Teacher’s Brain

Top 10 Must-Have Classroom Resources for a Successful Back-to-School Season

As the new school year approaches, I know many of us are busy preparing our classrooms to create an engaging and productive learning environment. Trust me when I say, that finding the right back-to-school resources can make all the difference in setting the tone for a successful year! 

Whether you’re looking for effective classroom management tools or creative classroom decor ideas, I’ve curated a list of ten essential resources to help you get started. These resources are designed to streamline your classroom setup and enhance your management strategies, ensuring a smooth transition back to school!

back to school resources

How do teachers prepare for back to school? Check out these ideas! 

Classroom Daily Visual Schedule EDITABLE Cards BOHO RAINBOW Classroom Decor

back to school resources classroom schedule resource

Need a way to help your class transition to the next task and display your schedule for all to see easily? I have you covered with this editable BOHO-style PowerPoint! Use these cards on a pocket chart, wall, or magnetic board to easily edit and move your schedule around. Allow students to take a card to the next task if they have trouble transitioning.

Daily Behavior Charts | EDITABLE Data Graph Tracking Sheets Contracts

back to school resource behavior chart

Looking for PRE-MADE Editable behavior charts for your little ones to easily manage their behavior goals? I have just what YOU NEED. Included are editable behavior contracts, data-collecting graphs to chart progress, a poster about Big Problems & Little Problems, and MORE.

BLURT BEANS Classroom Management Tools | EDITABLE

classroom management system for back to school

Are you tired of your being interrupted by kids who have a BAD case of the BLURTS? I have you covered with this editable PowerPoint and GOOGLE Slides! Use these slides to personalize editable text boxes to create a Blurt Bean classroom management system that works! 

EDITABLE Classroom Jobs Chart With Pictures or Without

classroom jobs resource for back to school

Need a way to help your class transition to new classroom jobs and display your job chart for all to see easily? I have you covered with this editable PowerPoint! Use these cards on a pocket chart, wall, or magnetic board to easily edit and rotate your students to new jobs. 

All About Me Google Slides | Star Student 

Are you looking for a great way to do a virtual or in-person All About Me Activity? I have you covered with these editable Google Slides to easily personalize to make your Back to School first impression AMAZING. There are colorful slides for the digital virtual version or black and white for the easy print and go in-person.

SUBSTITUTE Binder Templates | Google Slides | Emergency Sub Plans Editable

substitute plans for back to school

Don’t be caught off guard without sub-plans this year! Have a SUB HUB TUB at your fingertips for the next time you are out of school to help you have peace of mind. Use the ink-friendly printables to edit with your personal information or the editable Google Slides link provided for the digital version.

 Meet the Teacher Template Editable | Virtual OPEN HOUSE | Google Slides

meet the teacher open house back to school resource

Are you looking for a great way to do a virtual or in-person Meet the Teacher or Open House this year? I have you covered with these editable Google Slides to easily personalize to make your Back to School first impression AMAZING.

EDITABLE Birthday Chart Display Cards | Boho Rainbow Classroom Decor

classroom birthday chart

Need a way to display your student’s birthdays for all to see easily? I have you covered with this editable PowerPoint, black and white templates, or boho rainbow options! Use these cards on a pocket chart, wall, or magnetic board to easily edit and move around. 

Positive Affirmations Mirror Black and White Cards | EDITABLE

positive affirmation station

Looking for a classic positive affirmation station set that easily can fit into any classroom theme or home? You will find pre-made cards, editable cards, and different titles to place around a mirror in your classroom or to include at an affirmation station.

Brain Breaks Printable Cards for the Classroom | EDITABLE Google Slides

brain breaks for back to school

This is my favorite collection of 48 different Brain Breaks. These task cards can be used as transitions, breaks during an activity, something to raise or lower the energy of the group, team-building activities, and so much more!

I hope these resources help you have a fabulous and smooth start to the new school year! 

For more classroom management tips, check out my post here! You can also check out my classroom organization tips here.  

Classroom Organization Tips for the New School Year

Summer is the perfect time for us teachers to relax and recharge, and we deserve it!  However,  it’s also a perfect time to get a head start on classroom organization for the upcoming school year. 

I always say, a well-organized classroom not only creates a better learning environment, but it also sets a positive tone for teachers and students alike. An organized classroom is a happy one!  

If you’re looking for some classroom organization hacks or classroom organization ideas, you’re in the right place! I’m sharing some practical and budget-friendly tips to help you get your classroom in tip-top shape before the new school year begins.

classroom organization tips

How can I organize my classroom better? 

Declutter and Deep Clean

Start with a clean slate by decluttering your classroom. Go through all the materials, supplies, and decorations from the previous year. Decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to toss. But here’s the key: you have to be ruthless! If you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s probably time to let it go. Once you’ve decluttered, give your classroom a good cleaning. A clean, fresh space will make you feel more motivated and ready for the new school year.

Plan Your Layout

Think about the flow of your classroom and how you want it to function. Consider different areas you need: a reading nook, a group work area, a quiet corner for individual work, and a teacher’s desk. Arrange your furniture in a way that makes these areas accessible and functional. Don’t be afraid to move things around until you find the perfect layout! Remember, the goal is to create a space that is conducive to learning and easy to navigate for both you and your kiddos.

Label Everything

Labels are your best friend when it comes to organization. Label shelves, bins, and drawers so that everything has a designated spot. This not only helps you stay organized but also makes it easier for students to find and put away materials. Use clear, easy-to-read labels, and consider adding pictures for younger students. You can even get your students involved in the labeling process once school starts, which helps them feel ownership over the classroom space.

Utilize Vertical Space

When classroom space is limited, think vertically. Use wall space for storage and organization. Install shelves, hooks, and bulletin boards to keep supplies and materials off desks and floors. Hanging file organizers can be a great way to keep papers and assignments organized and easily accessible. Pegboards are another versatile option for hanging supplies, tools, and decorations.

Create a Supply Station

Set up a supply station where students can easily access materials they need for daily activities. Stock it with pencils, markers, scissors, glue, and other essentials. Having a designated supply area reduces interruptions and keeps your classroom running smoothly. Make sure to establish clear expectations for how and when students can use the supply station to maintain order and minimize chaos.

Organize Your Teacher’s Desk

Keeping your desk organized is crucial. Use desk organizers, trays, and drawers to keep everything in its place. Only keep essential items on your desk to avoid clutter. Make it a habit to tidy up your desk at the end of each day to maintain a clean and organized workspace.

Prepare Your Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards are not only for displaying student work but also for organizing important information. Dedicate one bulletin board to classroom rules, schedules, and announcements. Another board can be used for showcasing student work and achievements. Change the displays regularly to keep the boards fresh and engaging. Using color-coded sections can also help make the information more accessible and visually appealing.

DIY Projects and Budget-Friendly Ideas for Classroom Organization

You don’t need to spend a fortune to organize your classroom, I promise! Get creative with DIY projects and repurpose items you already have. Use cereal boxes covered in colorful paper as magazine holders, or turn some shoeboxes into storage bins. Thrift stores and dollar stores can be goldmines for affordable organizing supplies. 

After you have your classroom organization complete and ready to go, you get to have FUN decorating it! 

This Black and White Classroom Decor Set has everything you need to get your classroom set up and ready to accept students in the fall. This classroom decor is a simple, yet classic Black and White-themed set! It goes with any decor you already have and you can edit it to add a pop of color or images!

classroom organization and decoration pack

What is in the download:

  • An Editable Calendar Set
  • Editable Daily Visual Schedule
  • Editable Classroom Jobs Set
  • An Alphabet Line (Print and Cursive)
  • Color Word Posters & Name Tags
  • Back to School Welcome Banners, Forms, Posters & Labels for Binders
  • Amazing Work POSTERS

Check it out now! 

I hope these tips are helpful and that you have fun getting your classroom ready for the new school year! 

If you want some more classroom ideas, check out my post here for some classroom decor tips! 

5 Beach Themed Resources for Your Beachy Classroom

Ahoy there! 

As the waves of a new school year approach, it’s time to dive into a world of creativity and adventure in our elementary classrooms. 

beach themed resources

Today, I want to dive into the delightful wonders of bringing beach themed resources into the classroom. So grab your sunscreen and join me on this journey that will have your students riding the waves of excitement while learning important skills along the way!

How do you have a beach day in the classroom?

As teachers, we know how important it is to create a captivating and engaging atmosphere in our classrooms. By incorporating beach-themed resources, we can transform our learning spaces into sunny, sandy shores where imaginations soar and students thrive. 

From shells to surfboards, the beach offers a treasure trove of possibilities that will captivate and inspire our little learners.

One of the greatest advantages of using beach-themed resources is the versatility they bring to our teaching. Whether you’re teaching math, language arts, science, or social studies, there’s a seashell, starfish, or sandcastle waiting to enhance your lesson plans! 

These resources can be easily integrated into various subjects, helping us create interdisciplinary connections that deepen our students’ understanding of the world around them.

Here are the top five beach resources to use in your classroom this year! 

Beach Themed Classroom Decor

beach themed activities

Bring the relaxing calm feel of Hawaii to your classroom! This is a Hawaiian Beach Themed Classroom Decor Editable BUNDLE with pineapples and palm trees! It has 6 Resources bundled using Hawaii photographs and watercolor clip art and bundled for a LOW price.

Beach Themed Visual Schedule 

beach themed visual schedule

Need a way to help your class transition to the next task and display your schedule for all to see easily? I have you covered with this editable BEACH THEMED PowerPoint schedule! Use these cards on a pocket chart, wall, or magnetic board to easily edit and move your schedule around. Allow students to take a card to the next task, if they have trouble transitioning.

Beach Party Turtle Mystery Escape Room

beach themed escape room

Are you ready to be the most memorable teacher of a child’s life? Use these step-by-step instructions to guarantee student engagement while they practice addition, writing, and reading skills to solve a classroom mystery and SAVE the stolen sea turtle eggs. 

With a little prep, your students will work as a team to break into a box, which breaks them out of the classroom as they beat the clock! This Escape Room involves a missing turtle egg mystery that leads your students to a beach day!

Virtual Beach Field Trip

beach themed virtual field trip

Be every student’s favorite teacher by taking them to the beach from your classroom! Virtual Field trips are a great way engage students in learning.  Use these interactive, editable Google Slides to easily have students copy and paste movable parts, learn about beach safety, ocean life, what to bring to the beach and so much more!

Beach Themed Day Resources

beach themed day

Are you looking for great Beach theme celebration ideas for your classroom? Students love to learn about the beach so why not incorporate a beach theme into your classroom that integrates math, science, and language arts! Be that teacher they remember!

For more beach themed classroom fun, check out my post here! 

What are your favorite beach themed resources? Let me know in the comments! 

How To Create A Positive Affirmations Station in Your Classroom

As elementary teachers, we all know how important it is to create a positive and nurturing environment in our classrooms. We all strive to build strong relationships with our students and help them develop the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. One of my favorite tools to achieve that is positive affirmations!

positive affirmations for kids

Positive affirmations for kids are short, powerful statements that are used to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and empowering beliefs. It’s powerful to teach them the vocabulary that they need to have a positive mindset!

Do positive affirmations work for kids? 

Yes! When used in the classroom, they can help students develop a more positive self-image, build self-confidence, and improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.

How do you teach positive affirmations for kids? 

Start by explaining what positive affirmations are and why they are important. You can help your students understand that these are short, positive statements that they can use to remind themselves of how amazing they are!

Here are a few tips for teaching affirmations: 

  1. Create a list of affirmations. Together with your students, create a list of affirmations that they can use in their daily lives. Encourage them to think about their strengths, accomplishments, and qualities, and to come up with affirmations that feel right to them and make them feel good. 
  2. Use visualization. Visualization is a powerful tool that can help students to internalize their affirmations. Encourage your students to close their eyes and imagine how they will feel when they reach a goal. 
  3. Practice daily in a designated space. These are most effective when they are used regularly! Place affirmations around a mirror or create an affirmation station by setting aside a space in your classroom just for positive affirmation work. You can place a mirror here or just create a board with many positive affirmation cards displayed that students can use to remind themselves of how amazing they are.
  4. Celebrate successes. Finally, be sure to celebrate your students’ successes as they begin to use positive affirmations in their daily lives. Acknowledge their efforts and encourage them to continue using affirmations to build self-confidence and develop a positive mindset.

If you’re looking for a list of positive affirmations for kids or a positive affirmations resource that you can use to create your own Affirmation Station, I have you covered! 

I created these Positive Affirmation Cards that you can display on a mirror or elsewhere in your classroom. 

positive affirmations resource

In this resource, you’ll find pre-made cards and editable cards full of positive affirmations that you can place around a mirror in your classroom or at an affirmation station.

printable positive affirmation cards

Included in this download:

Black and White Themed Editable PowerPoint:

  • 24 Pre-made Affirmation Cards (4 per page)
  • 4 different types of Titles Cards
  • 2 Worksheets (To help students understand how to turn a negative thought into a positive thought.)
  • 2 Blank editable pages for you to easily add your own affirmations and titles.
  • Directions with Suggestions
  • A Definition Affirmation Poster

If you want to add a pop of color, consider adding construction paper to the back for a border.

affirmation station

This is a wonderful and easy way to incorporate the power of affirmations into your classroom and help your students develop the positive mindset that they need to thrive. 

Are you using affirmations in your classroom? Let me know in the comments! For more classroom management resources, check out my post here!