As the new school year approaches, I can’t help but think of the most valuable resources I’ve purchased from Teachers Pay Teachers. I have spent an obscene amount of money over the years, but as I’ve grown in my practice, I’ve become very picky. Here are the three items worth purchasing for Fall 2024:
- Digital Lesson Planner & Teacher Calendar BUNDLE | Google Sheets {editable} by Primary Kind of Life
- This planner is my absolute favorite. Using the easy tutorial provided, I was able to edit the planner for my crazy schedule including 2 buildings, 5 grade levels, and 3 different subject areas. All of your resources can be linked which is super helpful when you are switching gears so frequently as a gifted/resource teacher. I also love the monthly calendars which precede the weekly lesson pages. I color code all of my meetings, duties, and events/competitions so the month is easy to read at a glance.
- Door Decor or Bulletin Board: Amazing Things (PRINT & ASSEMBLE) by Joey Udovich
- I love a fabulous bulletin board, but I don’t have time to create everything for myself. I use these inspiring kits from Joey Udovich, and they are certainly eye catching. Joey provides the instructions on how to cut the pieces from a Cricut machine, and the results are amazing. This particular board is in our office, and we get so many compliments from visitors.
- Math Choice Board Mega Pack – All 2nd Grade Standards – Distance Learning by Simon Says School
- I love these choice boards for enrichment. Over the years, I have purchased them for all grade levels and use them quarterly. I distribute the menu, highlight the standard being taught in the classroom, and students can choose the activity that interests them the most. A nice rubric is provided which I use for data collection. Students have made fraction menus, divisibility rule posters, and order of operations games. So fun!
Bonus Resource: I would also recommend downloading my Gifted Classroom Expectations and Rules Resource (free). These are not your old school classroom norms! “Find Your Voice” and “Be a Learner Not a Finisher” are two of my favorites. The freebie uses the colors from my classroom, but I also have a bundle with other colors available here.