Top 10 Must-Have Amazon Wishlist Items for First Year Teachers

By: Breanna Miller

May 27, 2024

First off, congratulations! You made it! Teaching is a journey in itself, but one of the most rewarding adventures you will embark on. The best advice I can share is to give yourself grace and remember that each year brings something different - a unique group of students, individual learning needs, and sometimes a new curriculum. Remember you are a professional and although sometimes you may not feel like it - you have the degree to prove it! I am so very proud of you and excited to know there is another passionate teacher who is full of life and new ideas. You are needed and so very appreciated.

With that being said, I remember being a newly graduated elementary education major and not knowing what to put on my Amazon Wishlist but knowing I needed to make one. The biggest piece of advice I can give is not to put manipulative's on your wishlist unless you want your own personal set. If you do, make sure your name is marked on them. Most schools will have manipulative's for you to use in a resource room designated to your grade level. Paper, dry erase markers (unless you want a fancy brand), pencils (unless you want a big box), and other supplies the school should have plenty of that will be given to you during your pre-service week.

Below are items I had on my wishlist (or wish I had put on my list) that I use daily as a second-year fourth-grade teacher!

1. Magnetic Timer This 12 in. by 12 in. timer is a steal! It is magnetic, so you can put it on your whiteboard and large enough for the entire class to see. Although, it does have a fold out piece at the bottom if you would prefer for it to stand. The red taper provides a visual for students to see how much time they have left. It comes with a mini whiteboard that slides into the top - providing organization by allowing you to write the name of the task they are completing within that time. It doesn't make any ticking noise as it counts down and beeps only when the timer goes off (although, you can choose to turn the alert sound off). This large timer could be used for turn-and-talks, independent work, group rotations, calm-down stations, etc..
   

2. Classroom Set of Whiteboards You can make any lesson ten times as engaging with the use of whiteboards for each student. This set of whiteboards comes with dry erase markers and erasers for each board.
   

3. Classroom Set of Clipboards Clipboards are a must as it allows for students to work anywhere in the classroom. Students can complete tasks while working with you on the carpet or sitting in a preferred area in the classroom where there is not a desk. Students need movement and clipboards allow them to work wherever they move to.
   

4. Crayola Colored Pencils (Class Set) Most schools do not provide you with colored pencils and there are students who come in without them. Always assume parents will not buy materials for students as the chances are high that some students will not come in with the materials they need to be successful. Colored pencils are not only great for classwork assignments but for when students have free time or indoor recess.
   

5. Washable Markers (Class Set) Some students prefer markers to colored pencils and on assignments that require students to get creative - markers are always an asset. They make assignments colorful, show up vibrant on most materials, and are simply bolder than other coloring materials like colored pencils.
   

6. Scissors (Class Set) Again, it is always best to assume that there are students who will not have the materials they need to be successful in your classroom. It is so important to have the materials students will need to complete the tasks you assign accessible to them in the classroom.
   

7. Crayola Dry Erase Markers & White Board Marker Holder These dry erase markers are high quality! They are vibrant, bright, and bold - making them easy to be seen from anywhere in the room. Additionally, if you cannot stand the smell of markers, they are low-odor. No need to worry about smudging/residue on the board. They erase easily and leave your board clean! They are well-worth the money! You will not ever want to pick up an Expo Marker again! Don't forget something to hold them! These magnetic holders make it easy to put them on the board and are adjustable to keep your favorite markers out of reach from your students.
   

8. Bulk Size Glue Sticks It is so important to have extra materials in your classroom. If students are not coming in with them, they will certainly lose them. You will always need the extras and if you already have them accessible, even better!
   

9. Classroom Timers These are a much smaller size than the magnetic timer mentioned above. I recommend having at least 2 classroom timers to help run small groups or simply to use as a supplementary aid. I am an inclusion teacher and I often use these timers for students who require frequent breaks. I set the timer for 15 minutes and they work for that 15 minutes, then take a break for 5 minutes. It is easy for students to use to set the timer for small group rotations or students who can independently monitor their independent work/breaks. I use these every day!
   

10. Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens Teachers absolutely adore using Flair Pens for grading! These pens are known for their vibrant colors, smooth writing, bold lines, and many other great qualities. If you studied education, you'll understand the special affection teachers have for these pens. While I hesitated about including them in this list of essentials, they truly enhance the grading experience, making it more enjoyable and fulfilling. I recommend the big pack since you'll find yourself going through these pens quickly. A large pack of Flair Pens is definitely a must-have for any teacher!

Teachers, please share your must-have recommendations for newly graduated educators to add to their Amazon Wish List by leaving a comment!