The 5 Best Amazon Products for Teachers

Happy first day of August!  This month sadly signifies the slow down of summer as we begin thinking about the start of the school year. To start preparing, I thought I'd share some of my favorite products I've purchased from Amazon over the years that help my school year run smoothly.

I've provided affiliate links throughout this post for your shopping convenience. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase through one of my links.  This does not affect the cost in any way.  

1.

The best pencil sharpener of all time 

Five years ago, my teammate gifted me this pencil sharpener and I've had this same one ever since!  It may jam every so often (like 2 times a year MAX) but it has never once broken.  It has multiple settings for different pencil widths, and I know this may be an unpopular opinion, but I even let my students use it!  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars, 10/10.  Highly recommend.

2.

Make less copies, use more dry-erase pockets

These dry-erase pockets are amazing for small group work and repeated practice activities.  Using these allows my students to re-use the same templates or worksheets over and over again with less copies and less hassle.  These are great to use in math (slip in a problem solving mat, ten frame, hundreds chart, math facts, etc.), for handwriting practice, or for word work!  I prefer using the black ones over the rainbow colors because they look cleaner and then my students don't fight over which color they get.

3.

Magnetic dry-erasers: the solution to all of my problems 

I've always used dry-erase boards and dry-erase pockets in my classroom for small group and center work, therefore I've always needed a set of erasers to go with them.  My first year, I used old socks as erasers, the next year, I tried square felt cut outs, the year after that it was those facial scrubbers from Dollar Tree.  Each year I tried something new and still was not satisfied. 😓 UNTIL... these magnetic erasers came into my life and I haven't looked back since.  I love how they are magnetic which makes for easy clean up, storage, and great for sticking to your boards!

4.

Amplify student voices with a karaoke microphone

I know what you're thinking... this seems like one of those trendy, shiny objects and not an actual classroom necessity.  (If you're looking for something less ostentatious, this black microphone is sleek but still fun!)

I'll be honest and say that this was definitely one of those "Instagram made me do it" purchases.  I had go get comfortable using it at first, and so did my students.  They were always excited when they got to speak into the mic!  I usually pulled out the microphone for "special occasions" like when we shared writing pieces we put a lot of effort into, but we also used it for singing (of course) and for sharing ideas whole group.  It really helps my quiet friends get their voices heard!

5.

Paper cutter a.k.a. the ultimate time saver

This paper cutter is one of the best gifts I've ever received.  Yes, that's right, I was eyeing this thing all year long and I wanted it so badly that I asked for it as my birthday gift!  My only regret is that I didn't just buy it for myself sooner.  If you're the kind of teacher who is constantly cutting out task cards, exit tickets, word lists, and all the above, then you 👏 NEED 👏 this. 👏   The blade can cut multiple sheets at a time and it can even cut through thick lamination!

Alright, there you have it.  Those are my top 5 favorite things I've gotten for my classroom from Amazon!  You can check out some of my other Amazon favorites that didn't make the top 5 list here.  What are some of your favorite classroom purchases you've made from Amazon?  I'd love to hear about what other great products are out there!

Thanks for sticking around,