New Classroom Must Haves!: Teacher Tips

[@natashainselman6047]

I accepted a 5th grade reading and social studies job today!! This is a great video! Thank you!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Congrats!

[@sunnyb627]

I am in my 2nd year teaching and I totally agreed with everything you said. Another piece of advice for 1st year teachers. Make an account on Adopt a Classroom. I made a project just listing things I needed as a first year teacher which included a rug, Easel, printer, games, etc... I posted it on Facebook for family and friends to donate. This can help so if people ask what you need, donating to this site helps and you can purchase items with their selected stores.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Fantastic advice!

[@ThriftedLiving]

I totally agree about the bins and baskets! I made a big purchase of those in my first year and I LOVE them! Everything has a place and is soo organized!

[@StarbuckEducation]

I definitely enjoy threading a theme into activities with the young children in my class, they enjoy the little touches of princess, butterfly and football style pencils etc. it keeps their engagement and interest on the activities for longer.

[@HipsterArtTeacher]

Great tips! I have three more to add. First, labels! I use labels all the time to help me stay organized. 2nd- The dry erase sticker circles you can use for teacher time! 3rd- Good quality tape! You don't want to have to keep hanging your posters and anchor charts up over and over!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Oh my goodness, yes! Labels are a must.

[@Jana63]

Speaking of printers, I ADORE the HP printer subscription! You buy the printer, and then for $10 a month, you print so many copies - and they send you the ink for FREE by mail directly to your house when you are getting low. It is THE MOST ECONOMICAL way to print! Even if I go over the allotted number of color copies for the month, the overage is SO small, plus if you print a lot there are different packages. Ink can cost about $60-$100 a pop depending on the brand, and if you print a lot, then it can be so expensive. I love mine!!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I looked this up and I am really going to consider it! Thanks for sharing that!

[@summerdavis8195]

I am student teaching right now! I've been going to Goodwill and finding some amazing books! I have walked out of Goodwill with over 20 books having only spent $20. You can barely buy two books for that price at a normal store. I was amazed! I've found Junie B. Jones books, Magic Tree House books, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, a couple of Narnia books, several Harry Potter books, and If You Take a Mouse to School. Some really popular books. I think I went at a time when a teacher was getting rid of some stuff. It has become an addiction! I'm not going too crazy though. haha

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Summer Davis - Yay! Great finds! Don't forget that it's garage sale season right now. We found a lot of .25 and .50 books! ...the addiction is real 😍

[@professorben1080]

I've never thought of using a student mailbox system (I've only taught in departmentalized classrooms). That's a great idea!

[@TiffanyAnne824]

I'm not a teacher yet, but still love watching your videos. Makes me excited to have a classroom one day!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Tiffany Anne so sweet! Thank you!

[@elinyachenery3485]

I'm still very young but I've always thought about being a primary teacher, and watching you really made me so inspired! How much you love it and how amazing you and your classroom are really convinced me :)

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you have found the videos helpful.

[@sarahthomas7861]

Having my own printer has been a lifesaver!! I print SO MUCH. I have an HP Envy 4500 that was bought when I was in high school and it has printed A LOT of pages, especially since I started in education. As for ink, I recently enrolled in HP's Instant Ink service (you can print 15 pages for free and other plans are less than $10) and I'm excited to give it a try. I have heard a lot of good things, so I'm hoping it'll save me money on everything I print. Another one of my favorite things is having AstroBrights paper. Pages are fun and bright without being full-color prints.

[@xxtorixx93]

I am a new teacher of 5th grade starting next year and this helped calm me and think of items i didn't even consider for my classroom

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I am so glad I was able to help.

[@vemontebello]

This is my 3rd year of teaching, and I definitely wish I would have had this when I first started teaching. There are so many little things that you just don't think about until you're in the moment and don't have them. I'm sending this to the first year teacher on my team.

[@nancycox270]

Having a place to keep YOUR papers organized is a must! Thanks for the sharing. It is always nice to see how someone else has organized their classroom. After 23 yrs. i am still searching for that perfect fit. :) Have a great year in your new school and grade.

[@cnguyen461]

Could you please do a video about your journey becoming a teacher (volunteering, student assistant, etc.) starting from high school or college? I just got accepted into my department at University but am not sure what experiences I can do in the summer. Thank you!!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I have it on my list. Thank you!

[@caligal2010]

Normally, your department will have specific requirements on what they want you to do on your journey to becoming a teacher. In the fall, you will have to log so many hours of working in an actual public school classroom. Then in the spring it will be the same thing but extra hours. Same thing for the fall after that. Finally, in your last semester you will have to go everyday and actually teach in the classroom on a daily basis. I just graduated and got hired as a middle school teacher!

[@nathanielaranda8407]

2 things more number 1 some type of filing cabnet and 2 a good electric pencil sharpener it will help and if you get a good one it will last years and it comes in handy :)

[@smerzy5]

Another way to start accumulating a great library of books would be thrift stores, goodwill, savers those sorts of places. I routinely check out the books at Salvation Army still because $.50 for a soft cover and $1 for a hardcover is hard to beat and sometimes you find great titles!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I love 2nd and Charles! They are a used book store and I can spend hours there looking for books.

[@BreanaRaeofSunshine]

just accepted my first job as a 4th grade science and social studies teacher at the school i student taught at! so excited you will be in 4th as well.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yay! I am so excited for you! Starting 4th grade together. It will be fantastic.

[@mariacnoyes]

This is off topic but what advice do you have for new teachers who are having anxiety about starting their teaching career?

[@redforrori]

Relax. Kids don't bite. Well...not too hard ;) Pretend you know what you're doing (you do) and the kids will never know. Don't be afraid to have fun with them. Above all, BREATHE, and make sure to take time for yourself. Just sayin'. ;) Good luck!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I was nervous. Very nervous. You will do fine. You have teachers around you that have experienced it all. Talk with them, plan with them and ask questions. Go slow in the beginning with your students. You don't have to start teaching standards right away. Work on building a community and learning who your kids are and everything else will come. It goes by so very fast and before you know it you will be thinking back on that first day. You will be fine.

[@DannyHauger]

Embrace it whole heartedly and you will not fail!!

[@lizellejackson4947]

I loved your tips and I really think they helped me put in perspective how much out-of-pocket money I will need to spend. The tip about books was very important. I honestly think we should be able to start with books, but I understand. I plan to start building my library now (I'm about 2-3 years away from my first job as a teacher) from free books, donated books, my niece's scholastics, and other cheap.. I mean, frugal ;-) ways lol. Thanks again! Stay blessed

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yes! That is definitely the way to build your library.

[@mujervirtuosa1127]

Great info! I was counting everything you suggested and the only thing I was missing was the novelties. I"m so excited to start my second year of teaching. Thanks so much!

[@Jordza32]

Thank you so much Bridget, these are some really great tips and ideas for my classroom. I've just accepted a year 1 position for September so I am very excited! I love watching your videos. Your enthusiasm and teaching style really motivates me.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Danza yay! Good luck to you!

[@wileenhiinani110]

I'm a first year teacher and this was extremely helpful! Thank you so much! I will also be teaching fourth grade and it's at an arts integrated school.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Wow. That is amazing!

[@tgray0914]

Love your channel/videos. They are extremely helpful. I loved the fact that you mentioned baskets. I agree, I don't think you can have to many baskets.

[@kaylahatch5306]

Your videos are AMAZING. I am switching from special education to general education and needed to brush up on running a regular ed classroom. Each and every video you post is so helpful. Could you do a video about how in depth you go with your lesson plans? Do you just do the weekly overview that you've shown in some of your other videos, or do you go even deeper and map out each lesson (materials, intro, modeling, guided practice, etc.). Is this something that you recommend first time teachers do, or is it unrealistic? Thank you and please dont go anywhere!!! You are the best teacher I have seen on youtube.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I can tell you that I was more in depth my first year teaching. This year, since I am starting a new grade, I will be more in depth, but as the years go you learn to develop your own style and you just know what you are suppose to do. If it helps you be very detailed and as you feel more comfortable you can keep it at bullets. Hope that helped!

[@spotdot27]

perfect timing for me! i have a reception class (not sure what grade that is in the us but it's the first year of school) and i meet them next week!

[@lauraevelynashley]

Thank you! This video was very helpful!

[@ceceemc4672]

I like your advice about the file organizer. I just couldn't seem to keep up with all the papers that come in and has to go home with the students. I will definitely try this one. All if your ideas on just what I need to help me with the anxiety that goes along with first years of teaching. Thanks!

[@natalie3104]

This video was super helpful!!!! Thanks for the tips :)

[@candiceg3624]

hi, i will be starting my student teaching next semester. I am really anxious about taking the texes core 4-8 test any tips. i really liked the buy one thing every time you go to the grocery store tip thanks...

[@tessal.5084]

I am currently a teacher-to-be and I was wondering, how do you know what to put in your classroom library if you haven't been hired at a school or know what grade you are going to teach? My fear is that I will buy a bunch of books and they won't be developmentally appropriate and I will have to buy more last minute. Thanks!

[@anitab5531]

Best way to build your classroom library is to go to Thrift stores, Goodwill, or the Salvation Army. I then only buy new books that I can't find at thrift stores. If you were like me I didn't have money to buy anything after graduation. (Seasonal manipulatives) Most schools have printers connected to each teacher's classroom computer, so unless you have a lot of extra cash the teacher would be better off to print to the school's printer.

[@charlesperez9976]

I adore your watch!🥰🥰😊

[@alisgravenilx0]

Question! What do I bring to my teacher interviews? What did YOU take to your interview? I'd love to know! :)

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I took a portfolio with my cover letter, resume, letters of recommendation and my picture attached. I also had a list of questions to ask at the end.

[@courtneyconner5241]

This was soo helpful!! Thank you for all of your tips!

[@ItsBrendarella]

definitely need baskets! I tried out the mailbox system last year and it was super helpful. For some reason we didn't use it this year but I plan on using it next year when I get my own room :)

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Yes. It is amazing!

[@livetoDIG]

Great advice! First year kinder teacher here and trying to figure out my life before August 👏🏼

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Best of luck to you! You will do great.

[@meme-qg2gq]

Erin Harms how's it going !? 😊

[@gnwththwnd]

Love these tips! Also, Ebay is great for books and manipulatives because a lot of teachers and parents sell their libraries and educational materials. You can get really great deals, like I won a class set of magnifying glasses for $10.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

That is awesome advice! Thank you.

[@teachmrshh6169]

Which video did you show top tab folders or sheet protectors in? I can't find it! Help!

[@darrellkowis710]

hey,my mom is going to be a kinder garten teacher and she needs help.do you have any tips

[@BridgingLiteracy]

That is really what my channel is all about! I try and share insight that I think/find to be helpful. You might suggest that she looks through my past videos :)

[@kala_gulab2697]

awesome tips... Thanks from first year Foundation teacher

[@ellenmoak]

Hello! Thanks for all you share!! You are an inspiration!! Do you have a link for the whole group stand that you use with the felt board on the back and the white board on the front? Also, I watched your "A Day in the Life of a Teacher" video and I was wondering if you could share your behavior wheel. Where did you get it? What do you write on it? Would you happen to have a list of the behavior stories you discuss during your morning meeting at the beginning of the year to help with behaviors, expectations, and independence? Where did you get the wooden big book stand that you keep your behavior wheel and big books on? I appreciate all of your videos!! With sincere gratitude, Ellen Moak

[@desilynnbrady5544]

What are the requirements to become a PreK-K teacher? I have been searching colleges near me since graduating this year, and most of them only offer late elementary/earlier middle school courses. It has been a dream of mine to be either a Pre-K or Kindergarten teacher, even more so now that I have my own children and my youngest step-sibling is entering Pre-K!

[@BridgingLiteracy]

Hey Desilynn! I recommend Teach.com to find out the teaching requirements in your state. They have a great interactive map on their home page where you can select your state. In my own experience, I have found that AL and PA have very different paths and requirements to becoming a teacher! Good Luck!

[@desilynnbrady5544]

Thank you!

[@MoniqueTravelle]

This was a great video! Do you have any advice for a college senior who is thinking about teaching? I will be graduating with a communications degree so I'm not too sure what path to take beside getting a masters.

[@angeyymahmoud1556]

you are so sweet ! I love this video so much... can you make a video about the NES test and edtpa that's if you took them

[@PrincessLexiseLicious]

Great advice! 📒📏

[@DannyHauger]

Nice tips thanks!

[@antoiniqueellis5061]

The carpet in your classroom...does the school provide those or did you have to buy it yourself because I know a classroom carpet is expensive.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

The school provided the large carpet. All the other carpets, I purchased. I will have to get a new carpet for my new room this year. I am a huge fan of Ikea rugs ;)

[@naomibourrous7155]

Hi I am new to your channel and I love it! I am in the elementary education program currently! Do you recommend starting to collect things for my classroom now so I can get a little at t a time and not all at once?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

+Naomi Bourrous - Welcome! I Absolutely started to collect while I was in college. If I was you, I'd probably focus on my library first. Garage sale season is coming up and it is perfect timing! I wouldn't worry about anything like furniture because you have no idea what type of room you will end up in. Your library will never be complete, but it feels good to offer your children a nice selection. Plus, it will give you an opportunity to practice with specific books 🏆

[@alimmontgomery93]

Where did you get your calendar from? I can't seem to find the link.

[@BridgingLiteracy]

So sorry! I missed that one. Pocket Chart Calendar amzn.to/29ulQos

[@missishanab1368]

which grade do you teach

[@shof189]

Great tips! Doesn't your school have a printer/copier for your use?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I filmed this video before seeing my new school and I found out that we have printers connected to our computers. I will not have to have a printer in my classroom but I still have one at home to use when I am working there.

[@fatimafarahGadi]

🥰

[@emilylightsey6374]

Sort of a unrelated comment, but do you know when you'll have your new teacher planner up on tpt?

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I have it almost ready to go. I need to finish the cover tonight and I should have it uploaded tomorrow morning. I feel like this is my best planner yet! Excited to share it with all of you!

[@emilylightsey6374]

Yay! I'm excited!

[@teree101]

So excited, can't wait!!! have been patiently waiting for it to be posted.

[@rileymorrissey8294]

Will you do a new classroom tour

[@BridgingLiteracy]

:) YES!

[@savitapuri5882]

Nice

[@mialoop1601]

I what to be a teacher.

[@mialoop1601]

I what to be a teacher

[@carpetsclean1]

Teachers are required to work only 180 days in the US. (It's a part time job) with a full time salary and benefits!!

[@kathymchale6053]

oh really...who told you that little lie...teachers work 70 plus hours a week only get paid for 35 and work summers free as well...and spend 20 percent of their salaries on class supplies with no tax breaks ....just thought you would like to be better informed...and I forgot to mention unlike govt/state employees receive no regular pay increases unless they threaten to strike

[@lifewithkellyg4316]

I watch your videos all the time! Thanks for sharing! IG: @lifewithkellyg

[@natashainselman6047]

Check out instaink

[@BridgingLiteracy]

I did.... I am in LOVE