“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” -Alexander Graham Bell
It’s the new year of 2021 and many schools are still Hybrid or Distance Learning.
While many teachers enjoyed their Winter Break, many of us created New Year Resolutions for the upcoming year.
One of the top Resolutions for 2021 is to be prepared for Distance or Virtual Learning.
While we do not have a certainty of what the future may look like, we can be as prepared for the future as we can.
As someone who has been Teaching Virtually since March 2020, I am eager to share some teacher hacks that I have learned.
So if you are someone who is just now teaching virtually, or you want some new hacks and resources to “up your game,” here are the top Teacher Hacks you need for Virtual Teaching in 2021.
(This post may contain affiliate or external links. Meaning I get a commision if you purchase anything through my links at no cost to you. Read full disclosure here.)
Top 10 Teacher Hacks For Teaching Virtually For Teachers
While compiling a list of my top Virtual Teaching Hacks, I tried to avoid obvious things that you would need.
For instance, you need a laptop of some kind, a document camera, and internet.
If you are in the market for these items and you are not sure what to get, feel free to shoot me an email and I would be happy to help in any way that I can.
So, without further ado here are my Top 10 Resources and Teacher Hacks for Teaching Virtually.
Teaching Virtually Hack #1: Adjustable Laptop Stand
When I first started Virtual Teaching, I immediately started getting stiff necks and headaches from looking down at the screen all day.
It wasn’t until my Fiance suggested raising my Laptop to eye level that I started noticing a huge improvement!
At first, I just used a box (because I am cheap), but eventually, my Fiance bought me a stand and I love it!
What I love about this one, is it has a 4.4 Star Review AND it’s adjustable. So whether you are standing or sitting, you can adjust it to the right height.
Teaching Virtually Hack #2: Blue Light Glasses
So I am going, to be honest, so many teachers that were raving about these glasses at first. But in all honesty, I didn’t buy that these would help my headaches.
It wasn’t until I tried them on that I loved them!
These helped prevent any more headaches from staring at the screen all day. So if you haven’t invested in these yet, I would check them out!
Teacher Hack #3: Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Okay, so funny story:
I was teaching my first couple of months online without a wireless mouse. I’m not sure why I didn’t think of such an easy fix.
But needless to say, I was teaching math one day while my administrator was observing me. As I was frustratingly trying to draw with the keypad mouse, my administrator walked in and handed me a digital mouse.
Guys let me tell you, I felt unstoppable with this mouse!
I could draw as I needed to and I didn’t have to worry about clicking and dragging on the laptop.
It was so nice!
So if you haven’t invested in one yet, I would get a digital mouse!
I also love our Digital Keyboard because I can type anywhere and don’t have to worry about the small keypad on my laptop!
Teacher Hack #4: Yoga Ball
I don’t know about you guys but as a Kindergarten Teacher, I have never sat so much in my life!
The first couple of weeks were a struggle because I could not sit still in my chair.
While a computer stand wasn’t an option, (They are a little pricey, but if you want to look into them you can find them here) my Fiance once again suggested a Yoga Ball.
I know, I know, I have an amazing and smart Fiance!
That Yoga Ball was absolute gold! I could sit and bounce as needed and get my wiggles out. Plus I could lean back and do some core exercises.
Win-win right?!
Hack #5: White Cube Organizer
I don’t know about you guys, but I have been going back and forth between Virtually Teaching in the classroom and at home.
And trying to organize my teacher stuff as I go back and forth has been exhausting!
That’s why I am so glad I got this White Compartment Stackable Storage. I love that I can organize my stuff and leave it there! Plus it’s easy to make it look neat and organized without being all cluttered.
Another perk is that I can always take it to school next year when we are done learning virtually!
#6: Plants
Speaking of home offices, it can be kind of lonely working from home. That’s why I decided to decorate my office with plants!
I love having all of the green around me. Plus we have one of the plants as a classroom plant!
(The Class named him “Planty!)
Hack #7: Swivel Adjustable Chair
Another thing I got for my home office is this swivel chair.
I love it because I can adjust how High or Low I want to sit.
Plus I can work in different parts of my desk without much hassle.
Teacher Hack #8: Pen Organizer
I don’t know about you, but I love keeping my desk nice and neat. So the last thing I want is a bunch of pens on my desk.
I love this pen organizer! It’s super small and compact so I can put it at the edge of my desk. Plus it keeps everything through reach so I don’t have to go through drawers for my teaching tools!
Teacher Hack #9: Papermate Pens
Okay, so I couldn’t go through this post without mentioning a good pen. I don’t know about you, but I love pens that glide over the paper like butter.
I have tried so many pens, but then I discovered Papermate Pens and I have never gone back! In fact, I threw out all of my old pens because they were just not cutting it!
Hack #10: Planner
So everyone has their preference. But this year as I was teaching Virtually I had EVEN MORE stuff to keep track of.
That’s why a really good planner is going to be your best friend! For the last two years, I have gotten a “Happy Planner” and I love it!
They come in different styles and layouts. But I love how I can get a monthly overview and then go over my weekly and monthly to-do list within one Planner.
Plus they have a ton of attachments. That way you can make your planner fit your needs.
This year I added notebook paper to the back of mine. That way it’s my journal and Planner in one. Which is super convenient!
Bonus Teaching Virtually Hack #11: A Bullet Journal
I don’t know about you, but 2020 was rough and I needed a little extra positivity in my life.
That’s why I started Bullet Journaling.
Yeah, I know I jumped on the bandwagon. But hear me out!
I love using mine as a Gratitude Journal.
So every morning, I start my day by writing five things that I am grateful for. And they have to be different than the last time.
Once I started doing this, I saw instance results! Instead of coming from a place with scarcity in mind, I was thinking with an abundance mindset.
When you take the time to be grateful, you start to realize all that you have to appreciate: even when things are hard!
Let Me Know What You Think
And that is the Top 10 Hacks for Virtual Teaching for 2021. I hope you found this post helpful.
It’s crazy how much easier teaching was once I had the right Resources for
Teaching Virtually.
Because good resources just make life easier.
What are some of your Top Resources for Teaching Virtually? Comment down below!
I hope all is well and that you are staying safe. If you need someone to talk to or support, please reach out to me.
Because “Together we are Stronger.”
Happy Teaching!
