There’s so much to teach in first grade! First graders are eager to learn new things and they’re curious about everything. Your students will go on new reading adventures as they begin to discover who they are as readers, they’ll grow into confident writers sharing their own stories, and they’ll become creative problem solvers and flexible thinkers in math. You’ll need a lot of 1st grade classroom supplies to help students learn and grow by leaps and bounds!
Here is our ultimate checklist of the top 50 first grade classroom supplies that every teacher needs for an academic year filled with lightbulb learning moments!
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1. Classroom file organizer
Individual compartments for name/project tabs on each slot of this brilliant classroom file system make it easy for 1st graders to keep their own work organized.
2. Book displays
Step right up to reading! You’ll need bookshelves for your reading nook, and these tiered easy-to-reach shelves, or any of our other top bookcases, are the perfect addition to any first grade classroom.
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3. Books
You’ve got the bookcases, now it’s time to fill them with books! We’ve gathered some of our favorite first grade books for getting students excited to read, from The Princess and the Pit Stop to Maurice the Unbeastly.
4. Book bins
First grade readers need access to lots of books. These bins make the perfect container to hold the books they’ll need for every reading event.
5. Student nameplates
These multipurpose nameplates are more than just a name line. They include the alphabet, a number line, shapes, an addition chart, and a number chart. They’re perfect for identifying each students’ work area.
6. Twist timer
An easy-to-use visual twist timer. This countdown timer is great for helping students anticipate transitions between rotating times. Or check out our list of other timers for the classroom!
7. Magnetic hooks
Magnetic hooks are perfect for hanging precious art pieces and projects above each students’ desk. They can be hung from metal ceiling frames. Add a plastic hanger to each hook and clip on work samples and projects. Voila!
8. Two-pocket folders
Two-pocket folders are great for a variety of purposes. They’re perfect for holding your students’ writing pieces. Add a green dot on the inside left pocket and a red dot on the inside right pocket. Works-in-progress are placed behind the green dot. Finished writing pieces are placed behind the red dot. Two-pocket folders work great as “take-home” folders. One pocket holds items to “keep at home” and the other pock holds items to “return” to school.
9. Stapler
Keep it together with a sturdy stapler! This one is jam-resistant, making sure you’re not stuck taking it apart on repeat throughout the day.
10. Laminator
Reinforce documents or make instructional items tear and spill-proof. We’ve gathered the top laminator picks so you can easily save those first grade projects to take home. Don’t forget to stock up on laminating pouches, too.
11. 3-hole punch
Easily three-hole punch up to 12 sheets minus the usual jams. Perfect for adding papers to student portfolios!
12. Bulletin board paper
Most teachers like to back their bulletin boards with bright paper. Upgrade with write-on/wipe-off paper that cleans easily with damp cloth and doesn’t tear or show staple holes. Available in a wide range of colors.
13. Bulletin board borders
You’ve got the paper, now make it a bulletin board to remember with colorful trimmers. The scalloped edge adds a cute touch. Patterns include stars, polka dot, confetti candy sprinkles, stripes, zig-zag, and back-to-school.
14. Multicolor sticky notes
Because you can never have enough sticky notes on hand in the classroom. Check out teacher hacks for post-it notes in the classroom.
15. LEGO Bricks
Nearly every first grade loves building with LEGOs. They make terrific tools in your classroom and are especially great for teaching a variety of math concepts. Check out our favorite LEGO math ideas for every skill level .
16. Math supplies
There are a variety of different math supplies for the classroom that you’ll want on hand for teaching this subject! LEGOs, manipulatives, calculators, dice, games, and more.
17. Teaching clock
Time isn’t always easy to teach, which makes this clock one of our favorite 1st grade classroom supplies. With each quarter broken down into a specific color, it’s easier than ever for your first graders to remember and retain where each minute is thanks to this analog classroom clock.
18. Stackable plastic caddies
Keep centers supplied with a rainbow of 3 compartments (1 large, 2 small) caddies made of impact-resistant plastic. Plus learn the best ways to organize your turn-in bins.
19. Pencil sharpener
We have put together the best pencil sharpeners as reviewed by teachers!
20. Tape
Teachers need a variety of tape for a wide variety of surfaces. Masking tape is great to have on hand as it’s safe and easy to tear and remove. Painter’s tape is a teacher lifesaver as it removes easily from drywall and can be placed on whiteboards for helping handwriting! Clear tape is also key for taping ripped papers and for craft projects!
21. Colorful rugs
First graders still love reading time on the rug. Add some color to your room with one of these bold patterned and brightly colored rugs.
22. Carpet spot sit markers
As an alternative to a rug for your meeting area, these carpet spot sit markers help first graders know where to sit. The best part is, the spots can be moved very easily when you want to change spots and do an impromptu switcheroo.
23. Stickers
Almost 5,000 stickers will carry you through a year of rewarding students for a job well done.
24. Smart Start Writing Paper
1″ spacing for little hands plus graphics in blue, green, and red helps first graders form letters correctly.
25. Dry-erase lapboards
Stop the paper waste madness with these durable, double-sided dry-erase boards. Students will enjoy writing and wiping away mistakes and you get to save on paper as one of your 1st grade classroom supplies! Don’t forget to stock up on colorful, dry erase markers for kids , too.
26. Magnetic whiteboard erasers
Mistakes help us learn! Erase them into history with colorful, magnetic whiteboard erasers.
27. Calendar pocket chart
Keep your year on track for learning with a classroom-sized calendar pocket chart featuring 45 clear pockets for holding headliners and days. 68 calendar pieces help you plan out the days and weeks for maximum fun and learning.
28. Daily schedule chart
Along with a calendar, it’s best to have a classroom schedule so students know the plan for the day. This pocket chart comes complete with 10 write-on/wipe-off schedule cards, 5 blank cards, and 1 title card.
29. Clipboards
Clipboards encourage independent and group learning. Easy to stack and organize, these letter-size clipboards also feature rounded edges to protect students’ hands.
30. Classroom pocket chart
Place sentence strips, flashcards, calendar pieces, library pockets, class jobs, daily schedules in this useful 34″×44″ chart featuring a total of 10 see-through pockets.
31. Sentence Strips
Showcase sentences with 3 x 24-inch, colorful sentence strips.
32. Alphabet wall
Make letter recognition happen all day long in your 1st grade classroom with this bold, 15-foot long alphabet poster. Plus it’s printed on thick card stock to last.
33. Number line
Post this number line on your wall or bulletin board to help 1st graders visualize the number line throughout the year, and make sure to check out our activities for number lines!
34. 100s Chart
Make numbers, skip counting, and odds/evens easy to see with this 100s chart with clear pockets. Fill it yourself to hang on the wall, or use it for an activity to get students sorting their numbers.
35. Magnetic money
Yes, we wish it were real, too. But this big money is second best. Teach kids to instantly identify coins and bills with these large, realistically-detailed images on the fronts and backs. Plus they adhere to any magnetic-receptive surface, such as your whiteboard, to attract student attention.
36. Reading posters
We love reading and your first-grade students will too! This set of reading posters is great for bulletin boards or your class library corner.
37. Kindness posters
Kindness is key, especially for first grade students, which is why we love these free kindness posters. All eight are free to save and print!
38. Acrylic push pin magnets
There are so many ways to use magnets in the classroom. These ones serve as pushpins and can hold up to 6 sheets of printer paper!
39. Headphones
A classroom set of these colorful, resistant headphones makes integrating iPad and other technology in first grade a little easier on the ears, thanks to plush circular cups and an adjustable headband. If you opt to use earbuds, we have a wealth of storage ideas!
40. Wide-rule notebooks
The wide-ruled format (11/32-inch) of these 1st grade ready composition books makes it easier for early writers to share their thoughts and begin journaling on paper.
41. Board games
Board games are perfect for supplemental learning. Not only do students learn how to get along and take turns, but they can also reinforce math and literacy skills! Check out our favorite board games, including Sorry and Hedbanz.
42. String light sets
If you’re creating a theme for your classroom, or just want to brighten that reading corner, why not consider string lights as a way to add a pop of light? Here are our top string light sets!
43. Safety scissors
1st grade calls for honing those paper-cutting skills. Softgrip, cushioned handles and a textured non-slip surface helps guide the little hands toward correct handle use.
44. Crayola crayon classpack
Coloring fun continues in 1st grade. Crayons are separated into individual sections by color in the storage box, keeping coloring time better organized.
45. Wide, washable markers classpack
Keep color where it belongs and easily remove it where it doesn’t with washable and non-toxic broad line markers. This classpack features storage sections, each separated by color, to keep markers organized for first-grade creatives.
46. Glue sticks 30 pack
Put two and two together with a classroom set of giant, all-purpose sticks.
47. Classroom Chart Stand
You’ll love this chart stand with its double-sided magnetic whiteboard and storage bins. When used with chart paper, the chart stand is perfect for shared and interactive writing lessons. The magnetic whiteboard can be used with various math tools like your Magnetic Ten-Frame Set. Need more storage? The bins are great for storing math tools and other items.
48. Disinfectant spray and wipes
No teacher wants sticky messes—or worse—to linger on classroom surfaces. Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Disinfecting Wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.
49. Tissues
Runny noses happen. Make it easier by having tissues on hand for any situation!
50. Wireless charger desk stand organizer
Keep your teacher desk organized and your phone charged and ready to go with this combo desk organizer and charger.
First graders love it when you implement a theme in the classroom! Why not check out our space theme, jungle theme, sports theme, emoji theme , donut theme, and camping theme pages!
Are we missing one of your favorite 1st grade classroom supplies? Head over to our WeAreTeachers Facebook Deals page to share your faves!
