Browsing Category

Classroom Organization

Best Teacher Supplies from 2024: Enhance Your Classroom Setup

Classroom Management, Classroom Organization, Classroom Set-Up December 23, 2024
blog header for best teacher supplies

As teachers, we’re always on the hunt for teacher supplies and resources that make teaching more effective, efficient, and engaging. Whether it’s a game-changing organizing tool or a simple supply that sparks joy, the right items can transform your classroom into a haven for both learning and creativity.

As we step into 2025, I’ve pull together a list of my top five must-have classroom items that I purchased this year. I think every teacher should consider adding these items to their toolkit. These products aren’t just about function—they’re about making our teaching lives a little easier and our students’ experiences even more memorable. From the latest tech to classic favorites, this list has something for every educator.

Let’s dive in and discover the game-changing items that could redefine your classroom this year!

Please note Amazon affiliate links are included in this post for your convenience.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Teacher Supply #1 – AFMAT Pencil Sharpener

picture of pencil sharpener and cup of sharpened pencils

The AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener is hands down the best pencil sharpener I’ve ever owned as a teacher. Designed to prevent students from over-sharpening and breaking their pencils, this tool saves time and reduces frustration for everyone. It ensures a perfect point every time, making it ideal for both colored pencils and standard pencils.

Built to handle heavy use in a classroom setting, this sharpener is durable, reliable, and quiet enough not to disrupt your lessons. Say goodbye to broken pencil tips and messy sharpening sessions! Click here to invest in this essential classroom tool today.

Teacher Supply #2 – GameNote Rotating Supplies Organizer

Picture of lazy susan classroom supplies organizer

The Gamenote Rotating Art Supply Organizer is an absolute game-changer for keeping your classroom tidy and efficient. This versatile lazy Susan organizer features multiple compartments perfect for storing markers, crayons, scissors, and other classroom supplies, all within easy reach. Its ability to rotate makes it easy for students to grab what they need without disrupting the flow of a lesson.

Durable and designed with vibrant colors, it’s not only functional but also adds a cheerful touch to your classroom setup. Click here to check it out and add it to your classroom today! I use mine on my small group table to have teacher and classroom supplies super handy!

Teacher Supply #3 – Table Spots

Picture of three table spots on a teacher's small group table

The Original Teacher’s Table Spots are a lifesaver for small group work and collaborative learning. These colorful and durable dry-erase spots stick directly to table surfaces, providing a versatile workspace where students can write, draw, and brainstorm without needing individual whiteboards. Perfect for classrooms without whiteboard tables, they turn any flat surface into a creative hub.

Not only are they easy to clean and reuse, but their vibrant colors help organize group activities and assignments effortlessly. Whether you’re facilitating a math workshop or a reading group, these table spots keep your lessons interactive and your classroom engaging. Click here to explore this must-have tool for your teaching toolkit!

Teacher Supply #4 – Amazon Basics Felt Tip Marker Pens

photo of different colored amazon felt tip pens

If you love flair pens but are looking for a more cost-effective option, you need to check out the Amazon Basics Felt Tip Marker Pens. These pens deliver smooth writing and vibrant colors —all at a fraction of the price of traditional flair pens. They’re perfect for grading papers, jotting notes, or adding a pop of color to your lesson plans.

With a comfortable grip, they’re ideal for teachers who write a lot throughout the day. These pens strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability. Click here to stock up on these classroom must-haves today!

Teacher Supply #5 – Adhesive White Board Roll

photo of adhesive white board roll on a classroom door with a math problem solved on it

For teachers looking to maximize vertical space in their classrooms, the adhesive whiteboard roll is an incredible addition. This versatile tool allows you to create multiple whiteboard surfaces around the room, making it perfect for implementing strategies like Building Thinking Classrooms. Students can easily collaborate, brainstorm, and solve problems in groups using these vertical spaces.

The roll is easy to cut to size and adheres securely to walls or other surfaces, turning any area into a writable workspace. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to expand your whiteboard space without investing in large, bulky boards. Click here to explore this flexible and innovative classroom solution!

Each of these classroom supplies has the potential to simplify your teaching routine. Whether you’re looking for ways to organize, inspire creativity, or enhance collaboration, these tools have you covered. Start 2025 off right by incorporating these game-changing teacher supplies into your classroom!

For more info…

Top 10 Classroom Organization Tools

5 Fidgets for the Classroom

Chapter Book Ideas for Early Readers

Classroom Organization Essentials: The Ultimate Top 10 List

Classroom Organization, Classroom Set-Up July 2, 2024
Blog Header for blog post about classroom organization

Classroom organization is a topic that is near and dear to my Type A teacher heart. Whether you are a Type A, Type B, Type C, or Type Z teacher – organization to a degree is important in any classroom.  

Here are three benefits to having an organized classroom…

  • Less clutter and chaos in the classroom can reduce stress for you and your students
  • Saves time when materials are organized and easy to find for you and your students
  • Sets a positive example for students which helps them continue to build their executive functioning skills

I’ve been teaching for 17 going on 18 years and classroom organization is something that I’ve continued to refine and change over time. Today I’m sharing my Top 10 list of items to use to help keep your classroom organized and efficient. A lot of these organizational items are extremely versatile and could be used in many different ways in the classroom.

Affiliate links are included for your convenience.

Classroom Organization Essential #1 – 6 Qt Storage Box

Photo of classroom organization tool - a storage box used to hold classroom library books

Over the years, I have probably bought 1 billion of the shoe box plastic storage bins. These are great for storing extra supplies, organizing your classroom library, storing math manipulatives, and more. Sometimes I use them with the lid and sometimes I use them without. These storage boxes are extremely versatile!

Classroom Organization Essential #2 – Mesh Bags

Picture of mesh bags being used to hold classroom games

These mesh bags have been a game changer for my classroom organization. I have them in tons of different sizes and use them for ALL of the things! They are a great way to store literacy stations and math games and can also be used for other materials. The smaller sizes I used to organize my decodable books and I’ve used some of the larger sizes to organize all of the materials that come with our phonics program. 

Classroom Organization Essential #3 – Rotating Supply Organizer

Picture of rotating supply organizer for classroom organization

This classroom supply organizer is new to my classroom this year! I’m so excited to use it at one of my small group tables to have supplies organized and easily accessible for when they are working there. I love that these containers come out and the best part of all – it’s a lazy susan – it spins!

Classroom Organization Essential #4 – Teacher Toolbox

Photo of a teacher toolbox for supplies

I was on the fence about making a teacher toolbox a few years ago and wondered if I’d really actually use it. But, I caved to the peer pressure and made one. And, best of all – I actually use it! This toolbox has been extremely handy to keep small supplies organized – paper clips, binder clips, sticky notes, etc.  Super easy to make and use! 

Classroom Organization Essential #5 – Grey Storage Bins

Photo of grey storage box holding decodable books

These bins are also extremely versatile in the classroom. I am currently using these bins to house my decodable books (in their mesh bags) and my book study sets.  I have also used them in cubbies for students to keep their crayons and headphones in. These storage boxes will also often fit inside a desk so that is an option too.

Classroom Organization Essential #6 – 3 Drawer Storage

Photo of 3 drawer organizer for classroom organization

I love the Iris brand for storage materials! They are always sturdy and are long-lasting. I got this 3 drawer storage as a two pack set. I decided to use one to organize my writing station materials. So, I made little signs to go in each drawer so students would know what they’d find. I use the other organizer to organize our writing workshop papers.

Classroom Organization Essential #7 – Plastic Case

Photo of plastic project case

I am currently using these project cases to reorganize some of my math materials and games. I love how it’s clear so you can see what is inside and it’s a great way to divide out some of the math topics. For example, instead of a big bin for measurement – I now have a measurement one and a perimeter/area one.

Classroom Organization Essential #8 – 16qt Clear Storage Box

Picture of plastic organizer for geometry materials

Another organizational item that can be used for pretty much anything! I have used these to organize stations. So one bin might be the fluency station and all of the station materials are inside that bin. Then when students are at that station they would grab that bin and take it to their work area. I have also used these to organize math task cards, materials, and games by topic.  I have used these as book bins for larger picture books and nonfiction books in my classroom library.

Classroom Organization Essential #9 – Brag Tag Organizer

Photo on brag tag organizer

I love using brag tags as a positive behavior system in my classroom. However, I don’t love all the eight billion pieces! Using one of the toolboxes as an organizer has made it so much easier to keep track of it all!

Classroom Organization Essential #10 – Large Clip Box

Photo of mentor texts organized in clip boxes

The stackable storage option is great for a variety of things. I currently use it to organize my teacher books/mentor texts. Each bin is a different topic – reading skills, back to school, behavior, growth mindset, science, etc. This makes it easy for me to pull mentor texts when I’m looking for them for specific lessons.

For more info…

5 Amazon Must-Haves for Primary Teachers

Team J’s Amazon Storefront (all of my favorite teacher goodies and more)