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?
Oh my goodness – there is nothing like a good pencil sharpener. I have a laminator, binder, and paper cutter. A pencil sharpener would save my poor palms.
I would love to win because I feel like I pour so much into my students, and this year has been especially hard. (I teach self-contained special ed and have never had so many students!!)
I’m a veteran teacher and have a laminator, binder and pencil sharpener. I’m telling you though, that paper cutter is calling my name! I usually wait until most of the staff are gone, go into the copy room, borrow the paper cutter and return it in the early morning before the staff arrives. LOL
Haha that’s a good idea! Sounds like your own would be very handy!
As a spec ed teacher the laminator would definitely get the most use! But any of these supplies would be useful in our classroom, there never seems to be enough funding for the materials we need!
As a special education teacher, I am always creating visual materials for my students. A laminator will be amazing!
I use my laminator on almost a daily basis. I’m actually on my third one because I keep burning them out. I will have to try this one and see if it holds up better.
I would love the paper cutter or the stapler. Thanks for hosting these giveaways!
Thank you so much for these great resources. It is great as a first time Kindergarten teacher at a private school to know what works best in the classroom. I would love to win anyone of these items but my heart is set on the binding machine. My Kindergarteners work so hard on projects and writing it would be a great way to be able to showcase all their work they have done. Not to mention all the ways I can use it for resources in the classroom.
Yes!! That’s why I love the binding machine.
All of these would be amazing! Love your ideas and website!
Love to win a prize because who doesn’t love to win teacher gifts! We can all use a little help financially I’m sure. So busy providing for others, sometimes we use hand me downs & OLD things to get by:)