Products for the Teacher

One of the things I like about visiting different teaching blogs is finding out about different products that teachers are using. So, I'd like to share a couple with you.

As teachers, it's amazing all the different kinds of pens and markers we use. I have my favorites for chart writing and illustrating.

One of these favorites is the Sharpie Flip Chart® marker. 

First of all, it's easy to write with these markers. It's almost like painting with a pen. When the ink dries, it looks like it was painted. I also find that the writing stands out and is easy to see from across the classroom. I use these to post learning objectives and for illustrating classroom signs. You can find them here.

Teachers just cannot have enough bags.

This one is the size of a large lunch bag. It's made out of oil cloth and is especially durable.  It can be used to hold student name cards, materials for a center, books, etc. (I just can't resist those red polka dots.) 

These chalkboard placemats are great for word work. All it takes is a new twist to an activity, and children are excited to do it. They can write their spelling words, vocabulary words, or sight words on them. The pocket on the side holds the eraser.

I love these oil cloth products. They're made by Oil Cloth Alley. They also make totes, tablecloths, and many more products. They do custom orders, too!

I find that the students in my class gravitate to non-fiction books. I have quite a selection of fiction books, so the last few years I've made a real attempt to purchase more non-fiction books at different levels. This way all the children in my class can enjoy reading the books. They get so excited to share the information they've learned! 

I decided to create worksheets so children could not only write what they learned from reading the non-fiction books, but also share their learning.

I place baskets of books out about community helpers for students to choose. They read the books and then write three facts they have learned about the community helper they have chosen. The worksheets have an area for students to illustrate their writing. Students then read the facts to two different friends. Friends have a place to sign their names on the worksheets to acknowledge that the facts were read to them. Not only do children get to share their new knowledge, but others learn new facts as they listen. It's a great activity to go along with a social studies unit or as a writing activity at a center. You can get it here.

I don't know about you, but this week seems to be flying by. Enjoy the last few days of it.