Shopping
We have all purchased items from the Target dollar section for our classroom just to let it collect dust in the cabinet. It takes a few years in a grade level to confidently understand which items are necessities in your classroom and to stop impulse purchasing. So, how does a first-year teacher know what to purchase to prepare for success? Luckily, veteran teachers love to share their favorites and we’ve compiled a must-have list, not only for first-year teachers, but any teachers looking to refresh their classrooms.
Here are the top 15 classroom items to consider as a first-year teacher and beyond.
Just so you know, we may get a small share of the sales made through the Amazon affiliate links on this page.
1. Thermal laminator
All of those TikToks you see about teachers laminating papers all over their living room floors is accurate. The more your laminate, the longer things will last. Plus, laminated sheets are dry erase!
2. Mini whiteboard erasers
Forget the chunky dry-erase erasers! These mini erasers are perfect for pencil pouches and work just as well.
3. Wireless doorbell
Why are doorbells essential classroom items for a first-year teacher? Well, wireless doorbells are great attention-getters, transition signals to switch centers, indicators that it’s time to line up, and more.
4. Rolling cart
Being able to easily transport materials is a game changer! Use your cart to organize teaching materials, like copies for the week and student files. A cart is also great for storing small group materials or other hands-on manipulatives that you use often.
5. Mesh zipper pouches
These multipurpose pouches can be used to organize games, center activities, school supplies and more! They take up much less space than bins and are clear so that contents can be easily seen without opening up each pouch.
6. Magnetic file holders
Use magnetic file holders on your whiteboard to hold markers, display books, and/or organize important papers for the school day.
7. Desktop whiteboard
Using a small whiteboard for instruction during small groups is key. This one is even double sided AND magnetic to enhance teaching and learning.
8. Dry erase pockets
Dry-erase pockets are perfect for making centers more engaging. All you have to do is slip in any worksheet and it becomes a dry-erase activity. Pockets also save paper since students can reuse the pocket activities.
If you’re looking to purchase these pockets in bulk, you can order them online through the Dollar Tree. Check your local Dollar Tree for individual packages at a cheap cost!
9. Magnetic hooks
Add magnetic hooks to your whiteboard to display the monthly calendar, anchor charts, flashcards, and so much more. It’s such a simple item but can be used for endless displays and organization.
10. Paper sorter
Make construction paper accessible and organized with a paper sorter. Including this organizer in your student materials center makes life so much easier!
11. Small paper cutter
You will use this more than you think! Cutting nameplates, labels, and classroom decor will be a breeze with a small paper cutter in hand.
12. Magnetic digital timer
Timers are used throughout an entire school day in order for everyone to be on the same page. This timer has different volumes and a memory function. It’s so simple to use that you can even put a student in charge of setting the timer!
13. Flair pens
Flair pens are a bit of an investment, but they last forever and are every teacher’s favorite pen!
14. Post-It easel pads
Perfect for posting anchor charts easily around the classroom or for small group work around the room, something about a sticky pad is so much better than a non-sticky one.
15. Flexible seating
Flexible seating is an essential element in an inclusive classroom! Be ready to support ALL students’ learning by providing comfortable seating and working options. Besides these floor cushions, you can also look into beanbag chairs or try fidget strips for the bottom of desk chair legs.
If you are wondering how you will possibly obtain all of these essential items for your first year of teaching, you can start by creating an Amazon Wishlist! You may also find many of these items at garage sales or get them from veteran teachers in your building. Over time your collection of classroom necessities will grow, and these items are a perfect start.
