Many school systems supply students and parents with supply lists at the beginning of each school year that include paper, notebooks, writing tools, rulers and calculators, art supplies and more. While most parents adhere to the list and buy the supplies their children need, it's inevitable that some students will lose, break or forget their supplies. Purchase several complete sets of the supply list to have on hand if students don't have everything they need. You can often purchase supplies in bulk from warehouse and office-supply stores, allowing you to stock your supply closet with plenty for everyone. Extra copier and construction paper, card stock and poster board, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, tape and glue are must-haves for the elementary classroom.
Depending on the grade level and the curriculum of your school, elementary school classrooms should be stocked with supplies to encourage hands-on learning. For example, in kindergarten and first grade classrooms learning about shapes, have a selection of common items in different shapes for children to use in shape experiments and learning activities. At all grade levels, supplies for art projects are important for teaching; recycle jars, cardboard, egg cartons and boxes in the classroom. And of course, every elementary classroom should have well-stocked bookshelves with age-appropriate, educational titles.
Technology is becoming increasingly important in the elementary grades, and classrooms should include basic equipment so children can get comfortable with using computers and more. While computers and printers are must-haves--and included in many elementary classrooms--digital cameras, scanners and digital projectors are also useful in the classroom. Even children in the lower grades are creating multimedia presentations, for example, and need technology in the classroom to learn these skills.
Rewards are powerful motivators, so teachers should have a variety of treats and prizes available to praise and reward their students. Have a selection of stickers and dollar-store prizes and treats on hand to give out to students who win games, demonstrate good behavior or meet other goals. Motivational stickers are easy to put on worksheets and tests to praise students on their work, or use rubber stamps with fun and encouraging phrases and sentiments. Purchase some personalized stationery or note cards to write notes to students and their parents; a handwritten note of praise from a teacher can be a big boost to a student's self-esteem.