The back-to-school rush is here. Students are preparing themselves for a new school year, an opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills. Similarly, teachers are arranging their classrooms now they’ve put together a syllabus for the year.

If you’re a teacher preparing for your lessons, you can simplify the process by having the right tools and resources to get started. Today, we’ll delve into our top 10 essential teaching resources that’ll enhance efficiency and productivity in your classroom.

When Do Kids Go Back to School in Ireland?

Schools are fully closed throughout July and most or all of August. The school year officially begins in the first week of September. Primary schools are required to stay open for at least 183 days, whereas secondary schools and colleges only need to stay open for 167 days.

What Are Teaching Resources?

Teaching resources refer to any learning or teaching aid that can enhance the educational experience for both the teacher and the student. These can be anything from comfortable chairs to interactive whiteboards. 

Our Recommended Teaching Resources

Below we have listed our top 10 teaching resources that’ll make going back to school a smooth transition for you and your students.

Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive whiteboards are an essential classroom gadget. They encourage collaborative and interactive learning while providing a user-friendly teaching resource for teachers. Whether delivering a presentation or getting the class involved in educational games, an interactive whiteboard offers a smart, versatile solution for learning and development.

Classroom Furniture

If your classroom needs a refresh, there’s no better time to upgrade its furniture then the start of a school year. We offer a wide range of high quality and robust furnishings suitable for educational settings, including classroom chairs, bench desking and bookcases. By enhancing the comfort and position your students sit in, you’ll support a healthy posture and their overall development.

Laminators

While they might not be the first teaching essential that springs to mind, laminators can promote the longevity of resources, reducing classroom waste. Additionally, laminating protects paperwork from dirt, germs and moisture, while creating a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish. Discover our range of laminating pouches, available in multiple sizes to suit your needs.

Workbooks

Workbooks are a must-buy for a new school year. Whether you require plain exercise books, graph paper, project books or flipchart pads, stocking up on every paper resource will ensure you’re prepared for any tasks you set. Our wide variety ensures you'll have every page layout available, from lined to squared ruled.

Arts & Crafts

If art is one of your subjects, we have everything you need for a fun and engaging lesson. From tracing paper and PVA glue to felt tips and vibrant tissue paper, we have a full arts and crafts solution for your classes. Crafting is highly beneficial for children, especially when developing their motor skills through sensory activity.

Writing Instruments

Ensuring students have the appropriate writing instruments is a must. Our selection consists of fine-liner pens, highlighters and traditional pencils, all from recognisable brands that are dedicated to improving writing skills. Keeping a backstock of pens, pencils and markers also allows you to adhere to any lesson plan or change.

Classroom Storage

While having a fully stocked classroom is recommended, having no space to store your teaching resources can make it difficult. Upgrade your classroom’s storage space with a selection of tray storage and tambour units, making it easier than ever to stay fully equipped with easy access to items.

Academic Diaries

Academic diaries and planners are a key teaching resource. By supplying your class with a diary to record homework, deadlines and events, you’ll streamline each student’s planning and preparation. Similarly, wall planners are fantastic for teachers to stay on top of projects, meetings and events such as parents’ evening or sports days.

Certificates

Lastly, ensuring you have the right incentives in place can boost the motivation and productivity of your students. Stickers and certificates are a great example of encouraging students in this way, offering them a well-deserved reward for their hard work.

We hope we've inspired your shopping list ahead of the next academic year. With teaching resources such as an interactive whiteboard and essential writing equipment ready to be handed out, you’ll enhance the learning experience of your students while refining your teaching.

If you found this article helpful, you might want to find out more about the benefits of our interactive whiteboards.