Preparing for your first year as a teacher? Or, maybe you are a seasoned teacher looking for new items to spice up your room?
Regardless of your experience, there are some standard classroom supplies and resources you'll want, to ensure you and your students are in the learning groove!Check out my FAVORITE and most "necessary" items. These are all items I use and love!
Ten Must-Haves for Any Elementary Classroom:
{This post may contain affiliate links to materials I recommend. If you purchase something using these links I may receive a small commission.}
It may sound like a no-brainer, but these are such a fundamental piece of a classroom. Each year, I make sure I have several pads of Chart Paper and 2-3 sets of chart markers.
There are a lot of options for Chart Paper: lined, skip-lined, blank, graph, portable easel pads, sticky, short and wide, etc.
Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 12 Pack
Sharpie 22480PP Flip Chart Markers, Bullet Tip, Assorted Colors, 8-Count
2. Magnetic Curtain Rod
Wondering where you're going to hang all of those anchor charts? Magnetic curtain rods are incredibly useful! You can hang anchor charts, large chart paper pads, pocket charts, and posters!
I love how easy it is to relocate it. I typically keep mine up on my front dry erase board. If I need more room, however, I can just pull it off the board and move it to a different space or put it on another metal surface (like a filing cabinet.) It's a winner! The width varies from 17"-30"!!
Kids LOVE using marker pens. I used to keep mine (stingily) behind my desk, so I could monitor their use. I gave up the battle, because the truth is.. kids can use these for TONS of projects! We use them for projects, for editing writing, and for correcting assignments. My students see how much I use mine, and they want to share in the same fun!
Here are my favorites:
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm)
Sharpie Permanent Markers, Ultra Fine Point, Assorted Colors, 24 Count
4. Scissors
A must have, for sure! These are a great deal--2 to a pack! I use them ALL the time. I have a colleague friend who keeps about ten of these in her room!!
5. Pencils
There is something magical about getting pre-sharpened pencils!
These are my favorites:
TICONDEROGA Pencils, Wood-Cased #2 HB Soft, Pre-Sharpened, 72-Pack
6. Sticky Notes
These are my MUST-HAVES
Are you desk-free yet? I just took the plunge, last year! I ordered this storage cabinet and found it
super easy to organize and see my supplies. I love the size of this (20" x 10 1/4") because it is small enough to fit either on a shelf or counter.
8. Timers
I have a LOT of different timers in my classroom. We have silent and noisy timers. Ones with magnets and others that can sit on student-desks. Here are my favorites:
Habor Kitchen Timer, 24-Hours Digital Timer (strong magnet)
Sand Timer Set 30sec / 1min / 2mins / 3mins / 5mins / 10mins-
Last year, I ordered the assorted colors and really loved using them to stay organized. I was able to put my reading conference notes on the purple board, writing notes on blue, I used the red clipboard for my social studies lesson plans, and the green board for my science lesson plans. I used the other two for student notes.
This year, I'm ordering the blue set of 6, to keep in my writing center. I find students really love using these during writing and they go perfectly with our flexible seating options!
10. Dry Erase Pockets
I can use these in EVERY subject area. They are THAT helpful.
11. Attention-Getting Tools
SadoTech Model C Wireless Doorbell
😍👉👉👉👉👉
Woodstock Chimes - Zenergy - Solo, Silver
12. Class Pet
I usually have some plants and some sort of animal in my classroom. If you are just starting out, or if you're super busy and can't manage (or don't like) the idea of animals to care for, then a Betta fish is a great option!
I love this tank, because it's super easy to clean and to transport. Plus, underneath (in the back) is a little battery-operated set of lights, which make the tank look very snazzy!
Tetra LED Half Moon Betta Aquarium, Betta Fish Tank
Last year, I brought my Betta Fish tank home for my own two children, and I upgraded my fish tank in my classroom to a 10-gallon tank. I like this, because it's still small and easy to care for. You will need outlet space for the filter, heater, and (possibly) the lights.
