What Teacher Classroom Supplies Do You Need the Most?

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Hey there! I’m Katherine Barker, and today we’re diving into the must-have teacher classroom supplies for elementary teachers. This is a common question, and while there’s no definitive list since preferences vary, I’ll share a general rundown of essential items you might need for your elementary classroom.

What Classroom Supplies Do Elementary Teachers Need the Most?

Before you rush to buy everything, check with your school district and school to see what they provide. It would be a shame to purchase items already supplied. Also, consider reaching out to other teachers in your grade level or school. Often, teachers have extra supplies they are willing to share or donate.

Creative Ideas for Gathering Supplies

A fun and effective way to gather teacher classroom supplies is during your back-to-school night. I like to create a little apple tree on my whiteboard using apple-shaped cutouts. On each apple, I write down a supply that our classroom needs. Parents can then take an apple and donate the listed item. Another popular method is to create an Amazon wish list, making it easy for parents to contribute.

Essential Classroom Supplies

Here’s a rapid-fire list of essential supplies:

Teacher Planner: A must-have for organizing your schedule. Check out my next video on the top-rated teacher planners of 2024.
Math Manipulatives
Electric Pencil Sharpener
Stapler and Staple Remover: The latter is indispensable for saving your fingernails!
Paper Clips, Pencils, Pens, Markers, Glue Sticks, and Scissors: Both kid-friendly and adult-sized scissors.
Highlighters: Great for assisting students with letter tracing and name writing.
Kleenex and Hand Soap
Ziploc Baggies (various sizes): Useful for storing craft materials and small items.
Desk Calendar and Turn-In Trays: These trays can also be used at centers to organize worksheets.
Three-Hole Punch
Flare Pens: A rainbow of these pens is essential for every teacher.
Extra Snacks: Ask parents to donate snacks like goldfish or pretzels for students who forget theirs.
Dry Erase Boards, Markers, and Pocket Sleeves
Velcro Dots: Versatile and useful for numerous classroom activities.
Post-it Notes, Hot Glue Gun, and Paper Cutter: A personal paper cutter in your classroom is very handy.
Cubbies or Mailboxes for Students
Plastic Drawers and Trays for Workstations
Pocket Charts, Personal Laminator, and Sheets: A personal laminator is a game-changer for quick, on-the-go laminating.
Teacher Bag: Whether a big tote or a rolling one, it’s essential for carrying materials between home and school.
Rolling Carts: Ideal for organizing supplies at your teacher table.
Anchor Charts, Treasure Box, and Stickers: Smelly stickers are a fantastic incentive.
Storage Bins: Clear bins with labels are perfect for organizing materials.
Pointers, Books for Your Library, Puzzles, Magnatiles, Play-Doh
Name Tags for Labeling Cubbies, Mailboxes, and Desks
Classroom Rug or Spot Dots
Construction Paper Organizer
Behavior Management Systems: Have these ready before the first day of school.

There are undoubtedly more items that could be added to this list, but these are the essentials to get you started. Don’t forget to check out my video on the top-rated planners of 2024 for more tips and recommendations.

That’s it for now! Happy teaching, and I’ll see you in the next one!