My Favorite School Supplies
Books aren't the only problem I have...
Before my education career, I worked for many years in retail sales, management, and training. I worked at an office supply company for a decade, which did not help my already large obsession with “school supplies.”
When I hang around teachers, I often feel like an outsider because I don’t use many of the most popular teacher supplies.
Many teachers love Flair pens. I think they are an abomination. They’re scratchy, bleed through everything, and wear out after 37 seconds.
I have the tools to keep me organized and productive. I use things daily to make my life easier, help me get things done more efficiently, or maybe make me happy. I’m a fan of excellent paper and pens.
I use everything listed here just about every day. I love them, and if you think my opinion is worth anything, you might love them, too. You might also be inspired to find the right tools to bring you joy and greater productivity.
Many of the links you see here are affiliate links, so if you click through and buy something, I get a small referral fee.
Writing Tools
G2 Pens—For everyday usage, there’s nothing better for me than a good old Pilot G2. They never let me down. While I have a couple of fountain pens I journal with, the G2 is my daily driver.
Highlighters—My highlighters are never far away, whether I’m marking up a research article or book. But I am a writing tool snob, so I dig the velvety, smooth, bleed-resistant Zebra midliners.
Pencils—I use Blackwings to scribble in my books (yes, it’s a thing, and no, you won’t go to hell for doing it). If I need a pencil for anything else, say, doing some math, it’s the Pentel Twist-Erase. And as a former math teacher, you always need a Click-Erase eraser.
Notes
Notecards—Ryan Holiday taught me about notecards as a productivity tool. They are the biggest part of my Zettelkasten and have been invaluable as I work through my dissertation. 4x6-inch notecards are the sweet spot for me. They are one of my most valuable tools.
Card box—I keep all my notecards in this box. It’s pretty sturdy and useful.
Notebooks
Notepads—I’m a paper snob. Because I have a severe sensory issue with rough textures, the feeling of rough paper or rough wood gives me the jibblies. There are no wooden spoons in our house. I wrap the popsicle stick with the wrapper so I can eat the popsicle. I don’t use cheap paper in my printer. My notepad can’t be rough. After many trials, I fell in love with Rhodia's premium stapled notepads. I use them for writing all sorts of things. These beauties are smooth, work well with any pen, and have a sturdy backboard. Win, win, win.
Journals—For years, I was a Moleskine fan, and I filled my fair share of those great notebooks. Then, the quality declined, and I switched to the Leuchtturm1917 120G Special Edition. It has smooth paper, is excellent with any ink type, and has little to no bleed-through. Each page has a date area. Why is that important? Because stamping.
Five-Year Journal—I use a Hobonichi five-year journal to write a daily quote and answer a short journal prompt.
Pocket notebook—Always carry a notebook with you. You never know when you’ll have an idea or need to make a to-do list. I keep a Field Notes notebook in my backpack or my back pocket.
Planner—I use a Hobonichi Techo A6 Daily Planner to log my activities daily.
Date stamp—I stole this idea from Austin Kleon. There is something satisfying about stamping the date on something—a sense of permanence, of finality. Like, I’m recording something for posterity. I’m likely not, but I get that feeling. Trodat 5030 Professional 4.0 Date Only Stamp, Self Inking, Impression Size 1-5/8” x 3/8” (Black).
Flags—These are right there whenever I read a physical book, paper, etc. I mark things I want to remember as I’m reading, but I don’t stop to take notes—that part comes later. These sticky flags help me know where I found good stuff so I can return to it after I finish reading. They help me process what I read.
Pencil sharpener—I have this electric sharpener. Nothing else will do.
Alright, it’s your turn… what are your favorite “school supplies,” and how do you use them?