As technology is constantly on the move, a lot is changing these days. Schools are also evolving, to keep up with the new pace. They take significant steps to improve their educational system, while the principals and teachers are introducing modern and creative school supplies that can boost the students’ capacity and enhance their desire for learning.
Every elementary classroom should strive to be an organised space where students can learn, and teachers can streamline their lessons plans. The quality of the classroom environment matters both to student’s well-being and academic learning. Luckily, all the essentials that can make a modern classroom complete can be easily found in a good school supply store. And while some items are basic necessities, others are specially designed to improve the quilty of school time.
The 21-century elementary classroom is very dynamic. Besides the basic school items such as pencils, arts and crafts supplies, filing cabinets and trashcans, it needs a couple of other essentials to transform it into a motivational and inspiring learning place. Here’s what every classroom needs.
One of the most popular classroom furniture trends lately is flexible seating. Educators are reducing or eliminating traditional seating, making room for new and improved seating stations students can choose themselves. A well-stocked school supply store can offer you a large selection of flexible furniture from chair balls and seated balance balls to ergo stools and large ottomans.
A high-quality chair ball can provide stylish yet comfortable seating for the students. The best choice might be a burst-resistant PVC ball enclosed in an attractive and sturdy removable polyester washable cover. Usually available in 50 cm or 60 cm diameter, these chairs can support body weights up to 120 kg, which makes them suitable for teachers too. Searing in this chair is known to optimise attention and concentration, and allows the students to change position when their body needs it.
Similar to the ball chair, seated balanced balls provide flexible and comfy sitting. The balance ball allows students to move and balance, which can help to improve their focus and keep their energy levels. Investing in a few high-quality balance balls made from non-toxic and burst-resistant material can provide not only comfortable seating but also serve as a stretching and exercising solution.
Compared to the traditional right school chairs, ergo stool designs are a much healthier option, both for students and teachers. This extraordinary seating concept combines the benefits of active sitting with a bold contemporary design. It slightly compresses when you sit on it to the height of a standard chair, which makes it perfect for a standard desk height. You can also adjust it by tilting the seat or scooting backwards or forwards. It is available in a standard size (suitable for people from 152cm– 193cm tall), and a smaller version for smaller kids.
Having storage supplies in the classroom is equally important as having storage trunks to use for different purposes at home. Probably the most important items for teachers are plastic book storage tubs. These strong and durable storage containers are available in a range of vibrant colours to brighten up every classroom. The best options are storage tubs with a high back since they allow taller books and folders to be stored inside. You can find a school supply store that offers a discount if you buy these items in bulk.
Book tub desk caddies might be a very useful accessory for the teachers. The custom-made design of this item allows you to store five tubs inside and carry them with you from one classroom to another. Classroom baskets are also a necessity to keep track of your teaching resources. The classroom craft supplies, must-have manipulatives, and books can be neatly stored in these sturdy baskets. They are also available in large and jumbo dimensions.
There’s no better way to encourage classroom group learning and participation than when students are gathered around a collaboration table. These tables allow students to work together in small groups, simulating an active, communicative learning environment.
Children from a younger age can benefit a lot from a comfortable round table that is only 28 cm high, allowing them to work on their projects while seating on the floor. Tables finished with a woodgrain laminate are known for their durable and easy to clean surface. Collaborating tables can turn collaborative grouping into a multi-functional brainstorming workspace.
Providing a book teaching centre is a very practical solution for every classroom. These versatile units usually feature heavy-duty casters for easy maneuverability, allowing the teachers to move them from one corner to another. The fact that these units are multi-functional makes them even more attractive for the teachers. They feature a premium quality porcelain magnetic whiteboard, enabling you to tack in place any spreadsheets, artwork or notes with ease.
The most visually appealing models are made from engineered wood with an attractive white oak finish. Featuring a deep shelf on the front, they are perfect for displaying the daily book selection. You can opt for a model with two large drawers, one of which is lockable, to safely store magnetic letters which are perfect for alphabet learning and other essentials. The handy storage space underneath the drawers might be useful to accommodate the plastic book tubs. At the back of the unit, you might find more useful features, such as a hanging rail and additional storage space.