School Supplies: Teacher Survival Kit

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Transitioning from Student to Teacher

Your first year in the classroom—as a teacher rather than a student—can be both exciting and overwhelming. From lesson planning and classroom management to creating an engaging and organized learning space, there’s a lot to juggle as you step into this new role. Having the right school supplies is essential, but just as important is feeling calm, confident, and prepared on your first day.

In this post, we’ll walk through the essential school supplies every first-year teacher needs, along with practical setup tips and confidence boosters to help you start the school year off strong.

First-Year Teacher Classroom Must-Haves

When students get ready for school, they’re often given a supply list to help them prepare for the year ahead. But what about first-year teachers? Who helps them get classroom-ready? We’ve got you covered! Consider this your one-stop shop for everything you need to create a well-prepared, organized, and welcoming classroom.

The Basics: Must-Have Essentials for Everyday Classroom Success

These are common supplies found in most classrooms, but they’re often overlooked until they’re suddenly needed. Share this list with your school to help ensure every teacher has access to the essentials.

Classroom Health Starts Here: Essentials to Keep Kids Clean, Safe, and Learning

Preschoolers typically get sick 8-12 times per year, and older students still average several colds annually. Since many of these illnesses originate in school settings, it’s crucial to be proactive.

A clean & healthy classroom starts with these essentials:

Encourage daily habits like wiping down desks and washing hands before snacks or meals—simple routines that help keep everyone healthier and more focused. Keeping first aid kits, bandages, and tissues readily available in the classroom also ensure you’re prepared for minor emergencies, helping students stay in class and continue learning with minimal disruption.

Staying Organized

Organization is key – especially as the school year progresses. Having the right school supplies and storage tools in place helps ensure nothing gets lost in the chaos.

These tools help streamline classroom management, making it easier to focus on teaching and learning.

Colorful Classroom, Creative Minds

Dull classrooms can dampen energy. A colorful, engaging environment helps students and teachers thrive. Not only does it spark creativity, but it also boosts morale and keeps everyone energized throughout the day.

Bring your classroom & schools space to life with:

Get creative with how you use your school supplies – colorful paper can brighten up worksheets, signage and bulletin boards, making learning feel more inviting.

Tips to Help You Feel Confident and Prepared

The first day of school can be nerve-wracking – for students and teachers. Being prepared with the right mindset and school supplies helps build confidence from the start.

Back-to-School Tips to Help You Feel Confident and Prepared

Prepare your classroom early: Using all your new classroom supplies, start personalizing your room as soon as possible. This will help you get familiar with where everything is, clearly label items, and create a welcoming environment for both you and your soon-to-be students.

Have a flexible first day plan: Begin building a schedule of what you’d like to accomplish before and after work to help ease into your new routine. Planning ahead—like setting out outfits and preparing lunches the night before—can make your mornings smoother and more focused, setting the tone for a successful day.

Create getting to know you challenges: Start the school year on a fun and friendly note by planning a few simple icebreaker activities to help everyone feel more comfortable. If you have access to your class list ahead of time, take a moment to familiarize yourself with some of your students’ names. It’ll boost your confidence and help each student feel seen, valued, and welcomed into their new classroom environment.

Now go out and inspire the next generation. Start your school year with confidence W.B. Mason has all the school supplies and support you need, delivered straight to your school!

Written By: Kylia Medeiros