I remember landing my first teaching job and being so overwhelmed with what teacher must haves I should invest in. I had little money of course, and there were SO many things I needed for my classroom supplies list.
I polled hundreds of teachers. I asked them to tell me what they would put on their teacher must haves list that they just couldn’t live without.
Below you will find the top answers of best teacher supplies that you can add to your classroom must haves list!
**This post may contain affiliate links to Amazon or other affiliate partnerships. I earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through a link. However, I do not recommend products unless I have personally used AND loved them.**
Classroom Management Teacher Must Haves
Wireless Door Bell
You can use a wireless door bell for so many things in a classroom.
Place the button on your lanyard and plug the doorbell in anywhere in your room. Use the different sounds for transitions, for noise warnings, and so much more!
Prize Wheel
Use a prize wheel to motivate your students in your class!
Use a dry erase marker to write prizes on the slots and reward students by letting them spin! Try it as a whole class reward, as well!
Giant Plinko
Catch a child doing the right thing? Want to reward a group for their kindness? Giant Plinko is SO MUCH FUN!
Line Up Spots
Time Timer
This timer is HUGE! It might be my favorite item on this list.
It magnetizes to your board, OR it can stand up on its stand. The visual is perfect for younger elementary students, and because it’s an entire foot tall, it can be seen ANYWHERE in your classroom.
It also comes with a downloadable timer to display on your board!
Dry Erase Table Spots
Student Mailboxes
Teacher Mailbox
My favorite teacher hack is THIS MAILBOX. It is magnetic, so I would place it on the side of my desk as my “teacher mailbox.”
It eliminates all of the bombarding morning chaos. In the mornings, if a student had a note from a parent, a permission slip to turn in, or any paper that I needed to see, they knew to place it straight in my mailbox.
They knew they didn’t have to get my attention to let me know they were placing it in my mailbox, and that I would check it soon after attendance.
This eliminated SO many morning interruptions and changed my teacher sanity life!
Paper Products Teacher Must Haves
Multicultural Construction Paper
I love having so many different skin colors to make all students feel included during crafts!
Astrobrights Paper and Cardstock
Large paper cutter
Paper Organizer
No more random stacks of printer paper, cardstock, colored cardstock, construction paper, etc. Organize every type and color in this paper organizer.
Laminator and Pouches
I mean, is it just me or is the school laminator ALWAYS broken?
Anchor Chart Paper
Classroom Sets Teacher Must Haves
Legal Size Clipboards
Having a clipboard for each student allows them to work in places around the room, and not just at their desk. Bonus- these are dry erase!
Earbuds
Headphones
Pencil Sharpeners
Do you get so tired of students raising their hands to sharpen their pencils?
Tired of the constant sound of the electric pencil sharpener?
Once I decided to buy these manual pencil sharpeners for each child, it was a game changer. These are less than ten dollars for a pack of 24!
Teaching Tools Teacher Must Haves
Fraction Tiles
Globe
Printable Reading Anchor Charts
Magnetic Dry Erase Notebook Paper Display
How many times have you had a child complete an entire assignment on the WRONG side of the paper? This helps them quickly see which is the correct side.
Classroom Seating Teacher Must Haves
Wobble Stools
Scoop Rocker Chairs
Stackable Stools
Portable Floor Desks
Other Teacher Must Haves
Mr. Sketch Markers
The only markers I will use for anchor charts. They smell wonderful, they last forever, and they NEVER bleed through!
Ticonderoga Pencils
These are the ONLY pencils I allow students to use in my electric pencil sharpeners. Do yourself (and your pencil sharpener) a favor and just buy the Ticonderoga brand pencils.
Magnetic Notes Clips
I use these everywhere. My favorite place to use these are outside of my classroom door. It sticks to the metal part of my classroom door and I can clip our TESTING, DO NOT DISTURB sign, our daily lunch count, etc. on it.
Mini Fridge
Sometimes, you just need an ice cold soda (or water) and you deserve it. Get the fridge!
More Resources You May Enjoy
Check out these top 5 picture books you should read aloud to your class.
Read this post about teaching your students classroom routines and procedures.
You can see all of my teacher must haves by going here and adding them straight to your cart!
*PIN IT FOR LATER!*
