What's in My Desk? Online Teaching Essentials

With much of the world working remotely, my “classroom materials” have changed quite a bit. Instead of a “What’s in My Bag?” topic, here are four simple things that I keep in my desk that have been saving my life and helping me stay sane with online teaching! 

1) Thin File Folders

Usually I use an accordion file folder for in-person classes, but I haven’t needed one while at home. I’ve just been keeping all my paperwork in a pile on my desk. Since we don’t know how long we’ll be at home, and since I’m trying to keep things as simple as possible, I’ve been printing out and organizing things by weeks. After finishing all the paperwork for Weeks 1-4, I put all the papers inside a thin file folder and slide it in my desk drawer. It’s still super easy to access if a student turns in late homework or something, but it’s not cluttering up my desk, and I feel really clearly about which paperwork is where. It’s reducing a lot of stress to have everything in smaller groups, instead of committing to a whole semester system, since we all don’t know what will happen next week, let alone the whole semester!

2) Crayola Super Tips / Highlighters

Sounds kind of weird, I know. But I’ve been trying to simplify things as much as possibly can. I use these markers to color-code literally everything. I usually try to color-code things, but since starting online classes, I’ve gone kinda crazy with it—and it’s helped. I’ve assigned each of my classes a different color (and since I bought the 50-count pack of Super Tips, I know I’ll never run out of shades). Now, when I’m flipping through my stacks of paperwork, I’m just skimming for the right color, instead of reading each paper. 

Pick some up here:

50-count: https://amzn.to/2VsAgiL

10-count https://amzn.to/2XloVU0

3) Ideas Book

I’ve never used this before this semester, but I don’t know why I never used it before! My ideas book is basically just a catch-all for all of my ideas. I’m constantly looking ahead to the lessons I have in the following weeks. Now, whenever I get a great idea about an activity or the type of video I want to include, I write it down in this small book I keep in my desk. I have a different page for each lesson, and often I also use it to map out the order and timestamps of each lesson. 

4) Note Cards

  Yes, I know. Everyone has these. But these have been an unsung hero for me these last few weeks! Like I said, I’ve been trying to keep everything as simple as possible in these weeks of online teaching. Each time I have a new lesson to create, I map out exactly what I want to include in the lesson (after referencing my ideas book), and I rearrange tasks as needed. One side is my tentative schedule, and the other side is the list of things I have to create for the lesson. (For example, the PowerPoint I have to make, graphics to explain homework or explain an up-coming exam, or videos I need to actually download.) When all the work is done, I get to throw the note card out and start a new one!

Bonus Tip:

I am TERRIBLE at drinking water. Seriously, I scared myself once as a kid because I suddenly realized one night that I hadn’t drunk anything in 3 days. Definitely thought I was going to die. Even with being at home more, I still struggle. But, this Kate Spade tumbler has definitely helped me up my water intake. It’s great quality, so I don’t feel like the water’s getting all gross and nasty. It has a straw, which somehow makes me drink way more, and it’s so cute! The lemons are just so bright and cheery!

(And on days when water’s just not cutting it, it’s perfect for a giant iced coffee.)

Get one here:  https://amzn.to/2JOaNL0   

Now that you know my teaching essentials that I keep in my desk, what’s in yours?