My top five resources

Name: Bev Harrold
School: Campton Lower School, Campton, Bedfordshire
Position: Reception teacher

1 Puppet
No teacher should be without one. Puppets are invaluable in the classroom — they help children with all areas of learning and show them that it is ok to get things wrong. My St Bernard dog puppet has been learning to count for years! They also help the shyest of children to speak in circle time as they feel that they are alright talking to the puppet.

2 Reward stickers
Children respond to even the smallest of stickers. I use them to encourage children with all sorts of challenges, whether it is getting changed for PE without assistance, eating all their fruit up, or being a really good listener.

3 Warm fleece
A necessity when children are outside in all weathers and the door is always open. It is not bad weather that stops children going outside but inappropriate clothing, especially that of the teacher!

4 Laminator
One of my better Christmas presents. It enables me to laminate my resources in the comfort of my own home, instead of queuing in the staffroom. Laminated resources mean that I can reuse them the following year. Group lists written on laminated card mean they can easily be changed without the need to type out a new list.

5 Early Years and Primary teaching exhibition in London
(held at the end of September)
A chance to see resources first hand and buy, usually at a discount and to attend seminars on various topics covering foundation through to Key Stage 2. Each seminar lasts for an hour and is very good value for money. Ideal for CPD.

This content was published in May 2007 and may not reflect current policy