TL;DR:
- Prepare for the school year with a teacher survival kit that includes pens, staples, sticky notes, and more for staying organized.
- Stay energized with water, coffee, and sweet treats like chocolates, while also fostering gratitude with thank-you cards and a gratitude journal.
- Don’t forget essentials like fidgets and inspirational reminders to stay positive and focused throughout the year.
“I’ve got all my life to live and I’ve got all my love to give
And I’ll survive, I will survive”
As a teacher, the start of a new school year can be both exciting and overwhelming. There’s a lot to do to get ready for the arrival of students, and I’ve found that having a few things in my survival kit really helps me feel prepared for whatever comes my way.
School Supplies Are Not Just for Students
First and foremost, pens are a must-have! Whether it’s for writing lesson plans, taking notes during meetings, or grading papers, I always make sure to have a few extra pens on hand. And while we’re talking about office supplies, staples, tape, paper clips, dry-erase markers, and erasers are all things that I’ve found myself needing at the most unexpected times. I keep these items together in a small pouch that I can easily take with me from class to class.
As you prepare for the start of the school year, I encourage you to think about what items, physical or not, will help you feel prepared and energized for whatever comes your way. Click To TweetStay Hydrated and Organized with These Teacher Essentials
Next up, a reusable water bottle and a sticky notepad are two items that I’ve found make a big difference in my day-to-day routine. Having a water bottle with me means that I don’t have to constantly go to the water fountain, and I find that drinking water helps me stay focused throughout the day. And sticky notes are great for jotting down quick reminders to myself about important tasks that may have slipped my mind.
Sweet Treats, Caffeine, and Gratitude: Teacher Survival Kit Must-Haves
Now, let’s talk about the things that are a little less essential but still important to have on hand. Chocolates, Starbucks gift cards, and tea bags are all things that bring me a little bit of joy and help me power through a long day. Sweet treats like chocolate are always a nice addition to any teacher’s survival kit. They’re the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or a quick reward after a long day.
From Coffee to Whiteout: The Essential Items in a Teacher’s Survival Kit
And speaking of rewards, a good cup of coffee is another item that I always make sure to have on hand. Whether I’m making it at home or grabbing a cup on my way to school, a great cup of coffee can make all the difference in starting my day off on the right foot. By incorporating these items into my survival kit, I know that I’m setting myself up for success, both inside and outside of the classroom. And while whiteout may not be something I use on a daily basis, it’s saved me more than once when I’ve made an error on an important document.
Stress-Free and Thankful: Teacher Must-Haves for Messes and Gratitude
Another item I’ve found to be incredibly helpful is a Tide pen. Accidents happen, and when I’m running around all day, I don’t always have time to change out of my work clothes if something spills. To keep myself grounded and grateful, I have a set of gratitude cards that I can give to staff members and students when I notice something they’ve done that I’m particularly thankful for. And finally, a journal to reflect and write about gratitude is something else that I’ve found to be incredibly helpful. Taking a few minutes to reflect on what I’m thankful for helps me stay grounded and focused on the good things in life, even when things feel stressful or overwhelming.
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Beyond the Physical: Teacher’s Survival Kit Essentials for Inspiration and Calm
Fidgets help me keep my hands busy during staff meetings, and I always have small sewing kits for those little wardrobe malfunctions that always seem to happen at the most inopportune times.
But it’s not just the physical items that are important in my survival kit. I’ve also found that having a few non-tangible things on hand can make a big difference. One of the most important things I keep on hand is a reminder of why I love doing what I do. Rocks with hearts painted on them, a rock with the word “JOY” painted on it by a student, and honey to enjoy in a hot cup of water are all things that make me smile throughout the day. I’ve found that taking a few minutes to reflect on these things helps me stay positive and energized even on the toughest days.
Building Your Own Teacher’s Survival Kit for a Successful School Year
Of course, this list is just a starting point, and everyone’s survival kit will be a little bit different. But as you prepare for the start of the school year, I encourage you to think about what items, physical or not, will help you feel prepared and energized for whatever comes your way. With a little bit of preparation and a lot of heart, I know we can all have an amazing school year ahead!
About Colissa R. Jordan
Colissa R. Jordan is in her 20th year as an English Language Arts Educator. Currently, she teaches ELA 11th and 12th at Great Oaks Career Campuses in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is a former Adjunct at the University of Cincinnati. She has a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and enjoys sharing best practices with other educators. Teaching and learning is her passion. She is dedicated to teaching and empowering her students with the skills to be exceptional individuals!
