Classroom supplies for teachers that you need in your classroom! I remember when I first started teaching, how overwhelming it was knowing what you will and will not need to buy for your classroom. I have definitely wasted my money on things that I never used, however, I have also bought many products that were a total game changer for my classroom and my students. After starting from scratch in my first year of teaching, I have compiled a list of my top 15 must-have supplies for teachers. I am very stingy when it comes to spending my own money for my classroom, however, this list of must-have teacher supplies is full of resources that I certainly did not regret. Whether you’re just starting or have been teaching for years, this is the list for you.
Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and resources that I genuinely believe will benefit my readers and enhance their teaching experience. Thank you for supporting my blog!
1) 3 Tier Trolley
I find this to be essential in my classroom. I have linked the Amazon product that I bought, however, it comes in heaps of different colours. I liked to use the bottom tier for my mini whiteboards and whiteboard pens. The middle tier was used for all my stickers and stamps and the top tier was used for all my small stationery that I need access to all the time, such as pens, pencils, paper clips, highlighters etc.
2) Magnets
Simple but effective. I love these flower magnets in my classroom, 1 because they go with my ‘nature theme’ but more importantly, they are very practical. I am always hanging up paper, posters or notices on my whiteboard for my students.
3) Paper Storage
When I was a first-year teacher, managing my paper flow was something I struggled with. If you don’t have practical paper storage that works, the amount of paper you have lying around will quickly become very overwhelming.
To store weekly paper flow, I like to use a 10-drawer mobile cart. I like the white chrome colour as it can go with any theme and if you choose to put labels on your drawers, they will really stand out.
I like to store any laminated resources in these a4 paper drawers. Any resources I need for the day will stay in these drawers. Any assessments I am using, flashcards, group activities etc, I would keep in these drawers for easy access
I use these clear paper files to store assessment data. Each child has a file that I put all their results in.
4) Egg Timers
I find this so helpful for students who struggle to concentrate or lack motivation at times. I put these on students’ desks and have the timer counting down. Students will set their own goals on where they want to get up to on their writing or worksheet. Students love setting their own goals and are so excited when they achieve them. I actually have students asking for these timers now! Big win!
5) Desk Organiser
Again, simple but effective. This helps to neatly separate all your stationary and therefore keeps you more organised
6) Social/Emotional Toys for Desk
These toys have so many benefits within the classroom space. Firstly they are great for social-emotional learning and can be used to aid many lessons. I love to use the red and green one on my teacher desk. If the green monster is on my desk, students know they can come and ask me a question. If the red monster is on my desk students know I am with a group. These little monsters have helped so much with classroom management.
7) Days of the Week, Weather, Date Chart
This is a fantastic way to start the day. Talking about the date, weather, and how students are feeling. The one I have linked is magnetic as well, so perfect to go on a magnetic whiteboard. I have used calendars during morning meetings for ages up to 10.
8) Dry Erase Pocket Sleeves
These are used multiple times a day in my classroom. They are perfect for worksheets you want to reuse, art displays, and group work. For this reason, they are a classroom staple.
9) Mini Whiteboards
A classroom set of mini whiteboards is a no-brainer. In our classroom we use them for group lessons, maths lessons, spelling lessons, and the list goes on. Mini whiteboards help make classroom mat time much more interactive and engaging.
10) Fidgets
Fidgets are the perfect classroom hack to keep students on the mat for longer or can be used as a reward for good behaviour. My students are always asking me to let them play with our fidget toys.
11) Mat Dots
These mat dots are perfect for a classroom seating plan or for particular students who you want to sit in particular spots. My students love them and never see them as a punishment, They actually get really excited to choose their colour and sit on their dot.
12) Random Name Generator
I love my random name generator. I write every student’s name on a stick and whenever I need a volunteer, helper or to assign groups or ask someone a question this random name generator comes out. I randomly pick a stick out from the bucket.
13) Bulldog Clips and Paper Folders
You can never have enough bulldog clips for your endless amount of paper! I don’t even have to elaborate on this one.
14) Reward Cards
I use Student Reward Cards to recognise acts of kindness. Whenever a student demonstrates kindness in or around the classroom, I hole punch their reward card. Once all 10 points on the card have been punched, the student receives a small reward, such as a sticker or a sweet treat. Additionally, if a student accumulates 100 points (which means all 10 cards have been punched) by the end of the term, they earn a larger reward. Ideally, this larger reward would be something the whole class can enjoy, like a movie day, extended lunch, or a fun sports day—whatever the class decides together.
This approach not only encourages positive behavior but also empowers students by giving them a voice in choosing their rewards.
Reward System resources that I use
15) Early Finishers Task Box
Having a good supply of fast finishers activities is a must. This is one of the most effective ways of avoiding the dreaded question of “What do I do next?” Having different high-quality tasks that students can move onto will, in the long run, make your life easier but also make this time for students, still very productive.
There are some amazing options on Teachers Pay Teachers. Just search ‘fast finishers tasks’
Top 15 Must-Have Classroom Supplies for Teachers
That concludes my list of 15 must-have classroom supplies for teachers.
Incorporating these top classroom supplies into your teaching toolkit can make a significant difference in creating an organised, efficient, and inspiring learning environment. Each of these must-have classroom essentials is designed to simplify your day-to-day teaching and support student engagement. Whether you’re setting up your classroom for the first time or looking to enhance your space, these teacher-approved supplies will ensure you’re ready for a successful school year.
Don’t forget to explore our other resources for more classroom organisation tips and teacher tools to help you thrive in the classroom. With the right supplies, you’re setting your students up for success and creating a space where both you and your students can Thrive!
Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and resources that I genuinely believe will benefit my readers and enhance their teaching experience. Thank you for supporting my blog!
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