How To Prepare for the New School Year

Parents and kids look for the best deals as they stock up on notebooks, folders, pencils, and the latest fashions. However, students are not the only ones doing back-to-school shopping. Teachers have a back to school list, too.  Teachers have to plan ahead and be prepared for the new school year way before the first class even begins.

1. Decorate the walls. Teachers have to set up new bulletin boards.  At the very least, teachers' back-to-school list should include bulletin board border. Pre-cut letters will make great eye catching headings and age-appropriate posters can help freshen up old bare classroom walls.  Make sure to leave room to show off student work, though!
2. Clean up the classroom. Disinfectant wipes are a must have. Desks might need to be wiped down. Dusty cabinets or shelves may need a touch up. Hand sanitizer will help keep germs away. Teachers should start stocking up on tissue for runny noses and paper towels for spills.  
3. Stock the library. Most teachers have an in-class library with grade-appropriate books.  Some teachers have a collection that has built up over time, but new teachers might want to ask a local library or their school if there are any programs that donate books to teachers.
4. Get supplies.  Teaching needs differ from classroom to classroom.  Teachers may need to make sure they have plenty of copier paper, computer toner, red pens, white-out, chalk, overhead transparencies, staples, a hole puncher, paper clips, roll books, and/or teaching supplemental books.  Reading teachers might want to look for supplemental activities that include high interest stories to motivate their students.  Meanwhile, math teachers might want some hands-on manipulatives to illustrate math concepts to motivate their students.
5. Get organized.  The paperwork will pile up quickly once the new school year begins.  Organize a system to manage the paperwork.  For example, every class might have a designated area or bin to place their notebooks.  Students might have individual folders to organize their work.  Some teachers color code their materials for each class.  Use the system that works best for you.
6. Do not forget any extras.  Elementary teachers might consider hitting up a garage sale and buying used clothes to keep as a spare for their younger students.  Middle and high school teachers might want to look for ways to turn their lessons into games, such as vocabulary bingo. 

Even teachers have back-to-school lists.  A lot goes into setting up a classroom.  Pace yourself.  Organize yourself and get ready for a great new school year.