If you are a new teacher or are changing grade levels, here are some must-have classroom supplies!
Here is a list of fifteen necessities, to teach in an elementary classroom with a focus on third, fourth, or fifth grade students.
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1. Timers
- Get a timer with a digital face and a magnetic back, so students will have visual access in a variety of spaces around the classroom.
- Sand timers come in a variety of lengths of time (from 30 seconds to 10 minutes) and are silent, for visual signals.
2. Storage Trays and Bins
Stay evergreen with resources you can use year after year!👉 Tip: Too much color can be overwhelming to learners. Think about a color theme for your classroom.
👉 Tip: If you get hand-me-down bins or colors you don't like, spray paint them!
- Paper Trays Individual or Stacked Collect student-work, manage your own papers, and hold specialty writing paper.
- Storage Caddies Managing coloring, writing, and art tools. Great for center materials.
- Mini stackable crates are cheap and great for holding chapter books.
- Larger bins can store picture books or thematic collections of texts.
- Cardboard Magazine Holders are a nice and cheap way to get started!
3. Desk Organizers for Teachers
Keep yourself organized with a must-have desktop organizer for all of your pens and markers!
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| Spinning organizer |
4. Pencils and Pencil Sharpener
Have you ever heard of the disappearing pencil? Welcome to teaching!👉 Tip: Create a pencil system or Community Pencil Jar!
👉 Tip: Don't let students use the electric sharpener for colored pencils or pencils with plastic coating.
- Ticonderoga #2 Pencils (pre-sharpened, if you can get them) 😍
- I bought this sharpener in 2016 and it still works! X-ACTO School Pro sharpener.
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| Pre-Sharpened Pencils |
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| The BEST sharpener! |
5. Notebooks
🙏 Think this one through, before you purchase. Will you have students maintain writers' notebooks, use a science journal, or keep math notes? Do you do spelling sorts, and if so, where will students glue their sorts?- Wide-Ruled, 1-Subject Larger than composition notebooks--great for interactive notebooks. Pro/con: the papers can be torn out easily.
- Composition Notebooks These are more sturdy and come in different styles.
6. Large Chart Paper
Making anchor charts is an essential part of teaching.- Chart Easel Pads: There are different styles and sizes for these: 1-inch Lined Rule, Plain White, and Wide Chart Tablet (We use this a lot!)
7. Teacher Markers
- Dry Erase Markers One of the must-have classroom suplies for new teachers is a set of vibrant dry-erase markers fo rwhtieboards. These tools are essential for both teaching and classroom management in grades 3-5! EXPO chisel tip wipe off easily, without leaving much residue on your board.
- Chart Markers: Sharpie Flip Chart Markers with round tips are great for "in-the-moment" writing. Mr. Sketch Chisel-Tip Markers have rich colors for creating anchor charts ahead of time.
- Teacher Markers: The Paper Mate Flair felt-tip pens are all the rage! Use these to correct papers and to make smaller charts for students. Use Fine Point Sharpies and Ultra-Fine Point Sharpies, for projects and posters.
8. Easel
Easels are beneficial in many ways! Move them around, to create new learning spaces. Use them to hold large chart paper. Magnetic boards allow you to hang a variety of items.👉 Tip: Check with administration about available funds for classroom furniture.
- Basic Magnetic Easel This will do the trick, to get you started. Check for adjustable legs to vary the height.
- Magnetic Easel with Storage If you can splurge, go for this type (because you can never have enough storage!)
9. Stapler and Staples
You will eventually want 3-4 standard staplers in your classroom. You may even splurge for an electric stapler! Watch for sales and read reviews before purchasing (many jam or break easily) and... don't forget to buy a box of staples. 🙌
10. Tape
Guys... my biggest advice on this one is DON'T SKIMP on the type of masking tape you buy. You'll regret it! Also, you will need tape more than you can imagine...👉 Tip: If you send home a Student Supply List, add tape to your "Wish List" items!
- Scotch Tape with a dispenser Buy 4-6 rolls.
- Scotch Masking Tape Buy 2-3 rolls.
11. Glue
- Glue Sticks (a lot of them) Even if you have students bring in their own supply, they run out quickly.
- Elmer's Glue Start with at lease 4-6 bottles. Remember, teach students how to check these are closed after each use! 🙏
12. Scissors
- Student scissors 5" It's great if you can purchase these with a caddy included, like this one.
- Teacher scissors (great to have 2 or more)
13. Coloring Tools for Children
No explanation necessary: you will do a lot of projects!
👉 Tip: If you ask students to purchase these for school supplies, create community bins to store them in!
14. Magnets
- Metal Clip magnets These are strong and can hold up multiple pages or heavy posters.
- Pin Magnets These are easy to move around and will not cover up the content on your posters or charts.
15. Colored Paper
You will go through a lot of colored paper; if you can buy it in bulk, you will save money.👉 Tip: Look for deals during PRIME DAY, Black Friday or Cyber Monday!
Tech Tools for Modern Classrooms
These tools can make teaching more interactive and engaging!
- Wireless presenters
- Quality set of headphones
- Portable document cameras
Wow! There are many things to think about, when you're starting in a new classroom! I hope the above list gives you some ideas of where to start.
Be sure to share this post with any new teacher friends! 💞
Additional supplies to consider:
- Small Dry Erase boards
- Stain-resistant Rug
- Fragrance Free Antibacterial Wipes
- Teacher Stamps and Stickers
- Household Items (lamps, pillows, plants, etc.)
- Clipboards
- Sticky Post-It Notes
- Paper Clips and Binder Clips
- Large Erasers
- Crayons
- Rulers
- Paint (water color and tempura) and Paint brushes
- Craft Supplies
- Sensory Tools
- Flexible Seating Options
What other items do you think new teachers or new classroom teachers could use? Comment below--I'd love to hear your ideas!
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