Few things bring me as much joy at the beginning of a school year as labels and writing student names on all the things, classroom organization, and teacher school supplies. And we all know that amidst the elementary staff meetings, the ever-changing class lists, and teacher training videos, we need some joy.
Label All the Things
If you are at all like me, you keep a stash of Avery, or other Amazon.com, labels in stock.
Yep, a stash.
- *mailing labels for nametags and labels ANYthing with student names
- *2″ X 4″ labels for labeling notebooks
- *3 1/3″ X 4″ for Work in Progress folders, Book in a Bag, and Take Home Folders
- labels, labels, labels
Sticker labels aren’t the only labels that I make sure I use. I also try to label as many things as I can in the classroom. This helps me, my instructional assistant, parent volunteers, and students know where to find items as well as to know where they go. I made these super simple labels to put on my rolling cart drawers and on baskets and areas around the room. Get them here for free. It’s such a time saver to think through consistent places where everything can go.
Add to Your Classroom Decor
Each year, the decor in my classroom stays primarily the same. For me, my classroom decor has navy blue as its anchor color with colorful accents within. I love the joy polka dots bring so I have polka dot accents on my classroom bulletin board borders and name “spots” on the outside wall to welcome my students to their new daytime home.
Don’t Forget Your Favorite Teacher Supplies
There is so much to do during a teacher’s workweek before the parents and students arrive. No teacher workdays, or staff training, can begin unless I have some of my favorite teacher school supplies:
sticky notes
a fresh set of Sharpies. I use them for everything.
mechanical pencils
a new notebook
and a highlighter
