The space you teach in matters almost as much as what you teach. After 26 years in a middle school ELA classroom, creating an inviting space is one of my favorite parts of every new school year, and Amazon is at the top of my list for finding middle school classroom must-haves that connect our learning community. From classroom functionality to decorating, these are the Amazon finds I use every day.
It's probably a good thing that I had no idea Amazon existed when I began my teaching career in 1998. I got my first teaching position as a 5th-grade teacher at a small Catholic school and made $16,900 that first year. I worked part-time three nights a week in addition to full-time teaching, which was how I made ends meet.
Luckily, there are always deals to be found for teachers on tight budgets. I have scoured the sale bins at Target, IKEA, and Amazon to create a space that I love. If you are looking to find some useful ideas for your classroom, here are a few of my Amazon picks…
Classroom Organization Must-Haves
Bookshelves
As an ELA teacher, bookshelves in my classroom are a must. I love that my students have access to current, diverse, and high-interest books that challenge them. I would love to add more books and bookshelves, but our school library and public library also allow my students to have access to books at all times. Our public library also provides teacher-requested collections, which allows me to have a variety of books at all times for my students to read and return. While I would love to have about four more of these to line my back wall, these three shelves hold plenty of titles for my students to read.
Magnetic Curtain Rods
Wall space is a premium in my classroom. I have a wall of cabinets and a wall of windows (I do know how lucky I am) that limit places to hang anchor charts. I have strung a big rope and used clothespins to hang anchor charts in the past. However, this year I wanted a tool that could display and “store” charts for my students to utilize as learning tools. These magnetic curtain rods have been the ideal solution because I can instruct my students and then display the chart. When we are finished, I can use curtain rod clips or book rings to attach the chart to the rod so that it can be stored and used as needed.
Wire Racks
I am a sucker for organization. I love bins, baskets, and all things organized. These are not used very often, as the majority of our work is completed and assessed through Schoology, but these are perfect as turn-in bins for library books and my students' work. This is a purchase I will never have to make again and can use for a variety of things.
Classroom Workspace Picks
Skinny / Compact Teacher Desk
My teacher desk is something that I rarely use when students are in my classroom. Therefore, I wanted something a bit smaller to conserve space. What is it about sitting down at a desk as a teacher that seems so taboo? If I am sitting, my favorite spot is around my small group table. However, to have my own workspace when students are circling around my small-group table, this is the perfect option. Amazon has dozens of styles and colors available at every budget. Here are some of the options.
Flexible/Moveable Stools
My students often use this counter space to work and charge their Chromebooks. These durable 18″ stools work perfectly in this space, but my students can scoot them around the room as needed. I love this particular set of four stools because they are sturdy metal. I can grab these to scoot up next to a student's desk to spare my knees, or my students can use them to work alongside one another. When we tackle a Kahoot, students use the stools to move closer to our interactive display board. There are so many uses that have made them so worthwhile.
Classroom Document Camera
These are essential if you want to display book excerpts or handouts on your interactive monitor. Document camera technology has come a long way over the past few years, and you can get a solid solution for under $99. Definitely check these out…you will use it more than you can imagine!
Classroom Management Must-Haves
AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener
I have tried EVERY.SINGLE.PENCIL.SHARPENER.THAT.EXISTS! This one is quiet-ish, continues to work when my students need it, and is currently not broken. Therefore, it is my favorite:) The picture shares the phrases “HEAVY DUTY” and “LASTS FOR YEARS!” AFMAT literally guarantees over 10,000 sharpenings for each unit. Great…challenge accepted!
Pre-Sharpened Golf Pencils with Erasers
Students using a pencil in its entirety is a rarity in middle school. Check the hallways; you will see exactly what I mean. To banish the phrase “I don't have a pencil!” from my classroom forever, I decided to test these golf pencils with erasers. It has proven effective, and since I took the photo below, Ticonderoga has started making them! They come sharpened and with erasers—just what middle school students need. I am guessing that “baby” pencils are hard to carry around:) I am not sure why these golf pencils get returned, but my full-size pencils disappear, but I am running with it!
My “Famous” Classroom Snack Dispenser
Middle schoolers are growing and always seem to be “STARVING!” I try to keep snacks in my classroom to help my students avoid “dying of hunger” during ELA. I found these snack dispensers and loaded them with Kix and Apple Cinnamon Cheerios to fend off a bit of hunger. While my students do have the opportunity to grab breakfast and lunch in our cafeteria, these just provide me with a readily available snack option. Somehow, my snack dispenser has become part of the lore at my school! Everyone is always excited to reach 7th grade and see the snack machine in person!
Middle School Classroom Decor Essentials
Classroom Party Decor?
My classroom bulletin boards and ceilings are decorated with party decor. I buy it from Amazon because they have every color under the sun for really reasonable prices. This is year two with these hanging decorations on my ceiling and on my bulletin board. I have tried Walmart and Dollar Tree, but these have held up especially well.
Teacher tip: Hang the lanterns really high and out of student reach. These ceiling hooks are awesome for drop ceilings. They are really tempting to jump up and spike:) For this reason, I do not recommend paper lanterns in the middle school hallway 🙂
Cozy Pillows for My Reading Nook
I love being cozy and comfortable. My middle school students love to read and write in cozy spaces. These pillow covers add the perfect touch to our reading area. Often, my students will lie on the floor and curl up with a book or tackle writing. Since these are just covers, I can take them home to wash.
Birthday Seat Covers and Bracelets
Seventh graders will be the first to tell you that it is their birthday! I love that they are still enthusiastic and excited about their special day, so we take a moment to celebrate. I ask students if they would like the birthday seat cover or a birthday bracelet. Then they get to pick five treats from my classroom treat bucket. I am changing that this year to gift each birthday student a package of microwave popcorn, which I will pop for them at a convenient time. While it is not an elaborate party, I have found that even the littlest acknowledgment (a seat cover and the class singing “Happy Birthday” at the top of their lungs) makes a student's special day really meaningful.
Classroom Candy Deals
A quick word on food rewards: every school is different. Some are peanut-free or fully food-free, so check your policy before you stock up, and always know which students have allergies, dietary restrictions, or medical conditions. But if it does work for your class, Amazon is the absolute treasure trove of candy selection and deals. You can see my list of the best classroom candy here. TLDR: Blue Jolly Ranchers 😉
Buy everything, or spend ZERO dollars on your classroom. I have navigated both extremes in my teaching career. Educators have a variety of options for designing their learning space, and these are some of the Amazon items I use in mine.
“Your classroom environment speaks to your students before you utter a single word. What is your classroom saying?” These thoughts from Megan Dredge resonate with me as a middle school teacher. As teachers, our classrooms are our home away from home. I also believe that creating an inviting space for my students encourages them to love learning. Middle school is an amazing place to get to teach each day. I love the students I get to teach and the space where I get to teach them!
If you enjoyed this post and want even more ELA classroom ideas, then be sure to check out my list of 25 ELA Classroom Must-Haves!
