"Must-Haves" For Elementary Teachers


 Here’s a list of must-have items every elementary teacher should have in their classroom, organized by category to make it more practical:

🎯 Classroom Management Essentials

  • Visual schedule – Helps students understand the flow of the day.

  • Classroom rules/posters – Clearly posted expectations.

  • Timers – For managing transitions and keeping kids on track.

  • Behavior chart or management system – Clip chart, ClassDojo, punch cards, etc.

  • Call bell or chime – For getting attention quickly and calmly.

🧰 Organizational Tools

  • Label maker or pre-printed labels – For student supplies, bins, and centers.

  • Storage bins and caddies – Color-coded or labeled for easy access.

  • Drawer organizers – Keeps your teacher desk from becoming a black hole.

  • Paper trays – "Turn in", "To grade", "To file", etc.

  • Binders and file folders – For lesson plans, student work, IEPs, and data tracking.

✏️ Basic Supplies

  • Pencils (lots!)

  • Dry erase markers and erasers

  • Sticky notes – Great for quick reminders or exit slips.

  • Pens, markers, highlighters

  • Scissors, glue sticks, tape

  • Chart paper or whiteboards

  • Construction paper and card stock

📚 Instructional Materials

  • Anchor chart supplies – Markers, chart paper, magnets.

  • Math manipulatives – Counters, base ten blocks, dice, number lines.

  • Classroom library – Diverse books for different levels and interests.

  • Pocket charts – Great for word walls, centers, and interactive lessons.

  • Task cards and centers – Reusable activities for math, reading, and writing.

  • Whiteboards and markers for students – For quick checks and engagement.

💻 Tech Tools (If Available)

  • Document camera or projector

  • Bluetooth speaker – For playing music, read-alouds, or videos.

  • Classroom tablets or laptops

  • Charging station

  • Printer or access to one

❤️ Social-Emotional Learning & Comfort Items

  • Calm down corner supplies – Fidgets, glitter jars, emotion cards.

  • SEL books – Stories that teach empathy, resilience, and mindfulness.

  • Positive affirmation posters or cards

  • Class pet or plushie mascot – Even a stuffed animal can bring comfort.

☕ Teacher Survival Kit

  • First aid kit – Band-aids, hand sanitizer, tissues.

  • Emergency snacks – For you and those students who forgot breakfast.

  • Water bottle or coffee mug

  • Sweater or cardigan – For when your classroom feels like a freezer.

  • Extra school supplies – Pencils, glue, scissors for students in need.

🧾 Substitute Folder

  • Emergency lesson plans

  • Class list and seating chart

  • Daily schedule

  • Classroom procedures

  • Emergency drill procedures


Here are Some More Must-Haves for Elementary Teachers: Essentials That Make Teaching Easier and More Effective

Teaching in an elementary classroom is one of the most rewarding—and demanding—professions out there. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your journey, having the right tools, systems, and mindset can make a world of difference. Over time, many teachers discover a set of essentials that not only streamline their day-to-day work but also support student learning and well-being. Here are some must-haves for elementary teachers, along with a few game-changers that have made my life easier in the classroom.

1. A Reliable Classroom Management System

Without a solid plan for behavior and routines, even the best lessons can fall apart. A must-have for any elementary teacher is a clear, consistent classroom management system. Whether it’s a clip chart, token economy, ClassDojo, or a simple points system, students thrive when expectations are predictable and positive behaviors are recognized.

Pro tip: Pair your system with social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies. Teaching students how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and practice empathy builds a stronger, more respectful classroom culture.

2. Organizational Tools and Storage Solutions

Chaos breeds stress. Teachers need well-labeled bins, drawer systems, and filing cabinets to keep supplies, papers, and manipulatives in order. Color-coding by subject or using digital labels can help even young learners become independent with classroom materials.

Made my life easier: A rolling cart for daily materials and a "Monday–Friday" drawer system for lesson planning helped cut down on last-minute scrambles.

3. A Comfortable and Functional Teacher Workspace

Your desk (or corner) is your command center. Keep it stocked with essential supplies: pens, sticky notes, paper clips, disinfecting wipes, and maybe even a mini coffee maker or a calming candle (battery-operated, of course).

Must-have comfort items:

  • A supportive chair or seat cushion

  • Blue light glasses if you’re on a screen a lot

  • Personal fan or heater (depending on your school’s climate control—or lack thereof!)

4. Digital Tools That Save Time

There are tons of apps and platforms that make life easier:

  • Google Classroom or Seesaw for managing assignments and student portfolios

  • Classroom Screen for visual cues and timers

  • Canva for making engaging visuals and newsletters

  • Planbook or Planboard for digital lesson planning


5. Go-To Lesson and Activity Materials

Having a stash of low-prep, high-impact activities ready to go can be a lifesaver. Think:

  • Morning work tubs

  • Fast finisher tasks

  • Emergency sub plans

  • Brain break resources like GoNoodle or Just Dance videos

Helpful hack: Keep a “grab-and-go” binder or digital folder with your best-performing lessons, anchor charts, and graphic organizers.

6. Books—Lots of Them

A robust classroom library is essential. Include a mix of:

  • Culturally diverse stories

  • SEL-focused picture books

  • Nonfiction for curious minds

  • Chapter books for early readers

Don't forget to rotate books based on seasons, units, or student interests.

7. A Support Network

Teaching can be isolating, so a strong support system is a must-have. This includes:

  • A grade-level team that collaborates and shares resources

  • Mentors who offer advice without judgment

  • Online teacher communities (Facebook groups, Reddit, etc.)

Saved my sanity: Having a “teacher buddy” who I could text when I needed a sounding board or a copy of an anchor chart I forgot to prep.

8. Student-Centered Systems

Empowering students to take ownership of their learning saves you time and helps them grow. This includes:

  • Classroom jobs

  • Visual schedules

  • Self-check rubrics or anchor charts

  • Peer editing stations or feedback protocols

The more students can do independently, the smoother your day runs.

9. Self-Care and Boundaries

This might be the most important must-have of all. Teachers need:

  • A clear end-of-day routine to leave work at school

  • Scheduled breaks for hydration, stretching, and snacks

  • A hobby or activity completely unrelated to teaching

Burnout is real. A healthy teacher is a better teacher.

Final Thoughts

Elementary teachers are jugglers, counselors, coaches, and cheerleaders—sometimes all in the same hour. While there’s no one-size-fits-all checklist, having these essential tools and systems in place can lighten the load and allow your creativity and passion to shine. Start with what you need most, and build from there. You deserve a classroom that works as hard as you do.


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