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Before I became a teacher, I underestimated how much work teaching would be and how much of my own money I would spend on my classroom and students! Teachers put so much time, money, and love into teaching and they all deserve a pay raise! Now that I’m a homeschool mom, I am also putting in so much time and money into teaching my three boys.
Over the years, I’ve used various tools to make teaching easier.
Today I’m sharing my top five teaching supplies. Of course, you could buy lots of other supplies, but these are my must-haves!
Top 5 Teaching Supplies
#1 – Home Laminator
I have used my Scotch Thermal Laminator for over 7 years and it’s still working great! I use it to laminate any printables I want to use with dry-erase markers or other printed items that I want to be more durable, such as printable games. Having this in my home is a game-changer and saves me money! Even my husband used it the other day for work! 😉
The one I purchased in 2013 is no longer available, but the one that is most similar is this one.
#2 – Binding Machine
I know this one might surprise you, but I love my binding machine! I have used this so many times! It’s great for making journals, packets, small booklets, and even my handprint calendar. It is also super easy to use.
#3 – Pencil Sharpener
Investing in a good pencil sharpener is a must! I’ve gone through some pretty cheap pencil sharpeners and it’s so frustrating spending money on something that breaks! This Xacto pencil sharpener is great for home or the classroom!
#4 – Stapler
Getting a good, heavy-duty stapler is so helpful! I love this Swingline one because you can staple a lot of pages at once!
#5 – Paper Cutter
So many printables for early childhood require cutting! I love using this paper cutter to save time. It makes cutting a breeze!
Of course, there are many more supplies I could add to this list. These are just my top 5!
What is your must-have for teaching supplies?
I love the idea of a laminator to create games, activites and manipulatives for students to use. Items van be wiped down and kept clean. It helps to save paper and kids love to learn by playing the games and activties. I am a school supply junkie like most teachers. I can use anything but the lamintor would be my #1.
Great top 5’s. I could use a heavy duty stapler. I typically use binder clips.
I love them all.
All of these items are awesome, but I’d be most excited to win the book binder. Visual schedules, social stories, and high contrast books are just a few things I’d make!
I work with Special Needs Preschoolers and this will be great with letter recognition.
I agree with all these! That paper cutter was one of the best things I was gifted from my wishlist and the laminator was the first thing I bought for myself as a preschool teacher.
Home Laminator… I would like one of these to use in my class when I have printable worksheets that I use with my children that can be laminated. With one of these of our own in our classroom this way I don’t have to keep borrowing the one they have at the from office.
I would love the paper cutter. Teaching K it seems like everything has to be cut. I would love to not have to run to the office!!!!!!
we love making class books in class and the binder would be a great addition to making our books more durable
I could think of lots of uses for the binding machine. ❤️
You can never have too many laminators.
I would be able to use it at home with my son who I might homeschool in the future
The Heavy duty stapler is a need in our school. Thank you
My kids love any dry erase projects so the laminator would make life so much easier!