A classroom supply checklist helps teachers prepare for lessons, organize shared materials, and plan purchases. Start with your school’s requirements, then adjust quantities for your class size, students’ ages, and planned activities.
1. Everyday writing supplies
- Pencils and suitable pencil sharpeners
- Erasers
- Pens for students who need them
- Colored pencils, crayons, or washable markers
- Rulers
Separate individual student supplies from shared classroom materials. Keep a small reserve for lost or worn-out items.
2. Notebooks and paper
- Subject notebooks or exercise books
- Loose-leaf paper with the required ruling
- Printer or copier paper
- Construction paper for classroom activities
- Graph paper where needed
Check paper size, ruling, and sheet count before comparing packs. Choose quantities that match your lesson plans and available storage.
3. Organization and storage
- Folders for assignments and take-home work
- Binders and dividers where required
- Pencil boxes or cases
- Labeled trays, baskets, or storage containers
- Labels for shared materials
Set up clear places for unused supplies, completed work, and materials that need replacing.
4. Art and practical activities
- Age-appropriate scissors
- Glue sticks and suitable craft glue
- Sketchbooks or drawing paper
- Paints and brushes when required
- Protective table coverings for messy activities
Follow your school’s guidance on materials, supervision, and student allergies. Check product age recommendations before purchasing.
5. Teaching and classroom presentation
- Whiteboard markers and an eraser, if your classroom uses a whiteboard
- Lesson-planning notebook or planner
- Teaching charts and reusable learning aids
- Sticky notes and index cards
- Teacher-use stationery stored away from younger students
Check what the school already provides before adding these items to your shopping list.
6. Calculators and technology
Confirm the calculator type or model required for your subject and grade level. Check existing devices and school purchasing policies before buying calculators, headphones, chargers, or other accessories.
7. Calculate quantities before ordering
For individually issued items, multiply the number of students by the quantity each student needs. Subtract usable stock already available, then add a reasonable reserve if your budget allows.
For example, a class of 25 students needing two notebooks each requires 50 notebooks. If you already have 10 suitable notebooks, you need to purchase 40 more.
Use our Classroom Estimator to help plan quantities and estimated costs. Confirm current prices and pack quantities before placing an order.
8. Prioritize purchases within your budget
Buy essential teaching and learning materials first. Compare equivalent products using pack quantities, unit prices, and final delivery costs. Larger packs are useful when the supplies will be used and can be stored properly.
Keep your checklist up to date
Review classroom stock regularly and record items that run out quickly. Use our Supply List Builder to organize your requirements and our Budget Calculator to support your planning.
