Thread: First Grade Teachers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm the wrong person to ask; I could generate a list that would go on forever!

As far as math manipulatives go, I wouldn't be without unifix cubes. I also like plain 1" wooden cubes; they have many uses. Rulers, scales, centimeter cubes, linker cubes, attribute blocks... there are more manipulatives, but those could get you started. Also things like beans, buttons, shells, etc..

Books....

For primary kids:

"Making Big Words"

"Words Their Way"

"Mosaic of Thought"

There are all kinds of great math explorations out there. I like Marilyn Burns, and TERC's "Investigations" stuff myself, but there is so much more!

Penmanship practice?
Art projects?

I could go on, but I'll stop right here.

Definately get Unifix Cubes. I don't have many other "store bought" manipulatives since we don't get much money to spend on our materials. I either use small toys from the Dollar Stores or things I've accumulated over the years. Also ask parents to help donate things like beans, gummy bears (great for measuring, then eat!), etc... Most parents are happy to send in items occassionally to assist in the education of their child.

Since you don't have a library, you might also have parents donate slightly used books for you to use throughout the year. So many children get tired of certain books and they just collect dust for years. Also check out yard sales for cheap children's books.

Don't be afraid to ask stores for donations. Sometimes they are happy to get rid of items they are not selling well or items that really don't cost them much money. Most places know this may bring them more business. You may not get anything free, but what does it hurt to ask? Also, you might be able to get a discount. Always let stores know you are a teacher.

I would consider white boards and erasable white board markers.These are available at dollar stores or at school supply stores.They can be used for many learning situations,e.g. number work.letter practice,work on sounds,name writing.I do not suggest they are used for drawing or doodling since the surface can be damaged.I kept the board,pen and an old sock¨for cleaning in a zip lock bag and brought them out when the lesson begins.If this interests you ,I can give you more details on how to use them.