Top 5 School Psychologist Essentials for your First Year

I had ZERO idea what to buy my first year. My building principal let me go into my office and explore what I had and what I needed. Here are my TOP 5 items that I used daily this past school year. (This post is NOT sponsored!) 

Starting at NUMBER ONE: My Amazon Essentials Laminating Machine! I also occasionally used a Scotch Laminating Machine that I borrowed from a teacher when I left mine at home. I can’t tell you how many times this came in handy. From laminating “First/Then” schedules, sticker charts, stories and activities, my laminator took me a long way! I highly recommend getting one! 

My NUMBER TWO: Hand Sanitizer! Pre-pandemic, I always had hand sanitizer on my desk. It’s a great way to keep the germs away. I actually would run out very quickly because of one student. His calming method was to squirt hand sanitizer onto a tissue paper and watch it absorb. His half our tantrums would turn into 2 minutes all thanks to the all mighty hand sanitizer. 

NUMBER THREE: My Lanyard ID Chain has ALWAYS had a cartoon character that kids could relate to. I can’t tell you how many times my ID key chain was a conversation starter for many children. I currently have a Star Wars one, but they are no longer available on Amazon. If you are buying a lanyard, make sure they can unsnap from the back. Kids in a behavior WILL grab onto your lanyard and you want to make sure there is an easy way to get it off. 

Coming in at Number FOUR: A book or PDF of the Educational Laws in your state! I have both! I can’t tell you how many times I read, and re-read Part 200 for NYS. There is so much information and it doesn't hurt to fact check information. 

And last but not least: Paper Towels! My office has the paper towels you find at a bathroom in a Target. You know, the brown ones that are not absorbent. Elementary school aged kids will often drop water on the floor or bubbles. It’s always great to have something absorbent to wipe things off quickly so you can continue your sessions without interruptions. 

To all the new School Psychologists, Practicum Students and Interns, YOU GOT THIS! Best of luck this school year. :) 

Leave a comment below on your TOP 5 Essentials!