New to teaching? Mentoring? Have a BFF going into the profession? These are things I have learned over the years to have STOCKED on day 1!
- Throat lozenges/cough drops: Bringing the teacher voice back is hard on the pipes!
- Band-aids for desk (I also keep a hang nail clipper, and Neosporin.They have come in use even to fix a student’s glasses)
- Ibuprofen. Enough said
- Hand lotion – In January you will thank me
- K-cups
- Eye drops/saline – I still “sometimes” use chalk. Also, my middle schoolers have a lot of contact problems
- Antacids
- Thank you notes
- Female supplies (if you need them) – My first year in my new job I had to go to the nurse. It was pretty embarrassing. She was awesome about it! I can’t speak to specific things men may need.
- Emergency cash – $5 ones
- Safety clips – At least one
- Breakfast bars or some kind of non-perishable emergency food- my classroom will be nut free this year, but there are still many I can have!
- Heating pad – this has been borrowed from me more times than I can recall! Bad back, neck, cramps, or just a cold room & it can turn the day around.
*Different states have different rules on things like essential oils, Tylenol, etc., and rules on giving any kind of first aide to a child (NY is one of them). Word to the wise – If you are keeping any medicine in your desk, keep it locked.
Good luck! If this is your first year – you have a passion that will enrich your lessons! If you are starting in a new place – you got this! And, if you have a friend or colleague who is new, the absolute best beginning of the year gift is a “how are you” and a listening ear.
Anything you keep in your desk you might be willing to share? Comment below 🙂
August 27, 2019 at 1:17 am
Lint roller
Clear nail polish for runs in the stockings/tights (yes, I know… but I still wear them!)
Extra water bottle and/or tea cup
Extra utensils and paper products for when it’s food day and someone forgets them
August 27, 2019 at 2:01 am
I def borrowed that lint roller- good additions!
August 27, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Tweezers! and what about a diaper?
August 27, 2019 at 12:55 pm
I’m crying! Tweezers a must- and toothbrush/breath fresheners. Also: true story I had a diaper fall out of my medical boot once. It was one of my funniest memories in education when Mrs.P calmly walked up to me and said “a diaper is falling out of your leg” 😂😂