I just got a job for teaching in first grade. This is my first teaching job. I will start in September. Does any of you have advices on materials, classroom organization, lessons, etc? Thanks
The best thing I ever got for my classroom is my chime. I ding it quietly to gain attention from the kids and it is a GOD SEND!!!!!! A definite must in my opinion. Other than that, get yourself some great read alouds, lots of good picture books for reading lessons etc., decks of cards for math games... That's all I can think of for now but of course there's TONS more. Have you seen your classroom yet?
Stop at every garage sale and buy books, (cheap) level them and put your name on them. You need all levels. I think a classroom library is a must. Thrift shops have cheap books also. Buy some little cars, puzzles, blocks and etc for in door recess when it is snowing or raining. Used ones are fine.
Check with your school and see what's been provided. Don't spend money and then find out they had one of those. Our classroom, for example, has way too many library books. None were bought by the teacher. If it isn't in your classroom, ask what is provided. Can you see the supply room, etc. Then compile a list of what you are provided and what you think you will need and post them here! Do go garage shopping, visit the dollar aisle etc. The most important thing though is to think about your curriculum, your first week plans, etc.
I did not see my classroom yet. I was told that some time in the summer we will have faculty meetings to discuss curriculum and other things. So I think that in the summer I will find out more about my classroom and students.
Congrats! I agree with trayums, except I use a standard kitchen timer. We use it EVERY day for every transition and it makes everything so much easier. You also cannot live without sentence strips and tons of baskets and containers for your books. Spend the money on a nice pencil sharpener if your school doesn't provide it - it will save you an incredible amount of time and headaches and be worth every penny.
Find out if there will be an easel in your classroom. If not, you may want to shop around for one this summer. They can be a bit pricey, but are invaluable for shared reading activities (with big books), as well as for other small group activities. Congratulations on your job by the way! 1st grade is wonderful! (I will post with more suggestions as they come to me).
we use small whiteboards a lot! they are great for whole group math activities. You'll need the markers to go with them and we just use tissues for erasers. Make sure you get a lot of extra markers b/c the tips often get pushed in or they dry out. lots of decoratives are good too. a good place to find them is the scholastic teacher store (online)- they often have dollar sales and you can get great stuff for cheap! good luck!
CHEAP WHITE BOARDS***White boards are great and expensive. Go to the lumber yard buy a sheet of smooth white paneling. ---called white tile board…. Our lumber yard cut it up in smaller sizes free. (about 11 by 12 inches) don't remember for sure. Or maybe your high school shop teacher will cut it for you. Next with sand paper sand around the edges just enough to take off the sharp edge. A boys top of a sock ---makes a good eraser. You need a white board, a white board marking pen and sock top for each student. Teacher gives a math problem, spelling word or whatever. When student has an answer they hold up the board. You say correct erase or try again. Our boards get lots of use.
My tid bit of advice is to ask your new principal if you could spend a day or two observing 1st grade classes at your new school. You will gain a ton of insight as to how things work in 1st grade. Keep in mind, that this is the end of the school year. All of the procedures that the kids follow were taught at the beginning of the year. 1st grade is great.
I'm glad you mentioned the pencil sharpener. Which brand/model would you recommend? Our classroom has gone through two relatively expensive ones and now we're using a $5 sharpener from Target and it really is an inconvenience. I'd love to find one worth buying! Please let me know. Thanks in advance.
