Back-to-School Supply Truths: What Teachers Really Want (and What to Skip)

Back-to-School Supply Truths: What Teachers Really Want (and What to Skip)

by Jenna Klemm

The back-to-school section is calling, and the colorful displays are tempting—but before you grab every shiny folder and glitter pen, we’ve got the real scoop on what supplies actually help in the classroom… and which ones make teachers cringe.

Whether you’re a seasoned school supply shopper or this is your first rodeo, here’s what we recommend—straight from a teacher’s perspective.

Teacher-Approved Must-Haves

Ticonderoga Pencils (Pre-Sharpened!)

Yes, yes, and yes. These are the gold standard of pencils—durable, easy to sharpen, and they actually erase. Showing up with a few packs of these is a surefire way to earn brownie points.

Crayola Crayons (24-pack)

Stick with the classics. Crayola crayons are vibrant, long-lasting, and just the right size for little hands. Grab a few boxes!

Plastic 2-Pocket Folders

Paper folders tear too easily, and the laminated ones don’t hold up either. Durable plastic ones keep things organized and are easy to wipe down.

Composition Notebooks (not spiral)

They’re easier to store, don’t fall apart, and won’t snag on everything in a backpack. Bonus: pages don’t easily rip out and get lost.

Zipper Pencil Pouches (not boxes!)

Plastic pencil boxes might seem sturdy, but they fall off desks and spill constantly. Zippered fabric pouches are lighter, easier to store, and less likely to create chaos mid-lesson.

🚫 Supplies to Skip (We’re Begging You)

Hand Sanitizer Bottles

Sounds helpful, right? But if it spills on classroom floors, it strips the wax right off. Trust us—your custodians will not be happy. Stick to hand soap for home or individual sanitizing wipes if needed.

Crayola Colored Pencils

Surprised? While great at home, they break standard pencil sharpeners constantly. They’re more trouble than they’re worth in a classroom setting.

Plastic Pencil Sharpeners

They fall, they break, they spill everywhere. Kids end up spending more time sharpening and cleaning up than working. Leave them at home.

Slap Bracelet Rulers

Cute? Sure. Useful in class? Not even a little. These turn into toys and distractions instantly. A regular ruler is fine (but let’s be honest—most kids don’t need one for everyday classwork).

Hard Pencil Boxes

We know, they look neat and organized—but they’re bulky, hard to store, and always end up on the floor, open and spilled. Zipper pouches win every time.

Have Questions? We’re Here for It.

Wondering about glue sticks? Markers? Specific grade-level lists? We’ve got opinions (lots of them), and we’re happy to help. Drop your supply questions in the comments, and we’ll weigh in!

And teachers—what would you add to the list? Your go-to supplies? Your absolute no-go items? Let’s make this the year of mindful, helpful, and classroom-friendly supply shopping.

Here’s to a smooth start to the school year—full of sharpened pencils, zipped pouches, and zero slap bracelets in sight!