Graduate Teacher Tips Series: 2. Classroom Essentials!

When I entered the classroom for the first time as a graduate teacher, I had no idea what necessities I should have in my room. Today social media has made it so much easier to know what others have in their rooms to guide graduates. BUT it can also be a lot of pressure to see established teachers with all of their years of resources piled high and ready to go.   Don't forget, every school has some resources (books, games, etc). Yes, some more than others. You don't need to have every...single...thing printed, laminated and ready to go for Day 1 (this is something I still have to keep reminding myself).
SO if you are heading into your very own classroom for the first time, some of my teacher friends and I have put together a list of some things that every classroom should have and we can't teach without.
Thanks to my friends for contributing:

Whether you are heading in for those first few days to start setting up your room at the start of the year or you pick up a contract after school has started, the following are absolute MUSTS. Believe me, you will need them and if you're in the primary years then you will need them daily! Make sure you set aside a designated area for the following, out of reach of little hands.

Liquid or foam pump soap (this is for you AND the students!) Dishwashing liquid Chux, sponges or microfibre cloths Hand towels (lots) Dustpan & brush Baby wipes (yep, you'd be amazed at how handy these are)  Old sheets/towels for messy projects Spare plastic bags

These are essentials for general classroom organisation for primary:

Good quality Sharpies

Laundry marker

Easel pad/butcher's paper (giant writing material)

Stickers

Stamps

Bell (or something to get the students' attention)

Whiteboard markers/chalk

Rolls of clear contact adhesive

Safety pins

A 'finished work' tray

Teacher letterbox/tray (for students to put permission slips or notes)

5-10 great picture books to start off

Welcome poster

Stop watch & Timer 

Pegs

Multiple printed class rolls

Visual timetable

Velcro dots

Stapler/staple gun

Blu tack

The last list is all about you! Those first few years of teaching are pretty full on - stressful but so exciting! It is important to remember to look after yourself, too. Preparing these few things will help you when you're too busy to remember!

Panadol

Spare water bottle

Pressed powder

Lip balm or lip stick

Mirror

Coffee, tea bags & cup

Raincoat or umbrella

Hair bands

Brush

Peppermints

Chocolate/Snack stash

Warm jacket (to leave in the room)

Ballet flats

Spare coins (for emergency coffee)

Deodorant

A spare phone charger

Click the image below to get a printable copy!