I was given product to review in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.
I went right to the source, a teacher, and found the best classroom supplies to give!
We always hear how much teachers have to pay for their own classroom supplies. Teachers are the best things that can happen to our kids – for their own education and the sanity of the parents – so I always try to get whatever the teacher needs on their school supply list. Unfortunately, we get our teacher assignments and list of classroom supplies at the end of August when I’ve already started buying things!
This year, I decided to ask a teacher what she wanted and needed in terms of classroom supplies. I have plenty of teacher friends – some I graduated from high school with, some were my high school teachers and others are friends who became teachers. I sent a Facebook message to an old high school teacher I had when I was younger. I flat out asked her what she REALLY wanted and needed in terms of classroom supplies.
Mrs. C. taught me geography in the 7th grade. I loved geography and having her as my teacher. I don’t recall needing many supplies as a class, just our own personal stash of paper, notebooks, folders and writing instruments. But this year, Mrs. C. is teaching 2 sections of 5th grade English. And while she has a class supply budget of $250, she’s encouraged to prioritize and purchase things that are really needed like pencils, highlighters, tape, pocket folders and staples. For her English class, each child needs 2 composition books. With an average of 50 total students, and $1 each composition book, that budget gets eaten up pretty quickly. That means all of the other items the teacher needs come straight out of her pocket.
Best Classroom Supplies for Teachers
- composition books
- small dry erase boards
- dry erase markers
- bulletin board decorations and borders
- cleaning wipes
- tissue
- large craft sticks
- pencils
- highlighters
- book club gift certificates
- tissues
- cleaning wipes
Mrs. C. adds each student’s name to 1 craft stick. When she has to pick partners or groups for projects, she pulls out the sticks and groups the children together! Such a great and easy idea!
The majority of these classroom supplies can be grabbed from Oriental Trading! If you are unsure exactly what your child’s teacher needs for classroom supplies, just ask, or if that seems awkward, give him or her a gift card so he or she can pick out something on their own.
Need some more fun back to school ideas?
- How to Stay Organized for the School Year
- Back to School Teacher Gift
- Spice up School Lunches with our Fish Bento Box
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