Most of the time, I am a big believer that less is more. However, when it comes to setting up your first (or a new) classroom, there are some essential items that will make your life a tad bit easier. Now is the time to start your classroom wish list for next school year! Here are my favorite items right from Amazon!
Classroom Wishlist Ideas for Your First (or New) Classroom
Let’s dive in! Below, you’ll find my must-have teacher wishlist items that I recommend to every new teacher. I’ve separated them by category for easy searching!
Classroom Organization & Teacher Tools Wishlist
1. Dry-Erase Pocket Sleeves
These dry-erase pocket sleeves have saved me hours upon hours of copy time. I use them during small group instruction, for center games, and even whole group activities!
One year, I even used these to display student work on a bulletin board. All I had to do was slip in the new work vs. create a whole new board.
2. Mesh Zipper Pouch Bags
These mesh zipper bags are perfect for all things teacher organization! They are super durable, and the different sizes make them extremely versatile.
I use the large bags to store all the pieces for different centers, and the small bags for office supplies.
3. 15 Drawers Rolling Cart
I’m sure you’ve seen these rolling carts in (almost) every elementary classroom. But, for good reason!
I typically use the 5 larger drawers to store my weekly copies and needed supplies, and then the smaller drawers for extra paper, pencils, markers, etc.
There are different sizes and colors available to make sure it’ll fit your space and decor.
4. Adhesive Pencil Holders for Desk
These small pencil holders are truly life-changing. Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic, but all teachers know that pencils somehow go mysteriously missing all.day.long.
Say goodbye to a floor full of pencils and hello to student responsibility!
5. Laminator
A personal laminator is an absolute must on every teacher’s wishlist! From laminating centers to protecting decor, I find myself using it at least once a week.
I’ve had this exact one for the past 5 years!
6. Classroom Caddy
If you have tables in your classroom, these caddies will definitely come in handy for storing group supplies. I stock each table’s caddy with a few extra pencils, markers, crayons, scissors, and glue.
If the bright colors aren’t your thing, there are black ones available as well!
7. 26-Drawer Plastic Drawer Storage Cabinet
It always amazes me the sheer amount of supplies teachers need each day. This storage cabinet fits nicely on your desk and is great for holding all the little things (paper clips, Velcro dots, clothespins, tape, etc.).
There are super cute labels you can find to make it extra fancy!
8. 360-Degree Rotating Pen Holder
This 360-degree pen holder fits nicely on your desk and puts all your favorite pens and markers at your disposal.
Bonus points if you can keep it looking this organized all year long!
9. Book Bins
Book bins are essential to keeping your classroom library clean and organized! You can sort your books in them by level, genre, or author for easy searching!
Just make sure to explicitly teach your students how to find and put away the books!
10. Clipboard Holder
This clipboard holder is something I didn’t think I needed, but now I will never go back to storing them any other way!
It has 12 slots and can easily hold 24 clipboards. The handle makes it easy to transport for use of the clipboards anywhere (outdoor learning, anyone?)
11. Construction Paper Storage
Type A teachers rejoice! There’s no better feeling than having your construction paper sorted by color. Plus, it makes it so much easier to find exactly what you need and see when you need to restock!
You could also use this storage as student mailboxes!
12. Rolling Cart
A rolling cart, aka a teacher’s assistant, is a must on all classroom wishlists! I like to use mine to store all the essential work supplies for each day.
From dry-erase markers to extra scissors, I can move the cart around the classroom as needed.
13. Magnetic Marker Holders
A small but mighty item on your teacher’s wishlist! These magnetic marker holders will save you a lot of time searching for the right expo marker!
I keep one on each whiteboard in my classroom and stock them full of all the colors!
14. Sterilite Drawers
These Sterilite drawers are a versatile storage option for the classroom!
In my classroom, I have one at the end of each table group to store notebooks, pencil boxes, and other workbooks.
Art/Student Supplies to Add to Your Classroom Wishlist
1. Elmer’s Glue
Although glue will likely be on each student’s supply list, I always like to have a backup supply for when we (inevitably) run out.
And we all know that Elmer’s is the only way to go.
2. Crayola Construction Paper
From crafts to lapbooks, construction paper is always needed in the elementary classroom. This 480-count should give you a good start!
3. Crayola Broad Line Markers Classpack
There are always a few students who show up each year without the needed supplies. This marker pack is great to have on hand to pass out when needed.
4. Crayola Crayons
Similarily to the markers and glue, it’s always nice to start the year with a stock of art supplies vs. scrambling once they start running out.
5. Chart Paper
I love a good anchor chart and see my students referring back to them throughout the year!
This lined chart paper is great for modeling handwriting and displaying weekly lessons.
6. Mr. Sketch Markers
Mr. Sketch Markers are my go-to for making the fancy anchor charts with the chart paper above. The fun colors make the charts engaging and fun to look at!
I’ve also used these scented markers for fun spelling centers and rewards! Students LOVE the opportunity to use my “special” markers.
7. Whiteboards
I probably use whiteboards more than any other supply in the classroom.
From small group work to whole group instruction, whiteboards are great for saving paper, switching up instruction, and quick checks throughout the day!
8. Expo Markers
And, you can’t add whiteboards to your wishlist without fresh Expo markers!
I like to write student names on each marker (with masking tape) to extend the life of each one. I find they take much better care of the markers when it “belongs” to them.
8. Pencil Sharpener
Do not start the school year without this exact pencil sharpener! I’ve tried many throughout my years as a teacher, but this one is the best!
Social-Emotional Learning
1. 60-Minute Visual Countdown Timer
I recently started using a visual timer in my classroom, and it’s been the best addition.
It’s not only great for the students who need the visual and extra reminders, but it’s been helpful for my whole class. The “Are we done yet?” questions remain, but have decreased significantly.
2. Fidget Toys Kids Sensory Rings
I’m a big believer in letting kids fidget, but also doing so quietly. There are many fidgets out there, but so many of them are distracting for the other students.
These rings are perfect for quiet, non-distracting fidget time. My studnets are able to use them at their desk while working at the same time.
3. Stress Cubes
I’m also a big advocate for having a calm-down space inside the classroom. Somewhere where students can choose to go if they need a break.
These stress cubes are the perfect tool to have waiting there.
4. A Little Spot of Emotion (Book Set)
There are so many great social-emotional books on the market, but this set is a great starting point!
There are 8 different books, each covering a different emotion. You could also get the plushies for extra engagement!
5. You’re Finally Here
Reading You’re Finally Here! is my favorite way to kick off each new school year!
This little bunny of a book character is waiting and waiting for his readers to arrive. I convinced my class that I, too, have been waiting… and waiting…. and WAITING for them to arrive!
It’s a great segue for icebreaker activities and creating a welcoming classroom from the get-go!
Math Manipulatives
1. Base-Ten Blocks with Place Value Chart
Base-ten blocks are a must-have on any classroom wishlist. They’re the math manipulatives I reach for most often.
They make it easy for students to visually and physically understand place value, as well as tackle addition and subtraction with confidence.
2. Wooden Ten-Frame
If you teach kindergarten through second grade, a ten-frame set like this definitely belongs on your teacher wishlist.
It’s ideal for small group math lessons, with wooden boards, whiteboards, and double-sided counters that help make early number concepts stick.
3. 50 Pieces Colored Dice
You’ll be surprised how often you find yourself reaching for your dice! From math games to skill practice, the options are really countless!
4. Pretend Play Money
Pretend play money is a classroom essential that speaks for itself. It’s a great tool for teaching money concepts during lessons, but I also keep it out during free play and indoor recess so students can explore it on their own.
They love using it to play store or create their own games, and in the process, they’re building real-world math skills without even realizing it!
5. Baby Bear Counters
I always keep a variety of counters in my classroom, and it’s amazing how simply changing the shape, color, or theme can instantly boost student engagement.
Counters are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from building number sense to practicing addition, subtraction, patterns, and even introducing multiplication and division.
Check out more of my favorite math manipulatives!
Science Supplies to Add to Your Teacher Wishlist
1. 28-Pack Safety Glasses in 7 Colors
Safety glasses are more than just protective gear, they’re a fun way to help students feel like real scientists.
The moment they put them on, it’s like flipping a switch into science mode (totally a thing!) They’re perfect for introducing lab safety at the start of the year and come in handy for every hands-on experiment after that.
2. STEM Magnetic Wands
Magnetic wands are a must-have on your science wishlist. They’re perfect for hands-on lessons during your Force and Motion unit or just as a fun way to ignite curiosity in young scientists.
My students can’t get enough of them. They love exploring the classroom, discovering which objects are magnetic and which aren’t.
3. Jumbo Magnifiers with Stand
Magnifying glasses are a simple yet powerful way to encourage curiosity and hands-on learning in the classroom.
Whether we’re in the middle of a science unit or it’s just free time, my students are always eager to use them. It’s always fun to watch them explore the world around them!
4. National Geographic Microscope
A classroom (and kid-friendly) microscope is an incredible tool for sparking curiosity and encouraging hands-on exploration.
This one comes with ready-to-use plant and rock samples, plus blank slides so students can prepare their own specimens.
Reading Supplies on Amazon to Add to your Classroom Wishlist
1. Dry-Erase Boards
Dry-erase boards and markers have always been a daily staple in my reading groups, and these particular boards are the best!
They’re designed to support sound manipulation, making them ideal for phonics and word work. They’re double-sided and magnetic so you can use them during many activities.
2. Sound Segmenting Trays
These sound trays are a powerful, hands-on tool that supports the Science of Reading approach.
They’re perfect for helping early readers build phonemic awareness by allowing them to physically map out sounds before blending them into words.
You can use just about any small manipulative for sound work, then switch to magnetic letters or a dry-erase marker to spell the word.
3. Finger Focus
This reading highlighter is a great tool to have on hand for students who need a little extra help staying focused on the text.
It’s especially useful for guiding their eyes while reading or isolating challenging words.
It’s a small item, but one that can make a big impact…definitely worth adding to your teacher wishlist.
More Resources to Add to Your Teacher Wishlist (Not on Amazon)
After you have your staple supplies in place, you’ll likely be ready to start adding some supplemental resources to your curriculum as well. Here are some of my favorite bundles to get you started!
1. Yearlong Science Curriculum
This science curriculum makes teaching science a snap! NGSS-aligned, these comprehensive and rigorous units will engage your students in hands-on lessons, STEM labs, and captivating resources with detailed, ready to use lesson plans that simplify your planning and enable you to teach a year of in-depth science lessons!
There’s a complete bundle for 2nd grade AND 3rd grade!
2. 2nd Grade Year-Long Grammar
Teaching 2nd grade grammar has never been easier with this yearlong 2nd grade grammar bundle! This complete resource contains 37 weeks of grammar activities with ready-to-use lesson plans, teaching PowerPoints, practice worksheets, task card centers, reading passages, and assessments.
Students practice all the second grade grammar and language standards with engaging lessons and practice activities.
3. 3rd Grade Grammar Curriculum
Inside this yearlong 3rd grade grammar bundle you’ll get 36 full weeks of print-and-teach grammar lessons, engaging PowerPoint slides, hands-on activities, reading passages, task cards, and assessments—all designed to make grammar stick without the stress.
4. 3rd Grade Holidays Around the World Bundle
Make your holidays around the world activities cross-curricular! Created especially for 3rd grade students, this bundle features hands-on and festive math, ELA, and social studies activities to captivate your students while building important skills!
This holidays around the world bundle is the perfect way to celebrate the season and introduce students to unique customs and holiday traditions of Christmas and winter celebrations around the world.
See the 2nd grade bundle OR 3rd grade bundle!
5. 2nd Grade Bundle Holidays Around the World
Take your students on a holiday adventure they won’t soon forget! Inside this holidays around the world bundle your students will travel to 18 countries on a magical journey to learn unique customs and see holiday traditions all around the world.
The bundle includes math and reading centers perfect for a classroom party!
Do you have any classroom supplies that you use every single day? I’d love to add them to my list! Let me know your must have classroom wishlist items in the comments!
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