Monday, July 23, 2012

Top 5 Teacher Must Haves - Rockin Resources Linky



Kelly from Teacher Idea Factory and Rachelle from Life is Sweet...In Kindergarten are both
hosting linky parties where you share the resources you couldn't live with out! We all have those go to items, so I knew I had to participate!

Here are my Top 5 Must Haves!

#1 - Raz-Kids
Raz-Kids is an amazing website where students can read or listen to leveled stories online. After each reading, they can take quizzes to test their comprehension. Each story and quiz, earns the reader stars they can use to decorate and create their spaceship. My students LOVED this website last year and cheer every time I mention it!
http://www.raz-kids.com/images/header/logo.gif

#2 - Interactive Whiteboard
My school installed one in my classroom 2 years ago. I knew I didn't NEED this item to teach, but I am telling you now that I CAN'T live without it. My students are always engaged in the lessons on the board and there are so many uses for it in the classroom!

http://www.prometheanworld.com/content/img/products/activboard-300-1.png 

 #3 - Plastic Shoe Box Containers
These containers have helped me organize so many areas and materials in my classroom. They also cost less than $1 a piece. The organizer in me would not be able to function in our classroom without these. (Sorry about the blurry picture, there will be more of these and my classroom in an upcoming post.)

 
 #4 - Evan-Moor Take It To Your Seat Centers
I LOVE Evan-Moor's seat centers. I came across these when I read a post on Proteacher.org. I started with just two sets and now I am up to seven and hoping to get more. These have helped me out when a sub comes in or when I have a last minute meeting. I tape the cover to the front of the folder and the directions on the back. I then laminate the folder and all the materials. Everything gets stored inside the folder. My students are able to work on these folders independently. These are a must-have. 

 

And last but NOT least...

 #5 - Personal Laminator
Anyone who knows me in my school would call me the laminating queen, as you can tell from the description of #4. Who wants to have to deal with ripped up paper and materials. I live for laminating things I love and want to keep for a long time!
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31j5hVgGzDL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Come and link up! I would love to know what your must-haves are!


13 comments:

Kelley Dolling said...

Thank you so much for linking up! I forgot all about Raz-Kids. I am actually buying this for my class this year as our district isn't picking up the bill. It is too good to go without. Thanks again!!

Kelley Dolling
Teacher Idea Factory

smoran892 said...

I feel you on the whiteboard! I just got one towards the end of last year.. and by the end of school I didn't know how I taught without it!! My kids are SO engaged when I use it!!

Just found your blog through Kelley's linky!

Susan
T.G.I.F. (Thank God it's First Grade!)

Anonymous said...

Your very organized.I found you on the blog hop. I'm your newest follower. If you get a chance visit my blog "Calling Plays in 2nd Grade".

Caralee DeHerrera said...

Kelley, I am purchasing it for my classroom this year, as well. I just can't go without it! Thank you for visiting.

Caralee DeHerrera said...

Thank you for visiting Susan...an interactive whiteboard is a gem for any teacher. I wish every teacher could have one in their room!

Caralee DeHerrera said...

Thank you so much for visiting and following your blog. I just had a chance to visit your blog and it's fabulous! I am now one of your newest followers.

Unknown said...

Hi! I'm your newest follower. I found you through the Rockin' Resources Linky Party. INteractive whiteboards are amazing! My school has come along way with technology in the past few years and the kids and teachers are loving it!
Kelly
Kelly Teach

Sharon Dudley said...

Caralee, great ideas! Raz-kids sounds especially interesting. What grade levels is it for?

If you have a second, come and visit my blog!

Your latest follower,

Sharon Dudley, NBCT
http://teachingwithsight.blogspot.com

Jean Robinson said...

Hi there, I found your blog on the blog hop. I am now your newest follower. Come check out my blog sometime. :)
Jean
Diving Into 2nd Grade

Caralee DeHerrera said...

Jean, thank you so much for becoming a follower...I am diving on over to your website to check it out!

Caralee

Caralee DeHerrera said...

Sharon, Raz-Kids is really an amazing product. I paid for it last year because it was so well loved! It isn't so much based on grade level, but more on reading levels. Check out their website, they provide people with free trials!

I am on my way to check your blog out...thanks for visiting mine!
Caralee

Caralee DeHerrera said...

It's amazing to see that other teachers are able to enjoy the same great technologies! I adore my whiteboard and I can't imagine teaching without it. Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog.

Caralee

Sam said...

For me, it is definitely a must-have device for an educator. It is amazing how quickly technology has evolved over the years that even education is also benefitting from its developments. And I agree with you: One of the biggest benefits of using an interactive whiteboard is that it invites the student to be more engaged with the lesson. With it, you can do tons of activities that you can download from the internet to enhance student participation in the classroom.


@Sam Jephson

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