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Classroom must haves for teachers plus essential teacher supplies, lesson plans and activities.

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    Essential Classroom Items: 10 Things No Teacher Should Be Without

    Back to School
    School Specialty • Mar 29, 2016 • Last Modified: Jul 22, 2022

    Essential Classroom Items: 10 Things No Teacher Should Be Without

    Every teacher develops their own list of classroom must-haves, but there are some basic supplies everyone could use. These items might enhance learning, create more space through organization, streamline lesson-planning, or all of the above. Whether it’s your first year of teaching or your 25th, this list can contribute toward a top-notch school year for you and your students.

    10 Classroom Must-Haves

    These supplies may be basic, but their versatility makes them useful in any classroom space. Don’t get caught without them on hand.

    1. A Stash of Basic Supplies

    Basic, essential school supplies, such as pencils can be a lifesaver. Keep extra basic supplies on hand to lend to students in need, but also keep a stash of your favorite supplies to use when grading papers, leaving reminders, or planning lessons. Simple color coding might be just enough to brighten a busy semester.

    School Smart Removable Self-Stick Notes, Assorted Bright Colors, 100 Sheets per Pad, Pack of 12
    Sharpie Accent Liquid Pen Highlighters, Chisel Tip, Assorted Fluorescent Colors, Pack of 10
    Astrobrights Colored Paper, 8-1/2 x 11 Inches, Assorted Happy Colors, Pack of 500

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    2. Emergency Substitute Teacher Packets

    Stressing out over last-minute emergencies and unplanned sick days can be avoided by having a few substitute teacher packets in your desk. Include a note to the teacher, some work and activities, and names/contact info of colleagues to turn to for further help.

    3. Plastic Storage Bins

    Using plastic storage bins makes it easy to store a variety of materials. Choose color coded or clear bins to help keep things organized.

    Storex Large Interlocking Book Bins, Assorted Colors, Set of 5
    Storex Standard Crate, Letter/Legal, Black
    Rolling Cart with 3 Drawers

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    4. Reading Corner

    A simple, cozy reading nook encourages students to read during downtime. Display theme-related books with a book stand can that can work well in small spaces.

    Read More: 15 Must-Haves for Your Classroom Library

    5. Wall of Fame

    Create space where student work can be displayed. Rotate the work regularly to ensure each student is recognized.

    6. Wall Organizers

    Storage space is a hot commodity in the classroom. Take advantage of wall space with hanging organizers. Fill these with commonly used supplies, games and books.

    Safco Steel Recyclable Wall Pocket with Mounting Hardware
    Safco Steel Triple Letter Size Wall Pocket, 3 Compartments
    Command Large Utility Hooks and Adhesive Strips, 14 Hooks with 16 Strips

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    7. Personal Planner/Lesson Book Combination

    As a teacher, your time is valuable. Avoid wasting time by keeping a calendar in your lesson planner so you can keep track of meetings, conferences and planning sessions, and use free time wisely.

    8. Bell-Ringers (or Warm-Up Activities)

    There are days when you and your students need a little warm-up before diving into the day’s activities. Keep a stash of warm-up activities that last no more than five minutes. These can range from timed-tests to puzzles to stretching exercises.

    9. Snacks and Bottled Water

    It’s always wise to have small packages of crackers and a few bottles of water on-hand in the event that you or a student feels that they can’t make it until lunch or dinner.

    10. Assignment Organization System

    Place an accordion file folder or stacking trays on your desk for students to put their assignments in as they enter the classroom. This will help avoid lost or late assignments while keeping homework organized per class.

    C-Line 2-Pocket Poly Portfolio with Prongs, Assorted Colors, Set of 36
    Classroom Keepers Construction Paper Storage, 15 Slots
    Sparco Smart Solutions Organizer with Letter Tray

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    The items that are essential to each teacher’s classroom may vary depending upon the students’ age group, the subject that is taught and many other factors. What things do you find necessary in your classroom, and how do you use them? We’d love to have you share your ideas with us.

    More Classroom Must-Haves and Organization Tools

    Looking for more ideas and inspiration to get your classroom running as efficiently as possible? Be sure to stop by the Teacher Must-Haves tag page to see a collection of articles with great ideas and tips. Also visit the online store to find thousands of the best supplies and classroom tools.

    Read More: Teacher Must-Haves

    Shop: Teacher Favorites Classroom Supplies

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