I just found out tonight that the teacher I am replacing in 1st grade is taking basically all of her files and resources with her. Can't say I blame her, but I don't really have the money to buy all sorts of new stuff with my wedding less than 3 months away. So...what are some resources you can't live without that you think should be in a first grade classroom (teacher resource books, activities/games, etc)? I've taught K, 2, and 3...but almost all of my stuff is for 2nd and 3rd grades!
leveled books, dry erase markers, book browsing tubs, hundred number chart, calendar, post it notes If I bought anything it would be things like play-doh, pipe cleaners, magnetic letters etc. for word work. Are you in the same school system or a new one? Does your office keep some supplies that you can use? Do you know any o the other teachers? You might want to just start of the year with just online resources and if the teacher's are friendly just borrow what they have. If you like what they have to offer, maybe you can buy the same resource then.
Thanks! I am staying in the same school and district- just switching from 3rd to 1st. I'll be able to take some things with me that will help in my new classroom (I'm also switching classrooms), but not everything I have can be used in 1st.
Garage sales are a great way to stock up for a classroom. Now is a great time of year to find lots of items. I know before I started teaching I bought a lot of books and used games at yard sales and sometimes at the second hand kid stores. What about Craigslist? You could also check the Salvation Army thrift store, if you have one in your area.
Books games counters- or beans unifix cubes base ten blocks dominos Judy clocks- they are expensive but somehow try to get a class set Bingo games Ziplocks and a lot of them White boards and dry erase markers For walls Word wall words color words number line number set-like the bugs in a jar Calendar set yellow pocket chart with the straws Shapes- buy poster, cut up and laminate Fractions- buy the pizza man poster, cut up and laminate Teeth- buy the who lost a tooth poster and laminate money poster 100's poster Noun poster verb poster Vowel sounds poster Homophone poster Antonym poster Synonym poster-- Laminate all posters
I definitely couldn't live with my Reading With Meaning book. Also, my chime is key! I couldn't live with out my Reading Workshop Board, calendar stuff...
Leigh- as far as supplies go like pipe cleaners, glitter etc. Save those Joanne's or Michaels coupons and run in to get your 40% off on those sorts of thing. Do this through the summer. They also have some nice organizers you could get. I just got a huge pack of white card stock for just $2 after I used my coupon and my teacher discount. When you start out the year, make sure in your weekly news letter, that you ask for the things you need. You will be amazed of what people send it. I got everything I asked for except magnetic tape. You name it, from marshmallows to hand sanitzers, from gel pens to lunch bags. Be very appreciative and you will get it. ( provided you have a middle class or up district)
Trayums--- I finally ordered my book last night. This is my year to focus on Readers Workshop. I never really took off with it my first year. I have the writing workshop down so this year it is Reader's. I'll be calling on you again.
I think you are really going to LOVE the book!!!!!!!!! Call on me anytime...although I'm definitely not an expert.
Hey Leigh, I have alot of 1st grade resource book u can use! I am moving from BSIP to 3rd. I have also taught 1st. Maybe we can share? J
I am about to switch from 2 to K, my fav things are my Evan Moor read and understand books, they are great! I could take a look and see what else I have that I will not need, are you close to Newark?
tiggerteacher- sounds great! mom2ohc- I'm in South Jersey but am right off the turnpike and am willing to meet if you have anything you don't want anymore
Four Blocks literacy guide - google Four Blocks and you will find it. I couldn't teach without my Month by Month Phonics for First Grade. Lots of great ideas. Any kind of blocks, Lincoln logs, Legos, playdough, geoboards, checkers, things that will help their small motor skills but are fun! Lots of leveled books, so each child can experience success at his/her reading level. Pick these up at garage sales, etc., or go in and see what books will be available to you and level them into bins. There are online lists of popular books and what level they are. Lots of Dr. Seuss books! You will have a blast. My main advice is to remember they need to learn in very small steps. They are not as mature or independent as 3rd graders! You will need to spend some time early on establishing the routines of your day so they are secure and there is order. Try as best you can to never take recess away!
Thanks bonneb! And as a rule, I try not to take recess away unless its an absolute necessity- I tell the kids I need my "me-time" during the day :lol:
It isn't really a resource, but a helpful hint: for Open House, use cut-outs or post-it notes and write on them wish-list items, like envelopes, baggies, dry erase markers, post-it notes, pipe cleaners, tissue paper, etc.; then put them up around your door frame and encourage parents to take one to help keep your classroom fully supplied. I am moving to 3rd after teaching K and 2 for the past 7 years....what is your fav resource for 3rd???
I really like the first grade edition of Mailbox Magazine. I think its a great resource. Your library might have a subscription to it and you can get their great ideas for free! Or they might have the Mailbox yearbook which is a compliatoin of the best of their ideas for that year.
Thanks everyone! Yes, TulipsGirl, our library has a subscription, so I will def have to check that out!
