5 Must-Have Teaching Supplies
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. See my disclosure for more details.
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 a must-have for you?
What a great list of essentials! If I had to choose one for my personal/ classroom use, it would be the laminator!
I have to agree that these are essentials. I already have almost all of them.
binding machine
Thank you for all you do and offer, it is so helpful! As a kinder teacher I am always in need of extra help like a personal laminator to make life a smidge easier. Thanks!
You are SOOO right about all that we teachers put into our classrooms and not a one of us would say we chose this passion for the money. We do it for the love of learning, the love of our students, and our hope for the future. I have many of the items you listed (and so many more) but our school binding machine was disgarded for being too “out of date”. Apparently, I was the only one using it. I would choose to have my own so that I can continue to to make books for my students and memories for future classes. Thank you.
Yes!! Definitely agree with you!!!
That laminator and paper cutter are on my Christmas Wish List. I just got hired at a school and need to make so many new materials, so this has me drooling!! lol
I agree that all of these supplies are must haves for teachers. It would be fantastic to win the laminator to have the option of laminating at home. Thank you for hosting this giveaway!
I’d like to win the binding machine because I could use it for so many different things and I don’t have one!
Great giveaway! I’d love the binding machine.
I would choose the laminator, it would be so handy to have for the games and lessons I teach my 3&4 year old class.