Every VIPKID teacher has classroom props we can't live without. Many items I thought I needed in my online classroom (such as 5" foam letters) I've never used.
Some items (such as a Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920) were recommended to me by teachers in groups such as the VIPKID Videos & Props Facebook group.
I bought bunny ears and a bow tie from Amazon (see photo). Of course, I needed a matching pink-and-grey VIPKID onsie from Teacher Sydney's Five Apple Shop.
Most of the items I frequently use in my VIPKID classroom are small, inexpensive surprises that are versatile. I added magnets to each car in this 6 pack of toy cars from Target - only $2.99 (on the right). These little cars are awesome! I use them for counting, colors, and as props when I teach lessons about the neighborhood and transportation. I also use them to teach lessons about gravity and motion with older students.
Listed below are my favorite VIPKID tools and props. I may receive a small compensation for Amazon purchases.. Prices may be subject to change. Share your favorite props in the comments below:
TECHNOLOGY:
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 (with video recording) - was $99.99, NOW $49.99
Logitech Wireless Headset H600 - was $69.99, NOW $33.52
HP DeskJet All-in-One Compact Printer - was $59.99, NOW $19.99
Some people use iPads. I like a laptop computer. After a lot of research, I recently purchased an ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop, 15.6" 120 Hz Full HD, 8GB, was $699.99, NOW $599.99.
Technology expert, Ben Rodriguez, IT Nachos, recommended this gaming laptop because it has "a better picture and sound, more memory, and more efficient processors that effectively use battery power."
I have a 50-foot Ethernet cable that connects the router to the computer in my VIPKID classroom (in the basement of my home). You can get this Cat 6 Ethernet Cable for $9.99.
This laminator is good ...
Scotch Thermal Laminator Combo Pack - was $37.99, NOW $34.99
Also contains 20 8 1/2" x 11" Laminating Pouches
... but I like this laminator better because it is wider.
These clear laminating pouches are good ...
Scotch Thermal Laminating Pouches, 200 pack, 8.9" x 11.4", clear, 3 ml
was $42.99, NOW $20.99
... but I prefer the TruLam Matte Laminating Pouches because they have a finish that doesn't reflect light.
100 pack, 9" x 11 1/2", 3 mil, $18.96
You can purchase a ring light such as this Ring Light 10" with Tripod Stand - was $36.99, NOW $34.99
I use a Multi-Head Floor Lamp with 5 Plastic Shades - NOW $42.84
I also use Great Eagle 100W LED Light Bulbs 1600 Lumens A19 5000K Daylight 15-Watt UL Listed (6-Pack)
was $39.95, NOW $18.95.
CLASSROOM PROPS
EXPO Dry Erase Markers (8 pack) - was $13.49, NOW $7.35.
Neodymium Hook Magnet Discs, 10 mm x 2 mm, 120 magnets - NOW $9.99
Flipside Dry Erase Paddles, 8" width, 9 3/4" length (Pack of 12) - NOW $36.96
Dry erase paddles can also be purchased individually at local shops such as The Dollar Store.
I purchased a 12 pack of paddles because I like to prepare my paddles before classes.
Seville Classics 10-Drawer Organizer Cart - NOW $39.20 (Similar models are also available at Michaels.)
Wonderfoam 6" Stars, Assorted Colors, Set of 10 - NOW $3.97
Set of 4 Sports Balls (Basketball, Baseball, Soccer Ball, Football) by Bo Toys - NOW $14.75
I purchased a whiteboard to use with my props during classes. I painted the surface of the whiteboard with black chalkboard paint because (1) it does not reflect the lights and (2) I can write on the surface with chalk.
Chalkboard Blackboard Paint - Black 8.5 oz., NOW $14.97
Sharpie Permanent Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 8 count, was $12.57, NOW $6.98
The Star Right Blank Flash Cards - 5 Rings, 1000 Index Cards, (left, black box) are more expensive than the Blank Flash Card Dispenser Box (left, blue box), but they are higher quality card stock.
Star Right Blank Flash Cards - 5 Rings, 1000 Index Cards, 2" x 3", NOW $17.99
Blank Flash Card Dispenser Box Card Size 2'' x 3'' 1000 cards, was $15.19, NOW $9.85
Alphabet Magnets + Matching A-Z Objects (2D props), NOW $23.99
Playskool Flash Cards - 4 Sets of Flash Cards (Alphabet, Numbers, Colors and Shapes, First Words) - was $24.99, NOW $11.95
There are also upper and lowercase ABC flashcards in the VIPKID Teacher Portal. Click on the third tab, "Resources." Then click on "Library" in the drop-down menu. Click on the "Downloadable Resources" tab.
Click on the "Flashcards" tab in Downloadable Resources. Click on "Flashcards: ABCs" and download this PDF of free ABC flashcards.
There are many free downloadable resources in the VIPKID Library on the Teacher Portal.
14 Jumbo Safari Animal Toy Set with Storage Bag, NOW $15.94
ODDS & ENDS
Listed below are conventional items used in unconventional ways in my VIPKID classroom:
If you use as many 2D props as I do, use clear packing tape to attach magnets to the back of your props. The magnets allow you to attach your props to magnetic surfaces.
On the right, you will see many props (such as stars) attached to stainless steel furnace pipes (see photo
on the right) and a stainless steel step ladder. This allows me to grab props quickly during class or transitions.
I store games for older students in the clear plastic drawers under the table.
Scotch Sure Start Shipping Tape with Dispenser, 1.88" x 38.2 yd., Clear, 1 Dispenser/Pack, was $6.95, NOW $4.89
Sterilite ClearView 3 Storage Drawer Organizer, was $45.96, NOW $19.99
Cosco Two Step Big Step Folding Step Ladder, was $39.99, NOW $29.99.
MY VIPKID CLASSROOM
A VIPKID classroom is always a work in progress. My online classes began in my dining room (see below), but I quickly learned I needed more space. My husband painted a wall and a set of old shelves in the basement and voilà! VIPKID classroom!
Some of my most popular props include:
a wrench (used for tool, plumber, /wr/ench)
paintbrush (paint, indoor hobbies, painting, artist, jobs)
Christmas tree (holidays, Christmas, decorations, celebration, /tr/ee, green)
measuring tape and ruler (inches, centimeters, long/short/tall, tools)
Rubix cube, big dice (cube, edge, vertex/vertices, face, 3D). I often use the big dice for games.
can of peas without label (circular cylinder, 3D)
rock (also hard, throw)
plastic fruit and vegetables (also same/different, colors, taste/sweet/sour/spicy)
toy dog and cat (also mammals, same/different, short /o/ and /a/, pets, animals, soft, woof/meow)
topographic world map
Some VIPKID parents do not approve of China's boundaries depicted on maps and globes. To avoid controversy, I downloaded a PDF of a world map that only shows the bodies of water and continents.
2D and 3D PROPS
I replaced the face of a $1 clock from the Salvation Army with a Dino clock PDF from VIPKID Teacher Jennifer Anderson's "Printable Props & Resources" (Level 3 Unit 11) on her website.
Join VIPKID Video and Props Facebook Group and the VIPKID Online Teachers' Lounge Facebook Group to download more FREE props and rewards. There are many more free resources available at the VIPKID Online Teachers' Lounge website.
If you are want to incorporate technology tools into instruction, visit the VIPKID Google Slides (Official) Facebook Group. More than 30+ teachers share slides for exciting online learning experiences. They offer a Slide Guide for those who want to learn more about these tools and how to use them in their VIPKID classrooms.
Don't worry if your classroom isn't perfect ...
New teachers often feel overwhelmed by the resources they must collect for instruction. DON"T WORRY! Many teachers use very few props. Some teachers have a large collection of instructional tools. Your collection of instructional tools will evolve over time.
I taught my very first online classes with a whiteboard, a set of flashcards, a ball, and stuffed animals I found at the Salvation Army. I added more props as I needed them.
I have taught students (ages kindergarten through doctoral candidates) for more than 30 years. I have many brilliant teaching ideas - and all of my best ideas were learned from other teachers.
Connect with other teachers in the VIPKID Facebook groups. Watch VIPKID videos. Learn from your peers. You will discover a unique VIPKID classroom that works for you.
Would YOU like to be a VIPKID teacher? Curious? Or are you asking, "When can I start?"
Go to the VIPKID website and enter my referral code, JULIE0530. I can answer your questions and help you throughout the hiring process as your personal hiring coach.
If you've already signed up but haven’t done your mock class yet, you can add my referral code, JULIE0530 (JULIE zero 53 zero), when you log in on the VIPKID website!
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