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.