Starting your teaching journey can be exciting yet overwhelming, so I’ve curated a list of 7 must-have classroom essentials that every new teacher will love! These items, available on Amazon, are my personal favorites and have helped me stay organized, create a welcoming environment, and enhance learning experiences. From practical storage solutions to engaging tools for students these are some of my favorite classroom essentials. Check them out and discover why they’re my go-to picks!
1. Clear Plastic Pockets: For Easily Displaying Student Work
Clear plastic pockets are my absolute go-to for displaying student work. This teacher time-saving tip means I don't have to staple up work, I just slip it in the pocket. Transform a classroom wall into a dynamic gallery of student achievement. I use these dry erase pockets to showcase any paper-sized student work. Click HERE
2. Bulk Boxes of Colored Pencils: They Come with Little Sharpeners
These classroom art supplies just make me happy. I big box with colored pencils separated by color. I have a student whose job it is to keep them organized. Do they stay perfectly organized, no but it's pretty good. Bulk boxes of colored pencils are an investment. The box lasts me 2 years if we take care of them. Colored pencils can't be sharpened with an electric classroom pencil sharpener so keeping these classroom art supplies in a bulk box with little sharpeners that come included is a great way to keep organized and more easily keep them sharpened. Click HERE
3. Bulk Boxes of Markers: I like to Get Both a Thick and Thin Set
With projects, classroom art supplies are a must-have. Good markers are what I prefer versus monitoring Sharpie use. Whether it's drawing, labeling, or decorating, markers are great in every classroom. This large box of markers separated into colors are ready to go.
4. Pre-Sharpened Pencils: Beginning of the Year Genius
Let's face it: sharpening pencils can be a time-consuming and frustrating task. Pre-sharpened pencils are a little teacher hack that helps start the year off. I have two jars at the front of the class. They are labeled "Sharp" and "Not Sharp." Students can trade a pencil in during the day for a sharpened pencil. At the end of the day, a student's job is to sharpen pencils. This reduces distractions during teaching. Click HERE
5. A Sturdy Step Stool: Reaching New Heights
This is the first year I've had a step stool up to the task or reaching high on the walls. A step stool might seem like a simple item, but it's a classroom essential. Click HERE
6. Which is Worse by Lee Taylor
My students absolutely love the book Which is Worse. It not only presents two contrasting topics but also includes pictures to accompany each one. After viewing the page, students discuss their opinions with a partner and explain why they feel the way they do. I really enjoy hearing their responses! They often beg to do a few more pages, which keeps them engaged.
Would You Rather or Which is Worse discussions are a great way to keep students focused and entertained.
7. Clear Plastic Name Plate Holders for Desks
18"x 4" adhesive plastic pockets keep name plates on desks in great shape without tape! Here are the 4th grad name plates I love. Click HERE.