From one teacher to another, figuring out what to put on teacher wish lists at the beginning of the new school year is tricky, especially when you are a brand new teacher in a new school and have no idea what to expect.
Teaching is all about being creative, and although you can be a great teacher without all the stuff…sometimes all the stuff makes it a lot more fun! Having the right supplies, manipulatives, and creative tools in the classroom can make teaching much easier, and, for your students, learning can be a lot more fun.
Today, we are providing suggestions for you to put on your new teacher’s classroom wish list.
Types of Teacher Wish Lists
Let’s start with what kinds of wish lists you should have. If you have access to a class Facebook page or a class website, you have a few more options for getting your wish lists out there. You can also house your wish lists as Google Documents or on Canva, where you will have links you can send out.
Post your wish lists on your class page, and periodically add them as links in your newsletters or weekly emails.
Don’t be shy when sending them out at the beginning of the year or during the holidays.
#1 | Local Business Wish List
In our experience, having a local store wish list is a really nice way to show support for the community and give people an easy way to show appreciation.
These local business teacher wish lists include gift cards and/or supplies from local businesses that you would like to have. Consider having a personal preferences section and a classroom needs section.
#2 | Amazon Wish List
This is your general wish list, which you can add as a link or a QR code to documents sent out the first week of school.
This list should include the types of items that are truly “wish” items. These are fun manipulatives you want, classroom games, STEM kits, etc.
#3 | Teacher Resources Wish List
With marketplaces like TPT and Etsy being so prominent, it only makes sense that you might make a list of resources you’d like to use in your classroom available for people to purchase for you. On the same page, include a link where parents can purchase a gift card for Etsy or TPT.
We have several awesome bundles in our Fun in 5th Grade store for 3rd-6th grade. Check them out by clicking on this link!
#4 | Project Wish Lists
If you have any big projects or clubs you want to implement, be sure to have a wish list with what the project is and what the class needs to do.
Pro-Tip: Especially if you are part of a smaller school, share this project and the teacher’s wish lists with your PTA or PTO and see if there is anything they can do to help make it all come together.
Projects are a great way for students to collaborate, problem-solve, practice skills, and think outside the box. Any one of the projects below could be expanded on with some extra supplies.
- Create-Your-Own Review Game—You can add to this project by purchasing extra game pieces, laminating student cards, or getting special supplies for students to build boards. You can also take it further by introducing 3D printing into your room so students can design their own pieces.
- Make-Your-Own Game Show—Add to this project by purchasing supplies for students to make the show more fun and physically interactive. Students can make physical cards that can be turned over and add music, lighting, buttons, etc. Adding items that allow for special effects during gameplay can add a whole new element to this project.
- Create a Country Activity – Add supplies for students to use as they make flags and costumes for their new country. Provide items and let students get creative with how they can be used to celebrate the new country they are creating!
#5 | Parent Volunteer Wish List
We often think of putting together a wish list for items we want for the classroom, but what about putting together a wish list for actual classroom help?
Would your day be easier if you had someone who could come in and read with students each Tuesday? Put that on your classroom volunteer wish list.
Do you want to do a particular project, but you need more adult help to make it possible? Put it on your volunteer wish list.
What Items Should I Put On My New Teacher Wish List?
Let’s start with those basic school supplies you always seem to need…
- Expo Markers
- Kleenex
- Headphones
- Wet Wipes
- Paper Towels
Now, let’s move on to more fun stuff.
- Manipulatives
- Blocks
- Beads
- Building Bricks
- Shapes
- Letter Blocks
- Dice
- Get lots of them in different sizes. You never know when an 8-sided or giant dice will come in handy.
- Oversized Games or Pieces
- Dice
- Games
- Paper
- Foam Blocks
- Balls
- Project Kits
- STEM Kits
- Dress Up Kits
- Art Kits
- Craft Kits
- Craft Supplies
- Stickers
- Markers
- Posterboard Markers
- Clothes Pins
- Craft Sticks
- Silly Scissors
- Pipe Cleaners
- Pom Pom Balls
- Things that make things stick to other things
- Magnets
- Velcro
- Command Hooks
- Ceiling Tile Hooks
- Sticky Tack
- Assorted Decorations
- Balloons
- Streamers
- Posterboard
Have fun with your new teacher’s wish list, and don’t do too much editing. Just put your ideas and thoughts out into the world and see what happens.
Check out the Fun in 5th Grade store for full-year bundles to add to your new teacher wish lists.
