August is fast approaching and that means the end of summer
and beginning of a new school year. Teachers should begin preparing now by
purchasing containers and supplies for their classrooms.
Stackable acrylic and plastic bins are perfect for classroom use
because they store many items in a small space. Teachers can find great deals
on these durable containers that come in several sizes and designs.
Small, medium, or large stackable pivot bins are durable and
attractive. Clear acrylic construction allows students to view contents and the
pivoting compartment brings the contents to the user. Kids can reach their
hands into these containers to grab glue sticks, crayons, markers, or flash
cards. Classrooms become more organized when teachers stack bins in different
areas to create workstations for crafts, spelling, and math.
Stackable, hexagon-shaped containers are perfect for helping
children learn letters and numbers. Teachers can give each student a container
filled with cardboard cutouts of each letter of the alphabet or a series of
numbers. The child then arranges the letters or numbers in order to illustrate
his or her understanding. Kids can carry these plastic containers back and
forth to their desks without worrying about breaking them.
Mini stackable bins come in handy in the painting station
within a classroom. These bins can hold small containers of paint,
paintbrushes, sponges, and rags. Kids take only what they need, keeping the
artwork area neat. When they are finished, they wash off the brushes and
sponges and place these by the sink to dry. The next morning, teachers put
these items back into the bins for reuse during the day.
Stackable dispensers with hinged magnetic lids are designed
for the youngest students. The lids can be propped open so they do not snap
shut on tiny hands. Teachers should open the dispensers each morning so
children can grab pencils, erasers, crayons, and other supplies. At the end of
the day, the students can put everything back and close the lids so the night
cleaning crew does not need to pick these items up off the floor.
Drum fish bowls
are other classroom must-haves because these can store everything from blocks
to hall passes. Sizes range from one quart to four gallons and the bowls can be
silkscreened with the name of the school. There are even color tinted bowls
that help children learn their colors or store color-coded items like markers
or game pieces.
