3 Technology Tools for Teachers

Below are 3 technology tools for teachers that are total game changers! Learn about them below!

1. Sign Up Genius

The first on the list of technology tools for teachers is Sign Up Genius. Learn all about it below!

Ways to Use Sign Up Genius as a Teacher

• Parent teacher conferences
• Donation wish lists
• Class parties
• Mystery readers
• Field day volunteers
• Book fair volunteers

Accessibility Requirements

Families can sign up on their phone or other electronic device with access to internet. In order to use this tool, you need an electronic device that can access the internet.

How to Create a Sign Up Genius Account in 7 Easy Steps

1. Go to: https://www.signupgenius.com
2. Click the green “Create a Sign Up” button at the top of the page.
3. Input your first and last name, school email address, and password.
4. Check off the “I’m not a robot” box.
5. Click the green “Register Now” button.
6. Verify your account by checking your email inbox for an email from Sign Up Genius. Open the email and click the orange button “Activate Your Account.”
7. Log into your account using your email and password. You’re in!

How to Use Sign Up Genius for Parent Conferences in 10 Easy Steps

1. Go to: https://www.signupgenius.com
2. Log into your account with your username and password.
3. Click the green button “Create a Sign Up.”
4. Under the General Details tab, fill out the three sections: “Name of Your Group,” “Title of Sign Up,” and “Description.” The name of your group could be: [Insert name]’s 20XX-20XX Parent/Guardian Group. The title of your sign up could be: [Insert name]’s Fall Parent Teacher Conferences. The description could be: Hello [grade level] Families! It’s time to sign up for parent teacher conferences! Please sign up for a time below that fits your schedule, so we can meet to discuss your child’s progress so far this year. I am looking forward to sharing my observations, answering any questions, and addressing any worries you may have. Thanks so much, [Your Name] Click the green button “continue.”
5. Under the Theme tab, choose one of the popular themes, browse a category (e.g. education), or search for a theme using the search bar on the page (e.g. back to school or books). After selecting the theme, click the green button “continue.”
6. Under the Dates/Times tab, choose time slots. Next, choose the start date, end date, location (classroom number), weekdays, start time, end time and length of time slots. Click the green button “continue.”
7. Under the Slots tab, fill out title of slot and help comment. Click the green button “continue.”
8. Under the Settings tab, fill out requirements for participants and notification and reminder preferences. Decide if you want participants to be able to swap with each other.
9. Under the Preview tab, check for any mistakes. Click the green button “proceed to invite & publish” if everything is correct. If there are errors, click the white button “edit further.” 
10. Under the Invite/Publish Tab, choose whether you will manually enter emails or import from address book. If you enter them in manually, enter one email per line or separate them with a comma. Fill out your custom email text and then preview your email by clicking the orange button “preview my email.” Lastly, choose the green button “take my sign up live and send my invites,” the other green button “take my sign up live but don’t send emails,” or the orange button “save as draft for later.”

2. Remind

The second on the list of technology tools for teachers is Remind. Learn all about it below!

Ways to Use Remind as a Teacher

• Sending reminders to families about…
• Gym class (bring sneakers)
• Open house
• Picture day
• Field trips
• Book fair
• Art show
• Parent teacher conference sign ups
• Half-days and days off
• School fundraisers
• Other special events
• Returning forms

Accessibility Requirements

You can text or email the parents directly without them knowing your personal information. In order to use this tool, you need an electronic device that can access the internet.

How to Set Up Remind in 7 Easy Steps

1. Go to https://www.remind.com
2. Create an account by clicking the blue button “Sign Up.” Enter your email or phone number. Another option is to sign up with your Gmail account. Accept the terms and conditions.
3. Choose your role as a teacher.
4. Create a class name (e.g. [Your name]’s 20XX-20XX Class).
5. Link up to your school if possible.
6. Input your student’s parent’s names, their cell phone number or email address.
7. Share a link through email inviting parents to join or print the “printable PDFs” and send them home with your students.

3. Screencastify

The last on the list of technology tools for teachers is Screencastify. Learn all about it below!

Ways to Use Screencastify as a Teacher

Coaching parents/families through…

• How to solve a math problem using a specific strategy
• Accessing your classroom website
• How to access an online tool to help students with their homework
• How to sign up for tools like Remind or Sign Up Genius

Accessibility Requirements

You can record your screen and then email the shareable link directly to families. In order to use this tool, you need a computer running the latest version of Google, a Gmail or Google account, and 1 GB of free memory. The free version allows you to record videos up to 5 minutes.

How to Set Up Screencastify in 3 Easy Steps

1. Go to https://www.screencastify.com using Google Chrome.
2. Click the blue button “add to chrome.” Follow the instructions.
3. Create an account by clicking “my account” in the top right hand corner and filling in the necessary information. That’s it!

In closing, we hope you found these 3 technology tools for teachers interesting and worthwhile. If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

• Free Digital Math Manipulatives for Elementary Teachers
• Health and Wellness Tips for Elementary Teachers
• Back to School Read Alouds for Elementary Teachers

The post 3 Technology Tools for Teachers that You Need in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

3 Ways to Connect with Clutter-Free Classroom

Below are 3 ways you can connect with the Clutter-Free Classroom!

1. Join Our Email List

Join the Clutter-Free Email Club, which is 100% free! Club members receive emails from me that include free resources, teaching tips, and much more! Join by heading to the homepage of the Clutter-Free Classroom blog, scrolling to the bottom, and inserting your name and email address.

2. Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook

We are on Instagram and Facebook! We share teacher hacks, inspiration from real elementary classrooms, and much more. We’d love for you to follow us there!

3. Join Our Facebook Group

I also host a free Facebook Group for Teachers.  It is a place for you to ask questions and get answers that will help to make the important work you do each and every day easier. Of course, you are welcome to just read along too.

The group was formed with the goal of being a positive place where I could connect with teachers and help to offer solutions to common problems such as:

• getting rid of all those PILES of paper
• creating easy systems for staying organized throughout the year
• finding ways to create a classroom that runs itself
• saving you time so you can reclaim your nights and weekends

The Clutter-Free Classroom Facebook Group – Solutions for Busy Teachers is a very supportive and friendly community. We would love to have you join us!

In closing, I’ve been a teacher blogger for over a decade so there is a HUGE library of helpful info that can be right here on this blog. I specialize in classroom organization, classroom management, classroom decor and high-quality teaching resources for 1st through 5th grade. I recommend browsing the blog for helpful teaching tips, ideas, and resources. Thank you for supporting Clutter-Free Classroom!

The post Clutter-Free Classroom: Teaching Tips, Ideas and Resources for Elementary Teachers appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

The goal of this post is to help you gather a collection of items to bring to school that will help you in case of an emergency… Admittedly, a chocolate craving doesn’t warrant a call to 9-1-1, but it certainly will make life better for all parties involved if there is a Hershey Bar available. Below you’ll find a list of teacher emergency kit ideas about what to pack in your “teacher emergency kit” for those moments that arise and we wish we had something to help with it. Check it out below!

20+ Things to Keep in Your Teacher Emergency Kit

Below are ideas of things that you should keep in your teacher emergency kit.

Aspirin

Headaches happen quite often when you’re teaching 25 youngsters who have yet to grasp the concept of “inside voices”. If you are including aspirin or any other type of medicine, be sure to store your container in an area that is not accessible to children.

Feminine Products

The second on the list of teacher emergency kit ideas is definitely a must-have. Accidents happen and sometimes we need to be prepared.

Deodorant

For those days when you were rushing to get out of the house and forgot to put deodorant on (or not enough).

Nail File and Nail Clippers

If you haven’t broken a nail at work, you’re lucky!

Hair Elastics/Bobby Bins

Sure, wearing your gorgeous long blonde hair down seemed like a great idea this morning…. until the humidity went up to like 1000% and you’ve got recess duty. You’ll need to get your hair up in less time than it takes the kids to run to the slide!

A Change of Clothes

This is one of the teacher emergency kit ideas on this list that you may be surprised to read! For those moments of surprise like paint spilling on you, a kid’s lunch tray that magically found your lap even from 5 feet away, or the rain storm that suddenly hit while you were doing your duty.

Hairbrush

Humidity is no one’s friend and it affects everyone’s hair. A hairbrush can be a life saver when you need to brush out the frizz right before a parent walks in.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

We’ve all been there: Parent conference week, you get to eat out with your coworkers (which is rare), you try out the new Chinese restaurant that uses 10lbs of garlic for every 1lb of chicken, you get back to school and realize you could scare away 5,000 vampires with your breath….thank goodness you packed the toothbrush and toothpaste because you have just enough time to brush before your first parent shows up!

Chocolate

This is pretty self explanatory. We always have those days where a chocolate will solve all our problems… until we get home and can indulge in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.

Can of Soup, Bowl, Spoon and Can Opener

This is another one on the list of teacher emergency kit ideas that you’re likely surprised to see. For those days when you either forget your lunch sitting on the counter or you packed a cold cut sandwich and the cold weather hit and soup just sounds perfect.

Non-Perishable Snack Items

Kids get snack time, so why can’t we indulge in a snack too? This helps on those days where your breakfast just isn’t letting you make it until lunch or lunch won’t help get you to dinner. If you are including food, you will want to invest in a container that is “critter proof.”

Bottle of Water

You should be hydrating at work already (see step 6), but sometimes you drink all of what you brought and need another bottle.

Tissues

Sometimes the classroom box of tissues runs out while your nose keeps running.

Stain Remover

Not everyone needs to know that you had spaghetti for lunch just by looking at that spot on your shirt or pants.

Pair of Tights and Nylons

Picture it… You’re sitting in a chair at the carpet, reading a story to your kids, when little Billy thinks it’s fun to pull on a teeny tiny strand on your tights… The next thing you know, you have a big gaping run in your tights and you have a parent meeting right after school (and with your luck, it’s probably Billy’s mom).

Lint Roller

Whoops! You forgot that you hugged your German Shepherd goodbye this morning, but don’t worry, the dog hair all over your top reminds of you of it!

Change for the Vending Machine

When a soda/skittles/bag of chips just sounds so good!

Cough Drops

This teacher emergency kit idea is especially important during the dry winter months. That tickle in your throat will not get the best of you!

Chapstick

Who knew that wind out at recess would dry out your lips so much?

Safety Pin

Sometimes, buttons just fly off and straps break.

Duct Tape

Luckily, MacGuyver showed us how to fix just about anything with duct tape. From broken sandals to ripped pillows, we can fix anything in a jiffy with duct tape!

In closing, your teacher emergency kit may look different than your teammates, and the items you include will change with experience. For example, I never thought I’d need a change of clothes until I had two separate incidents that left me soggy and uncomfortable. I obviously didn’t learn after the first time. The important thing is that you have a supply of things that you will undoubtedly need at some point. As they say in Girl Scouts, “Always Be Prepared”! I hope you found this list of teacher emergency kit ideas helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

• How to Decorate the Classroom of Your Dreams
• First Day of School Read Alouds for Elementary Teachers
• How to Set Up Your Whole Group Instruction Area

The post Teacher Emergency Kit Ideas for Elementary Teachers in 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

8 Elementary Teacher Must Haves

Below are 8 elementary teacher must haves you may not expect.

1. Personal Laminator and 8.5 x 11 Thermal Pouches

The first on the list of elementary teacher must haves is a personal laminator with thermal pouches. I have now owned and LOVED the Scotch Thermal Laminator for several years and it is still working just as great as the day I bought it. And it has seen A LOT of use!

I initially hesitated to buy a personal laminator because the school had one, but we didn’t have access to it. If we wanted to make something shiny and durable, we needed to be granted permission to do so. Then we had to wait for the authorized laminating individual to run it through the machine. Let’s be honest, when we print off a new math game or set of task cards, the LAST thing we want to do is wait three days until they can be sneezed on and wiped clean.

The laminator is super light so it’s easy to bring to and from school. I ultimately bought a second one so I wouldn’t need to bring it back and forth.

Having my own laminator and buying laminating pouches when they were on sale actually saved me money. It certainly saved me time! Plus, I always stock up on laminating pouches whenever they are on sale. In addition to the laminator making my resources more durable, the kids always took more care when using them because they felt much fancier. I loved not needing to reprint color cards, small charts and games each year because they stood up to even the most fidgety hands.

2. Staple Remover

The second on the list of elementary teacher must haves are staple removers.

There are staple removers. And then there are STAPLE REMOVERS. I used to own one of those “claws.” You know… the kind that not only tear the paper you are removing from a bulletin board, but also all the cork behind it and maybe even some of the drywall behind the bulletin board.

Then, I received a quality staple remover as a gift. It improved my life greatly! It makes popping staples out so simple. The best part is that there is a little button that slides all of the collected staples off at once.

3. Magnetic Dry Erase Markers

The third on the list of elementary teacher must haves are magnetic dry erase markers.

I know we are in the age of Smartboards and such, but I still use my dry erase board regularly. And when it comes to using the dry erase boards, I adore these dry erase markers! I love them because of the reasons listed below.

• They are magnetic. They stick to the board, people (and yes, as one who teaches Magnetism as a science unit I do know magnets don’t “stick” and the correct word is “attract,” but attract didn’t work in the sentence).
• Look at the colors! Aqua? Hot Pink? I love it!
• They are 2 in 1 markers. This is especially useful for visually organizing what you are writing. Simply flip the marker over in your hand and you have an entirely different marker to write with.
• They are inexpensive and can be shipped right to my door.
• These are the BEST to use for writing on my Must Do May Do Board because I can record the different subjects in varying colors.

The official name for them is Board Dudes Double-Sided Magnetic Dry Erase Markers, Assorted Colors 4-Pack. I often buy them at Target, but they are also available on Amazon.

4. Corner Rounder

One of the elementary teacher must haves on this list that has played a big role in my classroom makeover is my corner rounder.

If you don’t have one then I do suggest you run to the nearest craft store with a few dollars and some spare change in your hand because they are fairly cheap, but pack a big punch (corny joke intended).

I use it to snip the corners of student work before displaying them. It gives a really nice finished look! I use in on my signs. I use it on labels. It’s handy dandy and addictive. You’ll never have right angles in your room again.

This little gizmo was a favorite of mine back in my scrapbooking days. Now, it is a favorite classroom tool. It’s just a simple little Corner Rounder , but it creates a nice, finished look on papers. I use it on student work that is being displayed as well as on just about anything else that has a square corner and needs a bit of pizzazz. 

It’s really easy to use. You just slide the corner of the page into it and push down with your thumb. My kids often do it themselves. I have one that I use myself and another that I make accessible to my students in our writing center.

There are a lot of different versions available, but this corner rounder is the one I have and love. I’ve been using it for 8+ years without any problems.

5. Foam Brushes

Today I am here to share my love of “the foam paintbrush.” Have you used these before? I love them for me and I also love them for my students. That’s why I knew I had to add them to this list of elementary teacher must haves!

When I am preparing my classroom for the new year I like to get my craft on. I used to do a major classroom theme each year. Some examples are beach, camping, Hollywood, detective/mystery, western and jungle themes. If you are considering a theme for next year, be sure to check out my full list of classroom decor themes. I have 50+ themes! I switched over to a classroom color scheme a few years ago. Read all about my colorful classroom ideas to learn how colors in the learning environment impact students! In addition to the printable materials I make for my classroom, I also go to town with ribbon and scrapbook paper and other crafty items. When I am decorating my classroom, these brushes are my BFF.

First and foremost, they are crazy cheap. They are often on sale at AC Moore for $0.10 each (with the 15% teacher discount on top of that). They are a great size for both big and small projects. The shape of the tip makes it easy to get into little spots. It helps get paint on evenly. And my most favorite thing is using it for Modge Podge projects.

The students use them for painting projects. They are really good for scenery and larger scale items. The handle helps with fine motor and keeping little hands clean.

They wash easily. Admittedly, I’ve also been known to toss them after using them (depending on the project).

6. Pinking Shears

Many moons ago I switched from using those rolls of paper to cover my bulletin boards to fabric. I highly recommend fabric because of the 10 reasons below.

• A fabric background looks great year after year.
• It is a lot easier to work with.
• It doesn’t get those crazy paper creases.
• You can iron any creases that do show up.
• It rarely fades.
• It doesn’t tear.
• There are more options for colors and patterns.
• Staples can be removed without leaving visible holes.
• It can be cheaper (especially if you use twin size flat bed sheets from Walmart)
• it can be folded neatly to store.

I had always used my classroom scissors to cut the fabric. They worked, but sometimes it was a struggle and I have been known to need to patch a side or corner because I became impatient and tried to slide them up the fabric. I don’t sew, but I own Pinking Shears because they are great for craft projects. I had brought them into school to cut some ribbon and decided to use them on some fabric I was hanging on a bulletin board. It was a “why didn’t I think of that before” moment. They cut quickly and neatly and leave a fun zigzag border. These became one of my favorite elementary teacher must haves!

Speaking of hanging fabric on a bulletin board, here are them steps I follow to do so:

1. Hang it before cutting it. If the fabric has a brighter side and a faded side, put the brighter side facing the board. Start in the top corner and align the corner of your fabric with the corner of the board. Put in a staple or push pin to secure it.
2. While smoothing it out with one hand, add another staple/pin a few inches over on the top and a few inches down on the side. Continue to smooth and pull diagonally while attaching it on the top and side. Add a few staples/pins down the other side and along the bottom.
3. Use chalk or a pencil to draw lines down the opposite side you started with an along the bottom. At this point you can remove the entire piece of fabric to cut it or just remove the staples/pins along the sides with the line and cut it while it’s still attached to the wall. With the Pinking Shears this is an easy option.

7. Silly Sticks

Confession: I never would’ve survived as a teacher back in the day when writing on a chalkboard with actual chalk was required. I hate the feel of it. I don’t like the dust from it. But, I do LOVE the look of it.

That’s one of the reasons wet chalk markers make me so happy. They look amazing, but don’t get dusty or smudgy like actual chalk.

I especially enjoy these SillySticks because not only can you use them on chalkboards, but also white boards and glass. Since wall space is often limited in a classroom, they are great for writing on windows both for decorative and teaching purposes. You can also use them to write on plastic or other nonporous surfaces. I like using them for writing messages on students desks or tables. They are great for writing the students’ names on desks for a substitute teacher. Also, the colors are really bright, bold and fun! That’s why I knew I had to add these to my list of elementary teacher must haves!

8. Electric Pencil Sharpener

The last tool on this list of elementary teacher must haves is an electric pencil sharpener. This is by far the best pencil sharpener for the classroom. It’s as quiet as a pencil sharpener can be. It’s lightning fast which makes it a teacher time saver. Best of all, it sharpens pencils in a way that provides a perfect point that doesn’t easily break.

My former neighbor had one and I always bypassed my sharpener and went next door to use the one in her classroom. She moved to a different school and sadly took it with her.

I’ve been wanting to order one of my own for awhile and I’m embarrassed to say that the only reason I finally logged on to do so was because the ridiculous hand held sharpener (you know the ones that don’t even catch the shavings) I have been using at home for years (sadly, I’m not exaggerating) lost a battle with my daughter’s crayons and could no longer be used to (sort of) make a point on a pencil. Seriously, a whittling knife would’ve worked better.

I kick myself for not getting this pencil sharpener sooner!

In closing, I hope you found this list of elementary teacher must haves helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts:

• 50+ Math Manipulatives Every Elementary Teacher Needs
• How to Organize Your Back to School Checklist
• 20+ Back to School Read Alouds for Elementary Teachers

The post 8 Elementary Teacher Must Haves That Will Surprise You – 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

Why Teachers Need a Teacher Apron with Pockets

I first began using a pocket apron when I was working as a classroom organization consultant and was helping other teachers declutter and organize their classrooms using the system outlined in my classroom organization guide.

Because the process of decluttering and organizing a classroom is typically a case of “it gets a bit worse before it gets a whole lot better,” teachers would find themselves misplacing the tools we were using to declutter and organize. These items included tape measures, pencils, small notebooks, and other related items. Using a teacher apron with pockets solved that problem.

Much like a handyman walks around with a toolbelt and a doctor has a coat with pockets and a stethoscope around their neck, it makes complete sense for everyone to have the necessary tools of the trade at their fingertips.

As a teacher, you will find there are many benefits to using a pocket apron.

• You will save time by having the items you need on hand at all times.
• You will not be interrupted by other students who ask you questions, making you wander back to your desk to grab a pen and instead can focus on the student or small group you are working with.
• You will be able to impact more students each day by having the tools you need to make a quick modification or offer positive reinforcement with a sticker magically pulled from the pocket of your apron.

How to Make a Teacher Apron with Pockets

Below are simple directions for making your own teacher apron with pockets.

1. Download this Crafters Apron Guide

Download this free no sew apron guide.

2. Purchase a Small Apron

Home Depot usually sells small aprons for under a $1.00. These are fun because you can customize them with some fabric and fabric glue. You can also find solid color aprons at most craft stores.

3. Gather Supplies

In the no sew apron guide, the author lists supplies that you will need to complete the project.

4. Customize Your Apron to Match Your Style

Think about what your favorite colors and patterns are. The no sew apron guide shares some ideas. Be sure to also check out the picture in this post for inspiration.

5. Stock It with Essentials

The last step is to stock it with essentials. What do you need access to during the school day? Some ideas are a pencil, eraser, white board marker, highlighter, stickers, and sticky notes. You can decide what works best for you!

In closing, we hope you found this information about how to make a teacher apron with pockets helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these other posts:

• 200+ Essential Teacher Supplies for Elementary Teachers
• How to Declutter Your Classroom
• Teacher Desk Organization Ideas for Teachers

The post Teacher Apron With Pockets: A Quick Tutorial for How to Make Your Own (Without Sewing a Single Thread) appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.

This hack for how to clean up glitter is seriously awesome! Simply use a lint brush roller to clean up the glitter off of all of the surfaces in your classroom. So smart! After I saw this tip, I added lint rollers to my list of essential teacher supplies that I stocked up on at the beginning of each school year.

In closing, I hope you found this trick for how to clean up glitter helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these other posts:

• How to Keep Your Classroom Clean and Tidy
• 20+ Items to Keep in Your Teacher Emergency Kit
• Teacher Must Haves that Will Surprise You

The post How to Clean Up Glitter Off the Floor in Your Classroom – 2024 appeared first on Clutter-Free Classroom | by Jodi Durgin.