Hello Ms. Devan!!!

I think Makin' the Grade is a wonderful cartridge to have-this cartridge has been discontinued but if you look you can probably find it. Locker Talk is also another fantastic cartridge, My world, My community, and Recess Lite cartridge are all fantastic cartridges to own. I use most of them quite often in my classroom. I teach 3rd grade and my Cricut comes in handy all of the time. As a matter of fact, I have had several teachers in my buidling get hooked on Cricut!!! Once you use it in the classroom you can't imagine thinking of anything else to use. It is a wonderful die cutting machine that is so versitle. Good luck with teaching and have fun with your Cricut. :)

http://Cricutyourclassroom.com

Wendy

Not sure what age group your teaching but 3 Birds is awesome - it has tons of different themes for the bird, ex. Holidays, football/cheerleading, graduation, it also has like a princess bird/king, baby. It is my go to cartridge.

Depending on the age - Create a Critter is fun for smaller kids
Also Everyday Paper Dolls and/or Paper Doll Dress up is fun.

Another good one is 50 states. You can cut out each state w/ or w/o the capital marked, the bird, flower, flag, and the actual state name.

Art Philosophy - is good for tons of basic shapes, Circles, squares, ovals, etc. It also has a card function and a nice font that has both upper and lower case. You can also make 3D flowers with it. So overall that is a nice one but you have to purchase that from a Close to my heart consultant.

FYI the difference between a lite and a "full" cartridge is the amount of images on each one. Most of the lite cartridges were sold via Walmart. There is also what is called a solution cartridge which has very limited images on them. If your looking to get the most for your buck - I'd suggest getting a full cartridge. The full cartridges normally have 6 "function" keys - for example. ON 3 birds it has 6 functions: Which would include layer 1 and layer 2, shadow function, font, font shadow, and phrases.
Most of the lites have just a few function features maybe a layer and a shadow or layers and a font.

LIkewise you will see cartyridges for the Cake machine - they will also work in the machine.

Good Luck. There are tons of great cartridges. It just really depends on what your looking for age, projects etc.

Edited by user Friday, January 13, 2012 8:15:50 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I agree with the other posters Art Philosohy is my new favorite! I also use these a lot too:
*create-a-critter
*paper dolls ( I only have everyday but am thing about getting dress-up too)
*simply charmed
*recess lite
*doodlecharms
*my community
*locker talk
*potpourri basket (I had to purchase it on e-bay)
*hello kitty font (great bubble letters)
*winnie the pooh font

I don't have makin' the grade, but I did see it for sale still on Cricut.com. Definitely check out Wendy's blog -she has great ideas! Good luck and be sure to post pictures of he things you make!

Tiffany
http://sparkledmemories.blogspot.com

Try using "Patterned Vinyl" with your Cricut as well....can make great decor for classroom!

I'm not a teacher, but an after-school program instructor using art grades 3-5. The carts I use:

Destinations
My World
50 States
Learning Curve

I use my cricut for titles/ labels so I think nice fonts are a necessity. I like the font on Birthday Bash and some on the Martha Stewart cartridges (they say they are cake cartridges but you can use any machine).

I'm not a teacher, but Grandmother to 4 children... There has been a lot of useful information here...Thank each and everyone for your wonderful suggestions!