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S6: E122 What's on Your Cart?

Afternoon Ti Podcast

Season 6

Episode 122

What's on Your Cart?


Teachers are some of the most resourceful people in the world.  A few days ago I put a question up in my social media about what other teachers consider essential for their carts.  So many great ideas came in!  I’ve had several ‘oops’-es as I’ve been on a cart the past two weeks - I stole an eraser from one room after erasing the board, setting it on my cart and bringing it with me to the next room.  I left my lesson plan binder in the previous room I had been teaching in when I set it on the table.  I’ve completely forgotten to bring my water.  And my expo markers.  And my snack on a day that I didn’t have a break for lunch until 1pm.  I was so hungry.  Each time I’ve entered a room and didn’t have something I would have needed or left with something that had been in a room or left something of my own in the last room I taught in, it helped me learn what I really needed to have on me and how to keep track of things.  Some personal preferences are going to be on each of our carts, but I want to share the items that served a great purpose and were useful for any music educator traveling by cart this year.


So what’s on your cart?  Let’s start with #1:


1 - Water bottle and snack

Water bottle holder that clips onto the side of your cart so your water doesn’t spill.  Just a few days ago I went to get my water bottle out, slipped out of my hands, dropped and soaked my pants and shoes and floor with water.  So a holder that keeps it from dropping as the cart is pushed is awesome.

Car headrest seat back organizer cup holder drip pocket food tray: $11 on Amazon

Or some teachers are bringing large water containers for the bottom of their carts to refill their water bottles throughout the day so they don’t have to use the drinking fountains to replenish (if those are even available).  


2 - Laptop, chromebook, ipad with charger

The charger is as important as the device.


3 - Power First Surge Protector Strip - grainger.com

Most strips have a 6 ft long cable to connect to the wall.  Check to see where the plugs in your rooms are located to determine if you need a longer cord.  If you google surge protector strip with long cord it will pull up options with 15 ft cords.  

Amazon Basics 2-pack with 2 ft long cords is roughly $20 and has 6 outlets in each strip.


4 - Bluetooth Speaker

I am using a speaker that we already owned.  It was a gift to our girls, but I’ve since taken it over because I didn’t want to invest in another one when we already had it.  

Article from Moneywise Teacher:

Article from Dynamic Music Teacher:

Speaker I am using: Bose Soundlink Micro Waterproof Speaker:


5 - Phone

Great for playing music through the bluetooth speaker, reaching the front office, and being available for if students are called home early.  I always keep my phone hidden at school so I can focus on teaching so it’s very strange to have it out in the open all day long while I’m teaching, but it has become a device that is just as useful and valuable as my laptop.


6 - Document organizers

Vertical organizers are great - Container Store has some amazing magazine holders that work well for keeping class work organized.


7 - Clips and magnets

Clip-on cup for pencils and magnets, paper clips, solfege magnets, 


8 - Whiteboard markers and erasers… small whiteboard as well??


9 - Hand Sanitizer and Lotion

I LOVE Crabtree and Evelyn’s small box of lotions.  My favorite is the citron & coriander energizing hand therapy.  It moisturizes so well and smells so wonderful!


10 - Back-up worksheets in case technology wasn’t working


11 - Shower Caddy for pens, pencils, scissors - fits snuggly on a handle


12 - Raincoat:

Actually a grill cover BUT it’s great for if you have to go outside between portables or buildings in the snow or rain.  Keeps everything covered and dry.


13 - Rolling Cart Hanging Organizer Cup

Container Store:

14 - If you’re fortunate enough to have a metal cart, utilize magnets to hold things on it.  


15 - Decorate your cart with fun signs, posters, and teaching manipulatives


Happy teaching!


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