I may be a bit Amazon obsessed….ok more than a bit. Let’s just say those drivers have no problem finding our house….because they come here often! Today I’m sharing 10 of my most favorite and helpful Amazon Finds. I hope some of them turn out to be your favorites, too!
Now, I WILL say, I do return near half the things I order. I am the girl that orders multiple sizes to see which one fits and mails the rest back (with free shipping and free returns on Prime, its just too easy!)
However, when it comes to the classroom-I tend to keep 95% of my Amazon Finds. They just add so much joy and ease into the classroom, its rare I don’t want to keep them!
Define “Must Have”
Now, before we get started-you’ll notice I refer to some items as “must-haves.” Keep in mind, I use this term lightly. In the context of this blog post, “must have” means “so awesome I know everyone would love it like crazy!”
Of course, you can make it by without ANY of the items on this list! These are the extra things, the chef’s kiss of the menu, the fun stuff. Please remove any pressure or feelings that you “need” the items below to have a wonderful classroom experience; ESPECIALLY if you are new to teaching.
My classroom, like many others, was built slowly but surely. Little by little, items were added over the years. Through garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, donations, treasures left by other teachers, Goodwill, and beyond, it came to be what it is today. You don’t have to start with everything. I promise. I certainly did not-and my students never knew any different.
Put the items you love on your Classroom Wishlist and gather them as you can. 😉
Now let’s get on with the finds!
Helpful Amazon Finds: 1) The Slides Clicker
Let’s kick things off with a true winner: The Slides Clicker!
If you use slides in your classroom, this tool is the epitome of a MUST HAVE! Display your Google or PowerPoint slide (when in present mode,) on your board, and let the magic take you away.
With a AAA battery and the zip drive (included in the clicker) in place, this clicker will change your slide, adjust your volume, and even act as a laser pointer. It’s a small investment for a long lasting return.
2) Teacher Backpack
Second, the best, most affordable teacher backpack on the market!
If you carry a laptop with you-this pack is a no brainer. Coming in multiple color choices, (I chose the “Tan Pink” pictured,) this bag has all the pockets and spaces you need to carry all the things.
Equipped with a laptop pouch, oversized cup pockets, a front zipper, inner zipper, inner pouches, and amble space for other folders, planners, and notebooks, this bag has it all.
And on top of all of that, it’s so DANG cute!!
3) Wall Tapestry
Next up, the easiest way to beautify your classroom on a low budget: wall tapestries!
Tapestries are so perfect for making a big impact in a space and covering what otherwise might be an eyesore.
These large canvas displays cost $15-20 and come in SO many unique designs. The green one above is currently in my classroom (I got the 5 x 8ft size.)
However, don’t feel confined to this green display! Just search “Wall tapestry” on Amazon, you’ll see endless possibilities. Pair your search with a keyword that will fit your classroom, and be amazed at the results!
How do you hang Tapestries?
After you have your fabric tapestry, you’ll be so excited to put it on display in your classroom! But wait…how do you hang these anyways?
Now that I’ve displayed three different tapestries in my various classrooms-I’ve found the best method is easily-command strips! But not the regular sticky kind-you’ll want the grip or interlocking kind, as shown below.
The tapestry above was hung with five of these sets on cement cinderblock. I prefer put one set on each corner and an added one in the top middle. The tapestry will stay up on your wall all year, no questions!
PRO TIP: Steam your tapestry or toss it in the dryer to remove wrinkles before putting it on display (wish I had done that with the one in the picture!)
4) The Classroom Management Secret
Despite all the great finds, this might be the most important one. The Classroom Management Secret by Matthew Linsin, is a simple book of profound impact.
Though I may not agree with every practice and principle spelled out in the text, the meat of it is good, and worth reading.
I will be rereading this text over the summer to sharpen my plan on management heading into the school year. It’s never too late to change your management, but starting off strong can make for far less headache in the long run.
If you want to be very intentional about how you manage difficult situations, this text is for you! Further, it’s written in short, easy to read sections perfect for digesting in summer.
5) Student Number Stickers
Next on the list are these multifunctional number stickers!
Primarily suited for elementary teachers, these stickers can label all the supplies you’ll reuse year after year! In my classroom, each student is assigned a number for the year that pairs with these items.
This is so helpful because supplies left around the classroom can be identified with the student it belongs to! No more saying, “whose whiteboard is this?!” The number will tell you!
Of course, we don’t want to assign numbers for everything. Using student names in displays, bulletin boards, and some supplies is recommended. I’ve heard it said before that students should see their name at least 5 places in the classroom. I tend to go far beyond that, but five is a great place to start.
On the contrary, I don’t believe every student item must pair with names. Below are some items I number with the stickers for ease and reuse:
- Mini whiteboards
- Mailbox system
- Mini whiteboard erasers (shown below!)
- Headphones (provided by school, not students)
- School Reading Books (reused yearly)
6) Mini Whiteboard Erasers
Following their mention above, the next item on the list are these mini whiteboard erasers for students.
Believe me, I’ve tried other ways! From cutting apart sponges to make-up applicators, whiteboard erasers have been a classroom struggle for me. At some point, everyone ends up using their hand or a tissue.
But, no longer! This class set of whiteboard erasers, paired with the number stickers mentioned above, have worked so well in my room.
My students keep their erasers in a metal pencil cup that we use exclusively for our whiteboard supplies (it tends to get lost very easily otherwise.)
Pairing the number with this tool is essential (in my opinion,) because it helps everyone keep better track of their items.
7) Pencil Sharpener
Undoubtedly, every classroom needs a trusty pencil sharpener!
This is a tool you’ll use every day, and you want it working right. I’ve been extremely lucky and had pencil sharpeners provided for me at both the schools I’ve worked for.
Nonetheless, I’ve heard over and over that many schools do not provide this-in which case-I’d be purchasing this one! Looking at the reviews and the design, it’s a clear champion.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t insert my favorite beyond favorite brand of pencils here. Those of you who know me know I only use Ticonderoga pencils in my classroom!
I know, I know-picky. But truly, they make ALL the difference. In addition, I only use the pre-sharpened kind (I know, burying myself deeper!)
The reason for this is because they work so flawlessly for our Great Pencil Challenges, which occur all year long. You can read more about how those work here.
Additionally, these pencil cap erasers are great for having on hand when erasers give out! I’ve found pencils tend to outlast the eraser cap, so these are perfect.
Whatever you do, do NOT buy the cheap neon colored eraser sets. Everyone will want them and then they’ll snap off in a second.
Get yourself nice ones like this and keep in a jar for students to grab as needed!
8) Classroom Rug
This next one is an investment, but worth every penny! A classroom rug or carpet will add comfort to your space and create a meeting place for students learn!
As with tapestries, rugs come in endless designs. Linked above is the rug I use in my personal classroom. It comes in several other color varieties as well.
Other Great Places to Get Rugs:
- Target
- Ikea
- Garage Sales
- Facebook Marketplace
- Your house (haha, but true)
- Your parents house (honestly, snagged a rug from my mother in law that still sits in my classroom!)
9) Magnetic Book Racks
Another great find, these magnetic books racks will be a great addition to your whiteboard!
Easily store your read alouds for the week here (I have two of them) or keep your timer, eraser, or other tools here to easily grab!
These are a great way to make your whiteboard more functional and the space surrounding the board less cluttered.
Far off in the distance there, you can see them in this photo!
10) Page Protectors
Last but not least, we’ll finish out the finds with clear page protectors.
Nothing will save you copies quite like these do! Ideal for station work, students will enjoy using their whiteboard markers to complete their assignment!
Personally, I love having page protectors during our math independent work station. Instead of me creating a class set of copies, I can create a half class set! Students complete their work, check in with me, and erase when finished.
We found that magic eraser really does the trick when erasing these. Yes, they can use the trusty whiteboard erasers we chatted about earlier, but they tend to work best on whiteboards only.
Want More Amazon Finds?!
There you have it, 10 Helpful Amazon Finds (plus a few bonus items) for your Classroom!
But did you know, there’s more! (Sounds like an infomercial, I know, but it’s true!) See these classroom favorites (and others) in action in my Classroom Favorites YouTube video.
I’ve created dozens of curated lists for the classroom and beyond on my Amazon Storefront! Every time you shop through one of my links it gives me a baby commission, (at not extra cost to you!) so thank you in advance should you choose to shop through any of my links!
Happy Classroom Shopping!
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