Starting a new school year is both an exciting and demanding time for teachers. With fresh faces, new schedules, and tons of planning ahead, it’s essential to have the right supplies at your fingertips. Having a well-stocked classroom ensures you’re ready for any situation, so here’s a guide to the best stationery supplies that every teacher needs when starting the school year.
1. High-Quality Notebooks and Planners
Keeping organised is key! A high-quality planner helps teachers track important dates, plan lessons, and manage tasks efficiently. Look for planners with sturdy covers, a clear layout, and sections for to-do lists, grading, and daily notes. Don’t forget notebooks for meeting notes and quick brainstorming sessions.
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Recommended: Teacher Planners
2. Multi-Coloured Markers and Highlighters
When it comes to keeping students engaged and emphasising key points in lessons, nothing beats the power of colour. A variety of markers and highlighters allow teachers to create vibrant, visually engaging boards. Choose markers with low-odour, non-toxic ink for whiteboards, and highlighters that don’t bleed through paper.
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Recommended: No-Bleed Highlighters Set & Low-Odour Whiteboard Markers
3. Staplers, Hole Punchers, and Paper Clips
Basic? Yes. But can you imagine a school day without them? Staplers and hole punchers are essential for organising worksheets and handouts. Keep a reliable, easy-to-use stapler and hole puncher in your desk, along with a large stock of staples and paper clips for quick fixes.
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Recommended: Heavy-Duty Stapler and Adjustable Hole Puncher
4. Sticky Notes and Index Tabs
Sticky notes are a lifesaver for marking books, creating reminders, and writing quick notes to students or colleagues. Index tabs make it easy to locate important sections in textbooks or binders. Make sure to get a range of colours to categorise and prioritise tasks.
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Recommended: Assorted Sticky Notes & Colourful Index Tabs
5. Pens, Pencils, and Erasers
Pens and pencils are the bread and butter of teaching supplies. Invest in high-quality ballpoint pens that are comfortable for long writing sessions and a mix of colored pens for grading. Mechanical pencils are perfect for keeping your writing sharp, and don’t forget extra erasers—students and teachers can never have enough!
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Recommended: Ergonomic Pens & Mechanical Pencils with Replaceable Erasers
6. Whiteboard Erasers and Cleaner
A clean whiteboard is a must for effective teaching. Stock up on erasers that remove all marker residue and a gentle cleaner that won’t damage your boards. Look for reusable erasers that can be washed and dried to reduce waste over time.
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Recommended: Reusable Microfibre Whiteboard Erasers & Non-Toxic Cleaner
7. Desk Organisers and Storage Solutions
Keeping your desk tidy is vital for efficiency. Invest in a desk organiser that can hold your essential supplies within reach. A drawer organiser will also help keep papers, stickers, and small supplies neatly stored.
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Recommended: Compact Desk Organiser with Drawers & Pen Holder
8. Binders, Dividers, and Sheet Protectors
Having well-organised lesson plans, attendance sheets, and student work is crucial. Binders with sturdy covers, combined with sheet protectors and labeled dividers, allow for quick access to any information you need. Transparent sheet protectors are also great for keeping frequently used worksheets clean and reusable.
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Recommended: 3-Ring Binder with Reinforced Covers & Colourful Dividers
9. Scissors, Rulers, and Glue Sticks
Cutting and pasting materials aren’t just for the students! Teachers frequently need scissors for creating bulletin boards, rulers for aligning artwork, and glue sticks for classroom projects. Choose durable, easy-to-grip scissors and quality rulers that won’t bend or snap.
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Recommended: Precision Scissors & Flexible, Shatterproof Rulers
10. Classroom Decor Essentials
Start the year off right with decor that’s both inspiring and functional. Borders, posters, bulletin board pins, and display stickers help create an engaging and welcoming learning environment. Stock up on motivational posters, student name tags, and reward stickers to encourage positive behaviour.
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Recommended: Bright Bulletin Borders & Reward Sticker Packs
Last thoughts... Equipping yourself with the right supplies not only makes your teaching life easier but also creates a more engaging and organised environment for your students. From planners to pens, and organisers to markers, make sure your classroom is stocked and ready for the new school year. After all, a well-prepared teacher is a confident teacher!
With these essentials, you’ll be ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way this school year. Happy teaching!