Every teacher has their go-to tools—the things you reach for without thinking, the routines that anchor your day, the little hacks that make classroom life smoother. Over the years, I’ve tried a lot (and abandoned even more). But these five classroom essentials? They’re my daily non-negotiables.
Whether you’re looking to streamline your classroom management, build smoother transitions, or just make your day a little less chaotic, I hope one or two of these ideas help you out.
1. Sticky Note Seating Chart
I know there are techier ways to do seating charts, but hear me out: sticky notes. I grab a piece of printer paper, draw out my desk layout, and slap a sticky note on each desk with a student’s name. I used regular-sized sticky notes so I cut out the sticky part to make them fit. Then I put this paper in a sheet protector so the sticky notes don’t easily come off (and it’s easy to make notes with a dry erase marker if needed).
It’s so easy to adjust when students move seats or switch classes. And during sub days or group work? I just hand the chart over or take a quick photo. Low-tech, high impact.
Bonus tip: If a student has an IEP or 504, I draw a little symbol next to their name like a dot or a triangle. You can also create symbols for other student characteristics (like the bold talkers when you figure them out!) 😂 I usually sit down with my ed specialist to plan the seating chart, and moving names around is super easy to do when we do.
2. Playing Cards for Randomization
Want to call on students randomly without the awkward silence or “pick me last” vibes? I write each student’s name on a playing card and keep the deck on my desk. When it’s time to share, partner up, or form groups, I pull a card or shuffle the deck. It’s quick, fair, and adds a little mystery that keeps kids engaged. It’s also fun to fan the cards out in front of a student and ask them to “pick a card, any card!” (That takes the pressure off me too!)
I store the cards in a small box, and each class has its own binder clip labeled with the period number. It makes it super easy to keep everything organized!
3. RedCat Microphone
This one’s definitely an investment—but if your school can purchase it for you, it’s so worth it. The Redcat system includes a small speaker that sits in your classroom and a wearable microphone that projects your voice clearly and evenly throughout the room. It saves your voice (especially during those long teaching stretches), helps keep students focused, and makes a huge difference for students with hearing impairments or those seated farther away. I am NOT a person who can project their voice very well, so this helps tremendously. When I forget to use it or forget to charge it, I notice the difference when I’m at home with a sore throat.
Once I turn the mic on, my students know class has officially begun. It’s not cheap, but if you can get it funded through your school or a grant, it’s a classroom upgrade you won’t regret.
Bonus tips: Don’t forget to turn your mic off when you’re not giving direct instruction. Private conversations with students or staff don’t need to be projected to everyone! Also, take the mic off when you go to lunch. Ask me how I know!
4. Magnetic Whiteboard Message Board
This one lives right on the front door. I slapped magnetic strips on the back of a small whiteboard and use it to write daily messages, reminders, or quick warm-up instructions. If I’m out of the classroom, I can write that. If my class is testing, I can write that. Super simple but so important!
5. Physical Timer
A timer helps me keep activities and transitions on track without needing to mess with my phone or stare at the clock. It also adds a sense of urgency for students—and helps me stay honest when I say, “You’ve got three minutes left!” Use it consistently with each activity block in your classroom and you will notice a huge difference in their work habits. I have used the one on the left for the better part of a decade! I tried the one on the right (where you have to twist the dial to change the minutes) but even though I like the screen better and it can stick to your whiteboard, it’s such a pain adjusting time. Stick with the tried and true.
Bonus: My Classroom Printer
Is it a little extra? Maybe. Is it completely worth it? Absolutely. Having a small printer in my classroom has saved me more times than I can count. Last-minute absent work, one extra copy of a permission slip, a quick worksheet extension? Done. No sprinting to the staff lounge or waiting in line behind someone printing a 70-page packet.
It’s the little things that make a difference!
None of these tools are flashy. They’re small, simple, and practical—but they’ve transformed how I manage my classroom. And more importantly, they help me focus less on logistics and more on what I really care about: connecting with students and creating a space where learning feels doable.
What are the essentials you can’t live without in your classroom? I’d love to hear your favorites—drop them in the comments or shoot me a message. I’m always on the lookout for the next thing that makes a big difference.
Hope this all helps!
Stacey
©Exceptional ELA 