Every August, I tell myself this is the year I’ll be fully prepared. And every August, I walk into my classroom with arms full of supplies—wipes, tissues (I purchased 60 boxes this year, which seems excessive but ended up being the perfect amount last year), sticky notes, chart paper, staplers, hole punchers, whiteboard markers, lotion, Band-Aids, safety pins… the works. I’ve even been known to keep a sewing kit tucked away in my desk for those surprise “wardrobe malfunctions.”
Last year, I thought I had every possible need covered. And then, of course, my students found new ways to surprise me: “Do you have tweezers?” “What about gauze?” “Does anyone have something for a nosebleed?” (Because yes, nosebleeds sometimes happen and it's usually in the middle of a lesson).
And then, there's the one item I always get, that feels necessary, that I wish I didn't have to get because it inevitably, at some point, leaves a big mess: hand sanitizer.
This year, though, I’ve found two things that are going to make my classroom feel next-level prepared: the First Aid Kit and Handzies Soap & Water Wipes.
1. The First Aid Kit That’s Smarter Than Me
Keep Going recently launched their First Aid Adult Go-Kit, and let me tell you—it’s like it was designed for teachers who know that “everyday chaos” isn’t an exaggeration, it’s just a Tuesday.
It’s compact, water- and stain-resistant (classroom win), and has a “flip and find” organization system so I don’t have to dump the entire kit out in the middle of a small crisis. There’s room for essentials like band-aids, plus brilliant extras like a tick remover, burn gel, and even a press-on thermometer for those “Do I feel hot?” kids. The case itself is sturdy fabric, with organized panels, a sturdy zipper and a cute design with a classroom feel to it.
As a teacher, I love that it’s not just practical—it’s efficient. When I’m in the middle of teaching and a student needs something quickly, I don’t have time to go searching. With this kit, everything has a place, and I know exactly where it is.
You can find it at keepgoingfirstaid.com and Amazon, and honestly, I’d recommend one for your classroom, your car, or even just your family’s “go bag.”
2. Clean Hands without the Goop
The other unsung hero of my classroom this year? Handzies Soap & Water Wipes.
We all know hand sanitizer pumps get messy, and sometimes the whole “sanitize” situation ends up feeling… less than sanitary. I can’t be the only one who cringes at the sticky buildup around those pumps, right? That’s why these wipes are perfect: they’re made with purified water, essential oils, and organic Castile soap. In other words, they clean like actual soap and water, but you don’t need a sink.
They come in individual packets/soft packs, which makes them easy to keep at the front of the room or toss into my bag for field trips. No harsh chemicals, no artificial perfumes—just tea tree oil (for its natural antibacterial properties) and tangerine oil (so fresh and calming that my students notice the smell). And bonus: they don’t dry out skin the way alcohol-based sanitizers do.
For me, it also means fewer kids needing to run out just to wash their hands, fewer interruptions, and way more peace of mind that students aren't making my classroom 'un'clean while they sanitize themselves clean.
Why These Two Belong Together in My Classroom
Here’s the truth: teachers really are asked to do everything, and it's not just academic. And that's okay. Things happen and it's best to be as prepared for them as we possible can be. Having a well-stocked, thoughtfully designed first-aid kit and an easy, healthy way to keep hands clean feels like two small but mighty tools that make the chaos just a little more manageable.
And honestly? That’s what we’re all looking for in the classroom—less chaos, more productive calm.
So if you’re stocking up for this school year, do yourself a favor and add these two to your list. Future you (and your students) will thank you.
Comments
Post a Comment
Your comment is awaiting moderation. Thank you for your visit!