. While reading, notice and talk about repetition of sounds. Example: Brown bear, brown bear... "What sound do these words start with?"


Check out these books and grab a free printable of the list, down below!

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15 Must-Have Classroom Supplies for New Teachers (Back-to-School Essentials)

Starting your first year of teaching? Whether you’re prepping your classroom or building your shopping list, having the right supplies makes a huge difference. This guide walks you through 15 must-have classroom supplies that will help you stay organized, manage your classroom, and support student learning—right from day one.


15 Must-Have Supplies New Teachers Need to Start a Classroom grades 3, 4, 5

This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I think will be helpful for fellow teachers.



🧰 1. A Trusty Teacher Toolbox

Organize all your essentials—paper clips, push pins, pens, sticky notes—into one compact place. A labeled teacher toolbox helps you stay efficient and minimizes classroom chaos.


📎 Tip: Use color-coded drawers to make finding things quick and easy.




📦 2. Durable Storage Bins and Baskets

Clear bins and sturdy baskets are perfect for organizing supplies, centers, and student work. Use them to create easy-access systems that save you time all year long.




🪑 3. Student Mailboxes or Turn-In Trays

Designate a space where students can turn in work or pick up handouts. It helps reinforce routines and reduces clutter.


Storage bins for classroom new teacher supplies


📝 Pro Tip: Label trays by subject or student name to streamline collection.



✏️ 4. Pencils, Pens, and Highlighters (In Bulk!)

You’ll go through more writing tools than you think—especially pencils. Stock up early and keep extras in your teacher drawer for emergencies.



🎁 Consider setting up a “borrow-and-return” pencil station to avoid the constant “I don’t have a pencil!” conversations.



🧽 5. Dry Erase Boards & Markers

Perfect for whole-class lessons, small groups, and quick assessments. Don’t forget erasers (felt pieces or socks work great) and plenty of dry erase markers.


  



🗂 6. Anchor Chart Supplies

Chart paper, colorful markers, and painter’s tape are classroom staples for visual learners. Anchor charts reinforce skills and can stay up as reference tools all year.


   


🖼 Looking for premade classroom posters? 👉 TpT Classroom Posters: Social-Emotional & Academic



📋 7. Clipboards for Flexible Seating or Walk-Around Work

Clipboards are super helpful for students who work around the room or for group activities. They also come in handy during assessments or classroom observations.




📌 8. A Reliable Pencil Sharpener

Invest in a good one (electric or manual). A dull or broken sharpener slows down the whole class.




📕 9. Teacher Planner or Digital Calendar System

Whether you prefer pen and paper or Google Calendar, have a system to manage lessons, meetings, and due dates. Staying organized is half the battle your first year.




🪪 10. Name Tags and Desk Labels

These help with classroom management, especially during the first few weeks. Use them for seating charts, cubby labels, or job assignments.



🎨 11. Art Supplies and Manipulatives

You’ll want extras of glue sticks, crayons, scissors, and hands-on tools like counters, dice, or cubes—especially in the primary grades.

    

 



📚 12. Personal Read-Aloud Library

Have a few go-to books for teaching routines, SEL, or class discussions. You’ll lean on these when the unexpected happens.



📚 Need ideas for Read Alouds? 👉 10 Picture Books for Teaching Rhyming Skills



🔔 13. Visual Schedule or Daily Agenda Board

Helps students know what to expect, which builds routine and reduces behavior issues. Magnetic strips, pocket charts, or even printed cards can work great.


Magnetic classroom timer for managing activities



🧼 14. Classroom Cleaning Supplies

Wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, paper towels—you’ll want them all year long. Trust us.




🎉 15. A “Just for You” Teacher Survival Kit

Include a water bottle, snacks, extra chargers, and a small emergency kit with Band-Aids, Advil, etc. You’re going to need it more than once!




🎯 Final Tips for First-Year Teachers

Remember, you don’t need to have everything on day one. Start with the essentials and build as you go. Ask your mentor or grade team what’s provided by your school and what they recommend buying yourself.



🔗 Want More Support?

If you’re looking for ready-made classroom labels, first-week plans, or visual schedule cards, check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store here !




📥 Grab Your Free New Teacher Checklist!

Want to make your shopping list stress-free? Download my printable New Teacher Supply Checklist and get classroom-ready in no time!


👉 New Teacher Supply List


The Learning Lab Blog and TpT Stacey Colegrove
 
Check out my Amazon Wish List for "New Teacher--New Classroom" ideas!
Be sure to share this post with any new teacher friends! 💞


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    Using Amazon's Echo Dot in the Classroom: "Alexa, I Need a Teaching Assistant!" (FREE Download)

    "Alexa, set a timer for 5 minutes."   That's how easy it is.  For real.

    When you are managing children, there are undoubtably times when you wish you had an extra set of hands.  Not to fear!  The Echo Dot is here!  

    Let me tell you about how handy the Echo Dot can be for management tips, skill practice, and classroom fun! Did I mention it occasionally goes on sale for 50% off?! 😊   
    {This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}

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    The BEST Amazon Prime Day Deals for Teachers 2019!


    If you are a teacher, Amazon Prime Day is a great opportunity to score HUGE deals on classroom supplies! Are you thinking about adding some flexible seating options to your space? Or, maybe you're thinking about taking on some DIY projects? Whatever your classroom needs are, this is a fantastic opportunity to get some bargains!

    What is Prime Day

    Amazon's Prime Day is a world-wide shopping event, where thousands of products are discounted. You can find deals on items from across a huge spectrum.

    This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.

    Custom Book Stamp (New FAVORITE gem!) for My Classroom Library

    Don't waste your time putting labels on all of your classroom books or literature sets! 

    My reading-heart skipped a beat when I saw these awesome customized book stamps!!  😍💞📚  They are:
    • Easy
    • Fast
    • Personalized
    • Fun (in a teacher sort of way!)
    {This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}
    I saw a colleague using this AMAZING customized book stamp today, on her new books from the Scholastic books fair:
       
    {This post contains affiliate links to materials I recommend.}

    I seriously went online and ordered it during my lunch break!  As soon as I got my newest order of books, I got busy labeling:
    Scholastic Book Order: All the Books! 

    Personalized Book Stamp is Ready!

    What?! Stamping is so EASY!
        
    Check out another version with the Personalized Book Stamp from Mabel's Labels!


    DIY Plastic Drawer Organizer UPGRADE: Classroom Decor on a BUDGET!

    Old, tired classroom supplies got you down?  On a tight budget?  Well, this tip is for you!  

    I'm excited to show you how I turned my ugly classroom bins and drawers into handsome, functional pieces.  It was SUPER easy and fun!


    Buy Krylon Plastic Spray Paint HERE
    Last summer, I decided to update my classroom decor into a Colorful Farmhouse theme.  It started off great--I was highly inspired and had a blast shopping for decorations and supplies at Michael's, the Christmas Tree Shop, and JoAnn's Fabrics (to name a few.)  

    {This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}

    Mindful Moments in the Classroom: Creating a Space for Coping Skills and Self-Awareness

    Sometimes, there are just too many things for me to manage in a day!  Seriously.  I want to do it all!  But, more often than not, the day flies by and I find myself reflecting back thinking things like, "I should have given my students more (insert: breaks, transition time, movement, mindful moments, sensory activities, coping skills, etc.).  Ugh... I want to do better!

    Well, today, I thought of ONE thing I could change.  One thing I could take off my plate.  One little gift I could give my students...  


    Instead of 'leading' our mindfulness activities in class, I found a way to facilitate them!  

    Now my students will be more self-directed, have more freedom of choice, and will be able to practice coping-skills and self-regulation!


    {This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}

    Teaching TRAITS, using Classification and Dichotomous Key!

    Physical and Behavioral Traits, NGSS

    If you have ever taught Physical and Behavioral Traits (or Adaptations), then you know some students struggle with differentiating between the two!


    We are getting ready to launch into our unit on TRAITS LS3-1, LS3-2, LS4-2.  Before we begin, I like to pull out my Classification Unit to engage and elicit background information... 


    WOW!  It is such a powerful way to start this unit!
    NGSS: traits and classification
    Check it out here!

    Homophone Activities: Commonly Confused Words!

    Homophone activities: printables
    I have a secret mission in teaching... 
    to make sure my students can spell these commonly confused homophone words:

    * To, too, two
    * There, their, they're
    * Your, you're
    * Its, it's

    This year, I upped my game! 

    We not only learned about each type, read books, and practiced...

    Homophone booklets: printrables
    {This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}

    Constructed Response--Writing about Reading (Freebie)

    If you are looking for a simple and straightforward way to teach essay-writing, then Constructed Responses are it!


    It is important for students to understand what it means to "construct" an essay or response.  You will want to spend some time talking about the art of building your ideas, while using evidence directly from the text. 

    CONSTRUCTION TIME!

      
    {This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}