What’s In My Teaching Bag?

I have two different bags I alternate between.  I have my teaching bag that I carry throughout the week and my weekend purse.  I love taking my teaching bag to and from school, and  I also bring my teaching bag along to any district trainings or required in services.  Sometimes these trainings are awesome, but let’s be honest here, more often than not, they make my brain go a little numb and fuzzy.  In that case, I’m always glad I have some papers to grade or my iPad with me to get some other “work” done (like beating a level on Candy Crush). On the weekend, I just keep a few basic necessities in my purse, but I keep it light since we are so often on the go!

Technologically Speaking

I was just telling a friend yesterday that I have no clue how we ever survived or functioned before the days of iPads, cell phones, and portable hard drives. I now keep my entire teaching and product library on this hard drive as well as backed up to the cloud.  My phone is a no-brainer, and the iPad has saved me from ultimate boredom on many occasions.  Also, many people have a hard time believing this, but I actually create 99% of my products on my iPad in bed, at night, with the lights out.

Keep it Pretty-ish

You know what I’m talking about. Your kid gave you a big, sticky, syrup-laced hug when you dropped her off at school, grabbing a handful of your hair to tell you just how much she loves you.  Hence, the mirror and hairbrush. I can’t even tell you how many ‘Something About Mary’ moments these two beauties have rescued me from! My only other “beauty supply” I keep with me is my lip balm.

Get Zen

I’ll admit it, I’m a bit granola at heart.  I really dislike using medications and prefer natural methods of healing and keeping healthy whenever possible.  I have a little case of essential oils I take with me wherever I go.  It’s amazing how many times I’ve been able to help someone out or keep myself sane by having this go-to bag with me.

Just the other day, a dear friend was having a high-anxiety moment.  With a little StressAway (which I think smells like having a pina-colada on the beach), some smooth talking and a firm hug, she came down off her ledge and was able to corral her 20 first graders and start teaching again.  I LOVE having these with me and feel a little naked and exposed when I realize I left them somewhere.

Nom-Nom

So, my purse is actually a lunch bag.  I got this amazing life-changing bag at Costco. I love being able to just bring one bag with me and having a little back-up nutrition at the above-mentioned conferences and staff development.  (My only beef with the model I have is that the “purse” portion is a bit small, but maybe I should just downsize my wallet.)

Cha-Ching

And, the wallet.  I’m really ready to find a smaller one, or maybe just something that holds a few cards.  But, I keep all of my random gift cards in here. As soon as I’m sure that I don’t need to carry them with me everywhere anymore, and I remove them, it turns out I’m out and about with the fam, and my husband busts out with, “Let’s go to Cheesecake Factory. We have a gift card, right?” Then, I get to reply with, “Um, yeah….about that….I decided to lighten my load, so I left all the gift cards at home.” Eek.  And guess who ends up eating that one last box of macaroni and cheese for dinner instead of a delicious piece of lemon cheesecake?  Me, that’s who.

So, what’s in your teaching bag? What do you ABSOLUTELY have to keep with you at all times? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!