5 Must-Have Teacher’s Supplies to Survive BTS

Let me introduce a new subject on my blog – I’ve been writing about teaching, CPD, books and recommendations, I’ve shared free lesson plans… and I’ve realised that as a proper blogger I need to share some lifestyle advice for teachers – maybe I’ll become an influencer which will definitely speed my way to become the Evil Empress of the World?

Yeah, I don’t think the lifestyle part of my blog will be overly serious…

Soon we’re on to our back-to-school shopping spree. Frankly, I have always loved this part of summer – getting new stuff, books and stationery… I still love it, so obviously I have some good tips for you. What are the most important things you can get that will prove helpful during the school year?

Thermal mug

A must-have, honestly. Whether you run between various classrooms or freeze your butt to the chair while teaching online, you need something to keep your coffee hot… or at least warm. Stop trying to make a fresh cup of coffee again and again. Get yourself a decent thermal mug and whenever you want it, just reach into your bag, get your hot coffee and enjoy the moment.

FYI, I recommend this mug by Contigo. Doesn’t spill in a bag, keeps your drink warm up to 4-5 hours and is really durable.

Toilet paper

Why does a teacher need a good roll of TP? Apart from wiping stuff… like tears, or coffee? And apart from using it to bite one’s teeth into, in the act of mute frustration? And… well, every teacher who has ever had 2 minutes to get to the toilet, knows the importance of good TP. I’ve had a strong suspicion teachers were only smirking when the pandemic broke out and people ran to the shops to obtain this magical item – teachers simply know how vital TP is.

From my perspective, try to pick something fancy to explain why you’re carrying TP in your bag – sudoku or brainteasers seem really good, and you can always use them in your classroom for fast-finishers.

Miss, finished!
There, grab this piece of TP and finish sudoku.

Your favourite tidbits

We need to appreciate life’s little pleasures like coffee, chocolate pralines, wine etc. Indulge in your favourite food or drink – only do this responsibly. Your poison of choice should preferably be posh and quite expensive, so that you won’t buy huge amounts, and yet have something to think about. You know “once I finish these reports I’ll get a scoop of my favourite Häagen-Dazs” tactics.

Why should you include it on your back-to-school list? Elementary, dear Watson, to survive the first week.

Stationery

That’s rather obvious. Some people become teachers for the fame and money. I became a teacher to revel in the ever growing variety of highlighters, markers, notebooks – you get the gist. I have to admit I’m guilty of spending a small fortune on my stationery, but I can recommend to you my three favourite EU-based brands:

Stabilo: my top pick when it comes to highlighters – vibrant or pastels, doesn’t matter, they’re all perfect
Faber Castell: the best pencils ever, awesome felt tip pens, and my absolutely favourite watercolour crayons
Moleskine: calendars, planners, sketchbooks and all the paper-based things galore! I’ve been using their products for years, and it doesn’t look like there’s anything of better quality.

Cats

No, it’s not a mistake. You need a cat. If you teach in your classroom you need someone once you’re back home to look relaxingly calm. If you teach online you need someone to keep your sanity intact. Most importantly – a cat is perfect for teachers to avoid the know-it-all attitude, something we are quite prone to. And in case of a sudden attack of superiority you need a clearly unimpressed cat to level you with their look. Remember, you can easily get a cat without buying it (I’m sure there are many cats ready to be adopted in your neighbourhood).

The rule of thumb is – the greater your ego, the more cats you need. I’ve got three, but it’s not my last word!

Do you have your own list of things that keep you sane during teaching season? If yes, share them with me – and remember, stay safe!

None of the aforementioned companies paid me or provided me with gifts to recommend them on my blog. Unfortunately 😉