Starting your first year of teaching? Whether you’re prepping your classroom or building your shopping list, having the right supplies makes a huge difference. This guide walks you through 15 must-have classroom supplies that will help you stay organized, manage your classroom, and support student learning—right from day one.
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🧰 1. A Trusty Teacher Toolbox
Organize all your essentials—paper clips, push pins, pens, sticky notes—into one compact place. A labeled teacher toolbox helps you stay efficient and minimizes classroom chaos.
📎 Tip: Use color-coded drawers to make finding things quick and easy.
📦 2. Durable Storage Bins and Baskets
Clear bins and sturdy baskets are perfect for organizing supplies, centers, and student work. Use them to create easy-access systems that save you time all year long.
🪑 3. Student Mailboxes or Turn-In Trays
Designate a space where students can turn in work or pick up handouts. It helps reinforce routines and reduces clutter.
📝 Pro Tip: Label trays by subject or student name to streamline collection.
✏️ 4. Pencils, Pens, and Highlighters (In Bulk!)
You’ll go through more writing tools than you think—especially pencils. Stock up early and keep extras in your teacher drawer for emergencies.
🎁 Consider setting up a “borrow-and-return” pencil station to avoid the constant “I don’t have a pencil!” conversations.
🧽 5. Dry Erase Boards & Markers
Perfect for whole-class lessons, small groups, and quick assessments. Don’t forget erasers (felt pieces or socks work great) and plenty of dry erase markers.
🗂 6. Anchor Chart Supplies
Chart paper, colorful markers, and painter’s tape are classroom staples for visual learners. Anchor charts reinforce skills and can stay up as reference tools all year.
🖼 Looking for premade classroom posters? 👉 TpT Classroom Posters: Social-Emotional & Academic
📋 7. Clipboards for Flexible Seating or Walk-Around Work
Clipboards are super helpful for students who work around the room or for group activities. They also come in handy during assessments or classroom observations.
📌 8. A Reliable Pencil Sharpener
Invest in a good one (electric or manual). A dull or broken sharpener slows down the whole class.
📕 9. Teacher Planner or Digital Calendar System
Whether you prefer pen and paper or Google Calendar, have a system to manage lessons, meetings, and due dates. Staying organized is half the battle your first year.
🪪 10. Name Tags and Desk Labels
These help with classroom management, especially during the first few weeks. Use them for seating charts, cubby labels, or job assignments.
🎨 11. Art Supplies and Manipulatives
You’ll want extras of glue sticks, crayons, scissors, and hands-on tools like counters, dice, or cubes—especially in the primary grades.
📚 12. Personal Read-Aloud Library
Have a few go-to books for teaching routines, SEL, or class discussions. You’ll lean on these when the unexpected happens.
📚 Need ideas for Read Alouds? 👉 10 Picture Books for Teaching Rhyming Skills
🔔 13. Visual Schedule or Daily Agenda Board
Helps students know what to expect, which builds routine and reduces behavior issues. Magnetic strips, pocket charts, or even printed cards can work great.
🧼 14. Classroom Cleaning Supplies
Wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, paper towels—you’ll want them all year long. Trust us.
🎉 15. A “Just for You” Teacher Survival Kit
Include a water bottle, snacks, extra chargers, and a small emergency kit with Band-Aids, Advil, etc. You’re going to need it more than once!
🎯 Final Tips for First-Year Teachers
Remember, you don’t need to have everything on day one. Start with the essentials and build as you go. Ask your mentor or grade team what’s provided by your school and what they recommend buying yourself.
🔗 Want More Support?
If you’re looking for ready-made classroom labels, first-week plans, or visual schedule cards, check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store here !
📥 Grab Your Free New Teacher Checklist!
Want to make your shopping list stress-free? Download my printable New Teacher Supply Checklist and get classroom-ready in no time!
👉 New Teacher Supply List
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