LAST DAY...HOORAY!

WOW!  We made it to the LAST DAY of school!  HOORAY!

A day that often comes with such a mix of emotions during a "normal" school year has arrived with all of those annual mixed emotions...and much more.  From the excitement and anticipation of summer fun in the sunshine, to happiness of not having to set an alarm or having a little more relaxed schedule, to the sadness of missing what has become our own little family, the last day is typically such a fun celebration of the nine months that have been spent together within the classroom.  This year, our end-of-year and last day celebrations look completely different.  Instead of ABC countdowns, parties, yearbook signing, special projects, themed days, and endless cleaning, there are parades, socially distant home visits, parties in a bag, and virtual parties/ award ceremonies through google meet.   Not only are we celebrating all of the successes and growth that happened within the walls of our classroom this year, but we are also celebrating how well we ALL ~ teachers, students, parents ~ adapted to virtual learning and still made the best of the global pandemic.  Our in-person instruction may have abruptly ended in March, but relationships, connections, learning, and growth continued.  Fast forward three months through virtual instruction, and now our school year is officially ending.  

It was a great year...even through the challenges of teaching during a global pandemic...but I'm so excited for the much needed change of pace, relaxation, and preparation for A NEW ADVENTURE!

HAPPY SUMMER!

Thanks for stopping by!  Check back soon to find out all about my NEW ADVENTURE!

       

❇️ Favorite Teacher Supplies

Welcome Back!

Today, I'm going focus on things that make me happy by sharing 7 of my favorite teacher things.  Maybe you will find something new that makes you happy too!

1

Paper Mate Ink Joy Gel Pens

These are the best pens ever for teachers!  The colors are vibrant, and there are so many color options.  Although they are gel pens, they do not bleed through or smear when I'm writing.  These are the ONLY pens I use, and a pack this size will last the entire school year {even using them everyday}.

2

Mr. Sketch Markers

An anchor chart's best friend!!  I keep a set at school, a set at home, and a small pack in my teacher bag.  They are perfect for anchor charts!  I also use them to color code the edges of student notebooks at the beginning of the school year as well as checking/grading student work.  Students LOVE getting scented smiley faces or check marks on their work for their efforts.

3

Wireless Speaker

This item was an accidental discovery that has quickly become a necessity!  There is almost ALWAYS music playing in my classroom, whether it's soft/instrumental music to enhance focus or loud/upbeat/dance music to get the heart pumping and oxygen to the brain so we are ready to learn.  This has been such a game changer because I can control what's playing and the volume from ANYWHERE in my classroom.

{I have this exact one pictured - at home and at school - and it's been great!}

4

Wireless Doorbell

This item was a new addition to my classroom this year (thanks to the Amazon #clearthelist movement), but it was a TOTAL game-changer!  I was fortunate enough to have a few high outlets (like almost at the ceiling) in my classroom where I plugged in the base.  Not only was it loud enough (volume is adjustable), but mine also lights up when it chimes.  This one common item helped with transitions as well as getting students' attention.  It was also extremely helpful for substitute teachers.

5

Personal Laminator

My personal laminator is such a favorite tool......I have TWO!  I keep one at home (Scotch brand), and I keep the other in my classroom (pink Swingline like pictured) for those spur of the moment needs.  

I know what you're thinking....."Doesn't your school have a laminator?"  

Of course my school has a laminator as do most schools.  However, it's huge, often needs repairing or is out of lamination, takes FOREVER to heat up, or may not even be accessible to everyone (only certain personnel complete laminating jobs for your school).  

Therefore, my personal laminator(s) are little life-savers.  They can be pulled out, plugged in, used, and put away with ease.

6

Personal Paper Trimmer

This paper trimmer has been one of the most "WORTH IT" purchases I have made.  No more wasting precious minutes cutting class sets of handouts in half by hand only to slip and chop off important words.  I purchased the Swingline paper cutter 15" cut length 2 years ago.....I'm not sure why I didn't purchase it sooner!  It makes prep much easier (and faster).  It's super lightweight so it's easy to move and store.  I've used it to cut/prep paper, construction paper, laminated labels and centers, and cardstock.

7

Happy Planner: Teacher Edition

Last but certainly not least..............TEACHER PLANNERS!!!!

I know... I know.... I know..... most of us plan electronically, but there is something about a teacher planner and still writing things out by hand that just makes my heart happy! 💖  Besides.....I'm a sticker fanatic too!  I find it very calming {almost therapeutic} to sit down with my planner and make it my own with stickers.  

I have used the Happy Planner: Teacher Edition for  4 years, and it is still my FAVORITE teacher planner.  In the past I have used both the "big" and "classic" sizes.  Personally, I prefer the "big" size because I can hole punch and insert my standards and pacing guides right into my planner so everything is at my fingertips in one place.  These planners can typically be found in stores like Michael's or Jo-Ann's, but you can also order directly from the Happy Planner website.  

 

**This is the actual planner I purchased for the 2020-2021 school year**

Well, there are my top 7 things that make my teacher heart happy!  

What are your favorite things?  Leave a comment and share what those items are that you just can't live without.....or at least what makes life easier!