First Year Teacher Must Haves

As a first year teacher the thought of setting up your classroom can be daunting.

Books, markers, crayons, pencils, where do you even begin? The internet is flooded with lists of things that first year teachers “need”–but I’m here to tell you that the list of things you actually NEED for your first classroom is much smaller than you may think!

These items have saved my sanity, increased classroom engagement, and withheld the test of time (& a lot of little hands).

So first year teacher friends, look no further! Here’s a list of 10 absolute MUST HAVES that I truly believe every first year teacher NEEDS in their first classroom.

1. Whiteboards

Whew! Let me tell you–there is NO better tool to use in your classroom to increase engagement than whiteboards.

Impromptu activity? Whiteboards.

Check for understanding? Whiteboards.

Small group work? Whiteboards.

Buy now, thank me later–I promise you will!

2. Clipboards

You know those moments when you’re sitting at your desk and you just need to get up & stretch? Our students feel like that ALL. THE. TIME. Clipboards allow your students the flexibility to work freely around the classroom & in return their brains & bodies are warmed up & ready to engage with learning!

We use these almost daily in our classroom, whether it be for writing around the room, task cards, partner work, etc!

3. A Personal Laminator

Take it from me–this may be the BEST investment you make as a first year teacher. There is nothing worse than when the school laminator eats the things you spent hours printing. & let’s be real–the lamination is so thin & flimsy that there’s no way your task cards will survive the entire year.

4. Laminating Sheets

Echoing my statements from before–quality lamination sheets are something worth investing in! I know lots of people prefer the Scotch brand, but I am personally a big fan of this off-brand & have used them for years with zero issues! My centers & classroom decor still look as good as they did the day I laminated them!

5. Individual Student Book Bins

It’s no secret we want to get books into the hands of our students as often as possible–but where are they supposed to put them? Individual book bins are a lifesaver! My littles keep 6 books in their book bins each week & it has worked out great for us!

6. White Card Stock

Print all the things on white card stock instead of white printer paper & you’ll thank me in a decade when you’re still able to use the same task cards 10 years later, haha!

7. A Staple Remover

Yup. Seems silly & small but the amount of time & energy it will save you makes this worth every penny of the $3 you’ll spend to purchase one!

8. A Cordless Hot Glue Gun

Things you never thought you’d do as a teacher: hot glue shoes back together or backpack straps back onto bags.

Things you’ll do as a teacher: hot glue shoes back together or backpack straps back onto bags.

Not only is a hot glue gun helpful for hanging up decor and posters but it’ll come in handy during those small, unpredictable life moments that are sure to pop up & take you by surprise when you’re working with little ones!

9. A Pencil Sharpener

I’ve had this pencil sharpener for 4 years & it is still going strong! Just a little tip (no pun intended)–I always sharpen my student’s pencils for them (& I would recommend that for the little ones).

10. Dry Erase Sleeves

Wrapping up this list with my personal FAVORITE. Worksheets? Centers? Small group activities? Instant engagement boost when you bring these dry erase sleeves out! The tinies LOVE them & I love that I don’t have to make lots of extra copies!