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?
I love that you are doing this give away! I work in a public school as a para. I’m not like your normal classroom para. I do therapy with children with autism, down syndrome and other abilities. The district I work for does not give me a budget (because paras don’t get budgets) therefore I purchase pretty much everything I need to work with my kiddos. I print and laminate ALOT! I mostly go for the “free” printables. So because of wonderful people like yourself, I at least safe some money there. So thank you for all you do and post!
Aww and thank YOU for all that you do with students!
I have a small preschool. I try to provide new and interesting things for the kids to do every day. When I have the opportunity to aquire new items I jump at the chance. Anything that I can get to help teach the children is a Godsend. A laminater for the classroom would be such a helpful and useful addition.
I agree with all these recommendations. I would also add a link to laminating sheets from Amazon. I get a bigger bang for my buck by purchasing non name brand 5mm sheets (more sturdy and durable).
If I could add anything to your list it would be adhesive velcro/magnets. With many of my laminated tasks, I add velcro or magnets for different activities and kids love it!! Thank you for putting this list together. I never would have thought about a binding machine though but you make good points. Happy Holidays!
Great ideas! Magnets and velcro dots are very handy!! And yes, I should put a link to the laminating sheets. I like to buy the 100-pack on Amazon. Thanks for the idea to get the non-name brand 5mm sheets!
Wow! What a great and helpful post!!
Well the school I work at, in Italy, does not offer any of the above apart from the Binding machine. If I were to win, I’d love any of the others really!!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to win!
All the best,
Connie
P.S. I love your materials and thanks for sharing!
I used my paper cutter all the time but it has broken from use.
I Never used a a binder before.
Hello! I would like to win the pencil sharpener because ours went out recently. It’s been a chore keeping the pencils sharpened around here for school. Ha!
Thank you for the opportunity to try to win!
These are definitely my top 5!
I’ve been thinking of homeschooling my boys next year. This info really helps! Thank you!
These are all so important to printable success! I think the laminator would be my choice! Thank you
I started kinder this year with our oldest and would love to have the binding machine for being able to make books, and fun projects with my kids. This is a great idea to have this tool for homeschooling. Thanks for the idea!