Ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos in your desk drawer and the demands of your day? Is your desk drawer cluttered with unmarked assignments, a jumble of paperclips, and rubber bands, or perhaps a staff handbook that has never seen the light of day? It’s time to reclaim your desk space and transform that drawer into the ultimate teacher survival kit.
We won’t be suggesting the obvious items like pens and sticky notes, as you already know their importance. Instead, we will share some unique and practical tips that might not have crossed your mind.
Creating these kits is not only beneficial for you but also makes a thoughtful gift for colleagues, your department, or the entire school staff.
Essential Items for Your Teacher Survival Kit
Teaching is a rewarding yet demanding profession that requires a balance of productivity, classroom management, and self-care. A teacher survival kit, carefully curated with essential items, can be a game-changer in managing these aspects effectively.
This kit should not only include items that enhance your productivity and support classroom management but also items that contribute to your physical and mental well-being. From cold and flu preventatives, quick snacks, and stress-relief items to a comprehensive teacher planner, emergency contact list, and classroom supplies, each component of your teacher survival kit plays a crucial role in helping you navigate the challenges of a busy school day. Remember, being an effective teacher is not just about managing your classroom; it’s about taking care of yourself and having the right tools at your disposal to manage your tasks and responsibilities efficiently.
Health and wellness
As a teacher, maintaining your health and wellness is crucial for both your well-being and your ability to effectively educate your students. A well-curated teacher survival kit can be a lifesaver in maintaining your health during the school year. This kit should not only include essential items for classroom management and productivity but also items that support your physical and mental well-being. From cold and flu preventatives to quick snacks, stress-relief items, and hydration essentials, each component of your teacher survival kit plays a vital role in helping you stay healthy, energised, and focused throughout the school day.
Cold and Flu Preventatives
Every year, teachers and students fall victim to cold and flu viruses. Your survival kit should include hand sanitiser, antibacterial wipes, and nasal spray to help prevent catching any illnesses. If you do get sick, having tissues, cough drops, and cold & flu medicine on hand will be a lifesaver.
Note: Keep these items in a locked drawer or box, out of reach of students.
Quick Snacks
There will be days when you won’t have time for lunch, and you’ll need a quick, high-energy snack. Instead of sugary chocolate bars, stock up on high-energy cereal bars that will keep you fueled longer. However, having a stash of high-cocoa chocolate is also advisable for those challenging days. Chocolate is a natural stimulant, helps you stay alert, and is rich in antioxidants that help prevent colds and flu.
Stress Relief Items
Teaching can be stressful, so include some stress-relief items in your teacher survival kit. Consider adding a small stress ball, a mini zen garden, or even some essential oils with a diffuser. These items can help you stay calm and focused during a hectic day
Hydration Essentials
Maintaining proper hydration is essential, so make sure to include a reusable water bottle in your kit. Additionally, consider adding a supply of your favorite herbal teas, which can provide a comforting and refreshing break during your busy day.
Productivity
Productivity is key to a successful teaching career, and having the right tools at your disposal can make a world of difference. A well-equipped teacher survival kit should include items that enhance your productivity and help you manage your workday efficiently. From a comprehensive teacher planner to a clever lanyard timetable hack and sturdy marking bags, these essential items will help you stay organised, prepared, and on top of your game throughout the school year. Remember, being organised is not just about keeping your classroom tidy; it’s about having the right tools at your fingertips to manage your tasks and responsibilities effectively.
Teacher Planner
A planner is a must-have in every teacher survival kit. It combines a diary, handbook, teacher guide, and assessment & attendance booklet, making it easier to manage your workday. Customised teacher planners can include your school’s policies and assessment schemes, ensuring you always have the necessary information at hand. If your school doesn’t provide customised planners, suggest it at your next meeting.
Lanyard Timetable
If you wear a lanyard or ID cardholder at school, here’s a clever trick to never forget your next class. Print a mini version of your school timetable and place it behind your ID card. Color-code each section for easy identification, and you’ll always remember your challenging classes and plan accordingly.
If you don’t have a lanyard, a laminated copy of your timetable on your desk or in your wallet or purse will also work wonders.
Sturdy Marking Bags
Every teacher needs a reliable bag for transporting assignments. Plastic bags are not durable enough – you need something that won’t fall apart and scatter your students’ precious work across the school parking lot.
A lesser-known teacher hack is using blue IKEA bags as marking carriers. These bags are almost indestructible, foldable, easy to carry, and can hold a full class’s worth of assignments. If you are environmentally conscious, consider woven or hemp bags as alternatives. Always get a few extra than you think you’ll need.
Classroom Management
Effective classroom management is crucial for creating a positive learning environment and ensuring the success of your students. A well-prepared teacher survival kit should include essential items that support classroom management and help you maintain a positive and organised classroom. From stickers for positive reinforcement to an emergency contact list and extra classroom supplies, these items will help you manage your classroom efficiently and respond to unexpected situations with confidence. Remember, effective classroom management is not just about maintaining discipline; it’s about creating a supportive and organised environment that fosters learning and development.
Stickers
For primary school teachers, stickers are magical. Shiny or holographic stickers are especially enticing. Even in secondary school, students appreciate stickers on their assignments as a sign of positive reinforcement.
Emergency Contact List
Having a list of essential contacts such as school staff, parents, and local emergency services can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Keep a laminated copy in your teacher survival kit.
Classroom Supplies
Stock up on extra classroom supplies such as markers, erasers, and sticky notes. You never know when you or a student might need them.
Importance of a teacher survival kit
A well-organised desk drawer stocked with essential items is not just a convenience, but a necessity for any teacher. It can significantly impact your daily routine, helping you stay organised, prepared, and less stressed. By creating a teacher survival kit, you equip yourself with the tools needed to navigate the challenges that arise during the school day. From staying hydrated and nourished to keeping your classroom supplies handy and maintaining your personal well-being, each item in your survival kit plays a crucial role in ensuring your day runs smoothly.
Moreover, a teacher survival kit is not just for you. It serves as a thoughtful and practical gift for your fellow educators, whether they are new to the profession or seasoned veterans. It shows your appreciation and support for them, helping to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among the staff.
Remember, the key to a successful day is preparation. By taking the time to create a teacher survival kit, you are investing in yourself and your ability to provide the best possible education for your students. So, take control of your desk drawer, and transform it into a resource that will empower you to tackle each day with confidence and grace.