7 Supplies to Stock Up on For Your Preschool Classroom

Somehow it’s already back-to-school time, which means if you’re a preschool teacher, you’re likely scrambling to get your classroom in order. While veteran teachers probably already know exactly what they need every fall, if you’re new to teaching preschoolers, you might need a few pointers from the pros. Here are some ideas for preschool classroom supplies for teachers.

Paint

Paint is no fun for teachers to clean up, but it’s awfully fun for preschoolers to use! There are some kiddos who would happily spend hours with a smock and a paintbrush. To avoid ruining clothes (or sending kids home with multicolored hair), choose paint that is washable. Stock fingerpaint, tempera paint, and watercolors in your classroom to give kids variety.

Chunky Paint Brushes

Preschoolers are still getting a handle on those gross motor skills, so set them up for success with some chunky paint brushes that are easier for them to manipulate than the skinny ones that are usually included with watercolor palettes. In addition to brushes, you can buy inexpensive sponges and cut them into shapes to make stampers for using with tempera or fingerpaint.

Safety Scissors

Scissors certainly make the list of essential classroom supplies, and they’re also a great tool to help kids develop their dexterity. Of course, you’ll want to stock up on the ones with dull, rounded tips so your students aren’t giving each other haircuts when you’re not looking.

Dry Erase Boards and Crayons

Dry erase boards are a great, no-waste supply for kids just learning to write their names, numbers, and letters, but markers and preschoolers—well, they just don’t mix. Enter: dry erase crayons. Yes, these are a thing that exists and they’re magical. No more dried out markers and marker caps hidden away under shelves and in corners.

Glue Sticks

Preschool teachers go through glue sticks like water, so you better have a big stockpile on hand at all times! Sometimes you don’t even know when you’re almost out because kids tend to put empty glue sticks back instead of throwing them away. Keep a second stockpile locked up or out of reach so you always know you’ve got backup.

Craft Supplies

Kids love making crafts, so stock up on odds and ends that can be used to make masterpieces. Some ideas include:

• Plastic glitter

• Construction paper

• Pom poms

• Pipe cleaners

• Stickers

• Googly eyes

• Washi tape

• Felt scraps

• Origami paper

Manipulatives

Many classroom supply stores have standard types of manipulatives—think blocks and plastic letters—but there’s no need to stick with those. Use seashells that you collected on vacation, or have your students pick up acorns on the playground and put them in a big glass jar for classroom use. You’ll also find some fun ideas for manipulatives in the Toys and Games section of our website!

Order Preschool Classroom Supplies for Teachers from GEDDES

Visit the GEDDES website to shop our full selection of preschool supplies online, request our catalog today, or contact us to learn more about our products and our mission.