Teacher Supply Checklist: Must Haves For Your Classroom in 2024

As a teacher, your role in shaping young minds is paramount. Beyond imparting knowledge and skills, creating a conducive learning environment is essential. A well-equipped classroom makes your teaching more effective. You get the necessary tools for engaging lessons, efficient management, and meticulous planning.

A well-stocked classroom creates a positive learning environment. Students feel prepared and supported. Proper supplies save time and reduce stress.

As school reopening nears, parents and teachers worry about classroom supplies. Balancing teaching responsibilities with supply management can be overwhelming. Limited budgets mean choosing between what is essential and what can wait.

In some schools, parents provide some of the classroom supplies, including construction paper, art supplies, binders, scissors, and pencils—that would be just a small part of what you need. You must also stock the supplies you'll want to use in your lessons.

Having an idea of your classroom needs makes shopping for them easier—you’ll be sure about what should be in your drawer or on your classroom walls.

In this article, we’ve curated the perfect teacher supply checklist to ensure you have all that you need at any time of the day so you can concentrate on imparting knowledge.

Teacher Supply Checklist 

The teacher supply checklist can seem endless, especially since some supplies run out fast. The National Education Association reports that educators spent around $500 of their own money on classroom supplies before the pandemic, and the number is expected to increase.

The teacher supply checklist can indeed appear daunting at first glance. However, with proper preparation and systematic organization, you can efficiently acquire the necessary materials for your classroom environment. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process by categorizing supplies to give you a more structured approach to classroom preparation.

By breaking down the extensive list into logical categories, the classroom supply list becomes manageable. You streamline the acquisition process and ensure that no critical items are overlooked.

Classroom essentials

Classroom essentials are the most commonly used supplies that teachers and students need on a daily basis to function effectively in a learning environment.

Essential supplies like shelves, bins, and organizers will help you keep your classrooms neat and orderly so students can easily find what they need and focus on learning.

Here's a list of classroom essentials:

• Binder clips
• Chalk (including liquid chalk)
• Copy paper
• Correction fluid
• Drawing paper
• Electric pencil sharpener
• Envelopes
• Flair pens
• Guillotine paper cutter
• Hand-held hole punch
• Highlighters
• Index cards
• Markers
• Paper
• Paper clips
• Paper trimmer
• Pens
• Pencils
• Rubber bands
• ScissorsSharpies
• Sticky notes
• Stapler
• Staples
• Sticky Tack
• Tape (two-sides, electrical, painter, magnetic, velcro, packing, duct, washi)

Classroom essentials are like a small collection of supplies and furniture but are also the foundation for a thriving learning environment.  These supplies foster organization and creativity to facilitate different teaching styles—these tools empower you and your students.

Decorative Supplies

On your first day of school, you may find your classroom has plain walls. Is it important to decorate classrooms? Yes, decorations capture students' attention and visually reinforce learning concepts. 

A well-decorated wall with drawings such as alphabets, the solar system, or shapes can spark curiosity and make students excited to take an interest in their studies. Also, decorations that reflect student interests and backgrounds foster a sense of belonging and celebrate diversity in the classroom.

Here are the most common decorative supplies in the classroom:

• Alphabet strip (printing &/or cursive)
• Area rugs
• Bulletin board trim
• Contact paper
• Corner rounder
• Die cut letters
• Fadeless paper or fabric for bulletin boards
• Nameplates for student's desks or tables
• Name tags for lockers and cubbies
• Pocket charts
• Pillows
• Pinking shears

To decorate your class, choose a theme that relates to the topic you intend to teach.

Don't decorate for you! Do it for the learners. Pick the colors and patterns that'll excite your students. Use flexible decoration material so you can change the layout to give a new theme to the classrooms. 

Supplies for Students

Student supplies are the essential tools students need for active learning and participation in the classroom. When you prepare school supplies beforehand, students become well-equipped to take notes, complete assignments, and engage in projects throughout the school year.

Also, when learners carry supplies to class, they save time because they won't have to borrow class items and pencils from classmates or the teacher. 

Encouraging all students to carry supplies to class creates a level playing field for everyone as they focus on the lesson at hand rather than worrying about not having the materials to participate.

Here are some student supplies that you may find necessary for your classroom:

• Binders
• Bookmarks
• Clipboards
• Colored pencils
• Composition notebooks
• Crayons
• Dividers
• Erasers
• Folders with prongs
• Glue sticks
• Individual dry-erase boards
• Liquid glue
• Markers
• Pencils
• Pencil boxes
• Pencil pouch
• Pocket folders
• Spiral notebooks
• Watercolor paints

From a young age, learning starts with pens, paper, notebooks, rubber, markers, and many more. Without these supplies, students won't learn. Even as your learners advance to middle and high school, they'll need these supplies for effective learning.

Indoor and Outdoor Recess Supplies

Recess provides students with a much-needed break for physical activity, social interaction, and mental refreshment.

Recess supplies encourage students to get moving, which is essential for their physical health and development. They can burn energy, improve motor skills, and build endurance.

Many recess supplies are designed for group play, promoting teamwork, communication, and cooperation among students. Also, if you have many recess supplies in your school, you ensure students find activities they enjoy and allow them to participate regardless of physical abilities.

Here  are some indoor and outdoor recess supplies:

• Balls
• Beads and string
• Blocks/building toys
• Coloring books
• Drawing books
• Games
• Hula hoops
• Spy Books
• Jump ropes
• Legos
• Play-Dough
• Puzzles
• Sidewalk chalk
• Supplies for arts/crafts
• Whistle

Organizational Supplies for classroom 

Organizing your supplies saves you time and frustration and ensures that your items don't get lost. By keeping your supplies organized, you'll be able to find what you need quickly and easily, which will help you stay on top of your work.

Here are some organizational supplies to keep your backpack, desk, and locker in tip-top shape:

• Adhesive tabs
• Binders
• Bins (for collecting folders/homework, completed assignments) 
• Buckets or bins to organize your library
• Dividers with tabs
• File folders
• Gallon-sized zip-top bags
• Hanging crates
• Labels
• Page protectors 
• Plastic caddies if you do community supplies
• Plastic drawers
• Sandwich-sized zip-top bags
• Snack-sized zip-top bags

Organization Tips for Teachers

A well-organized classroom is an efficient classroom!  Here are some tips to keep your teacher supplies under control throughout the year:

• Prepare brown paper bags for each student
• Write the name of each student on the paper bag.
• Add all the supplies into the bag.
• Print and staple the supply list on each paper bag.
• Remind students to put all the supplies in their paper bags once they are finished. 
• Dedicate specific drawers, shelves, or cabinets to different categories of supplies (craft supplies, manipulatives, grading materials, etc.)
• Use clear bins or containers with labels to make it easy to identify what's inside.
• Donate gently used items to other teachers or classrooms in need. 

How to Save Money with Teacher Supplies

We all want to save money, but when you're faced with a long shopping list, picking the necessary classroom supplies can feel like a financial burden.

According to a study by WorldRemit, the United States allocated 17% of its total back-to-school spending on essential items like stationery, including pens and books, in 2023. These supplies are crucial for students and teachers.

So, what's the best trick for saving money on teacher supply? Do your shopping early! 

Shop for your school supplies is a month or two before the school year begins. During this period, most retailers stock school items in bulk, so prices are cheaper.

But again, the biggest trick is mindfulness. You might optimize your shopping list, but it's the small distractions that are taking away money from your priorities—driving through a bugger shop or wanting to have something out of your shopping plan.

Let’s look at some smart strategies to save money while ensuring your classroom runs smoothly:

• Make a list of essential teacher supplies: Have you ever walked into a store for a specific thing and walked out with a whole bag full of extras? Before you head to the store, write down everything you need. This way, you won't get sidetracked by fancy unnecessary items.
• Compare prices before buying: Don't just grab the first pack of markers you see! You want to save money and ensure that you're getting value for your hard-earned dollars. By comparing prices across different retailers, online platforms, and multiple brands, you can identify a pocket-friendly deal for the supplies you're looking for 
• Update your list regularly and cross off what has been bought: As you shop, mark off what you've bought on your list. This helps avoid buying duplicates and keeps you on track.
• Shop in stores with a 30-day return policy:  You're back with a bag full of supplies, but you realize that every purchase is not a hit. Maybe you picked drawing books for coloring books. That's why you need to shop in stores with a favorable return policy. If you want to shop at a retailer with a 30-day return policy, you'll have peace of mind If you want to return some stuff.  Keep your receipts safe until you’re sure about whether you’ll need to make a return. If you prefer shopping online, keep your email order. Your store might need the emails and receipts when you make a return or exchange.
• Team up with other teachers and buy in bulk: Buying in bulk attracts a discount, so you can reduce out-of-budget costs and save. Also, it's easier to procure and track expenses when they're in large quantities. When you buy in large quantities, you avail the necessary items and minimize the re-ordering process, saving you time and money.
• Take advantage of tax savings: School supplies may be priced differently based on the percentage of value-added tax imposed by the government. You want to choose commodities that are exempt from tax or have lower VAT imposed on them. Such products are cheaper!

What to Consider Before Creating Your Teacher Supply Checklist

Before creating your teacher supply checklist, it's essential to assess your specific requirements. This involves considering several key factors:

• Grade level: The age and developmental stage of your students significantly impact the supplies you'll need. For instance, for kindergarten, you focus on basic supplies like crayons, scissors, glue, and manipulatives for hands-on learning while in high school you prioritize supplies like textbooks, lab equipment, and technology for more complex subjects.
• Subject(s) taught: Different subjects demand different materials. For example, teaching math would require different supplies from teaching English.
• Classroom size: The number of students in your class will determine the quantity of supplies required. Larger classes may need more supplies for group activities or individual use.
• School policies: Some schools may furnish basic supplies like paper, pencils, and textbooks, while others expect teachers to provide their own.

By carefully considering these factors, you can create a supply list that is tailored to your specific classroom needs. This will help you avoid unnecessary purchases and ensure you have everything you need for a successful school year.

Create a Comprehensive Teacher Supply Checklist

As an educator, having the right supplies is essential for effective teaching. Students benefit when teachers are equipped with the right supplies as they participate actively in classroom work.

Managing teaching duties alongside supply management can be overwhelming, but by planning your purchases, comparing prices, and utilizing smart shopping strategies, you can save on cost and time.

A well-organized and well-stocked classroom doesn't have to come at the cost of your budget. With a little planning and resourcefulness, you can create a stimulating learning environment for your students without breaking the bank.