Now that back to school time is here, kids and their parents and teachers are seeking the best values available for classroom supplies. Among the many types of supplies that every classroom needs, two stand out that can easily be overlooked. One of these is a quality thermal laminator, the other a good pencil sharpener. These items will prove themselves useful time and again not just in preparing for the school year but all the way through to summer break.
One of the most common pencil sharpeners is the plastic variety, but it is not the best choice. Although low in price, their lack of durability means that in classrooms with younger grades they can easily be broken.
The Panasonic KP-380, most teachers of elementary school agree, is the best pencil sharpener available on the market at this time. It is held in place firmly by suction cup feet that hold fast on a variety of different surface types. Sensors inside the sharpener will shut it off when they detect that the point of the pencil is sharp, so its results are consistent with every use.
Other educators favor a Boston model of sharpener that is self-feeding and can also be conveniently vacuum mounted. Some prefer the Palomino made Long Point which is manually operated and makes very little noise to add distraction to the classroom. Its ease of use and the sharp point it creates also work in its favor. The X-Acto model is a favorite of art teachers because colored pencils can be sharpened and will not clog it.
Another tool that makes itself invaluable for teachers to keep on hand is a thermal laminator. When used to protect flash cards or name cards, they can be wiped clean and used again and again. The Scotch brand laminator is inexpensive and conveniently sized; at 9" X 9" it will not take up too much valuable desk space.
The laminator by Scotch is also portable, not only because of its size, but its light weight. Its system utilizes two rollers and it has two settings for temperature. It is battery-operated, and does not produce excess heat. These features make it perfectly suited for classroom use. It quickly heats up to operating temperature once turned on.
The 3M laminator is another choice which has two heat settings. It takes longer to warm up, as much as six to eight minutes, but it is reputed to be quite dependable. It is also, at four pounds, about 1.5 pounds lighter than Scotch's version. The laminator by 3M is 260 watts and 120 volts. Both models of laminator are capable of handling items as wide as nine inches.
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Royal P60 Electric Pencil Sharpener List Price: Sale Price: $16.44  |
DescriptionRoyal P60 Electronic Pencil Sharpener-29342C |
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X-Acto Electric Pencil Sharpener (1818) List Price: Sale Price: $18.51 |
DescriptionThe X-ACTO XLR home office electric sharpener sets the standard by which all sharpeners are measured. Non-skid feet won't damage desktops. |
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X-Acto School Pro Heavy-Duty Electric Sharpener (1670) List Price: Sale Price: $19.21 |
DescriptionThe first electric sharpener designed for classroom use. The School Pro features a quiet, heavy-duty motor which sharpens wood, composite and recycled pencils. It also includes an extra large shavings receptacle... |
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X-ACTO Spira Electric Pencil Sharpener, Black (1752) List Price: Sale Price: $15.65 |
DescriptionWhere art meets pencil point. The X-ACTO Spira Electric Pencil Sharpener features a large, easy-to-empty shavings receptacle. With a press of a button, the trap door opens at the base of the sharpener for shavings disposal... |
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Stanley Bostitch QuietSharp6(TM) Classroom Pencil Sharpener With 6-holes And Quiet Motor, Blue (EPS10HC) List Price: Sale Price: $32.09 |
DescriptionBuilt with the classroom demands in mind, this sharpener will help students sharpen their pencils quickly, quietly, and safely. The XHC cutter technology allows for 70% faster sharpening and 10x longer life... |
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