The Ultimate Pre-K School Supplies List for New Teachers ⭐
Everything you need for your first Pre-K classroom (without wasting money on things you don’t).
Walking into your very first Pre-K classroom is exciting…and maybe a little overwhelming.
You quickly realize that your classroom needs a lot more than crayons and glue sticks. Between setting up learning centers, organizing supplies, creating a cozy reading corner, and preparing for messy art projects, the shopping list seems endless.
The good news? You don’t need everything at once.
After researching what successful Pre-K classrooms use every day (and while setting up my own first classroom), I’ve put together this ultimate Pre-K school supplies checklist. Whether you’re a brand-new teacher or simply refreshing your classroom, this guide will help you prioritize the items you’ll actually use.
I’ve also included some of my favorite products that have great reviews and would be perfect additions to your classroom. (Some of these may be affiliate links, which help support this blog at no extra cost to you.)
Classroom Essentials
These are the supplies you’ll use every single day.
Writing Supplies
- Pencils
- Crayons
- Washable markers
- Colored pencils
- Dry erase markers
- Dry erase erasers
- Highlighters
- Pens
- Sharpies
Glue & Cutting
You’ll go through more glue than you ever imagined.
Stock up on:
- Glue sticks – preferred over liquid glue. Less mess and students wouldn’t use (waste) as much!
- Child-safe scissors
- Teacher scissors
- Tape
- Double-sided tape
- Painter’s tape
Paper Products
- Construction paper
- White cardstock
- Colored cardstock
- Copy paper
- Sticker paper
- Laminating sheets
You’ll use cardstock for classroom decor, games, labels, and task cards all year long.
Teacher Supplies
These are the things that make your own life easier.
- Clipboard
- Planner
- Teacher tote
- Sticky notes
- Transparent sticky notes
- Binder clips
- Paper clips
- Stapler
- Staples
- Hole punch
- Label maker
- Label tape
- Clipboard storage
Classroom Organization
Organization saves your sanity.
Storage Bins
Choose a consistent color scheme for your storage bins, so your classroom feels calm and organized.
You’ll want bins for:
- Math center
- Literacy center
- Dramatic play
- Blocks
- Art supplies
- Manipulatives
- Task boxes
Containers
- Clear shoe boxes
- Pencil boxes
- Sterilite drawers
- Rolling carts
- Small baskets
- Caddies
Labels
Everything needs a home.
Label:
- Centers
- Student supplies
- Teacher supplies
- Cabinets
- Manipulative bins
A label maker becomes one of the most-used tools in your classroom.
Cleaning Supplies
Little learners equal big messes.
Keep plenty of:
- Disinfecting wipes
- Baby wipes
- Paper towels
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Gloves
- Spray cleaner
- Microfiber cloths
- Trash bags
- Small broom & dustpan
You’ll probably use baby wipes for everything—not just sticky hands.
Art Center Supplies
Your art center will stay busy.
Stock it with:
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Watercolor trays
- Dot markers
- Pom poms
- Pipe cleaners
- Googly eyes
- Craft sticks
- Feathers
- Tissue paper
- Buttons
- Foam stickers
- Sequins
- Hole punch shapes
Store each item in a labeled container so students can help clean up independently.
Math Center Supplies
Hands-on learning is everything in Pre-K.
Ideas include:
- Counting bears
- Linking cubes
- Pattern blocks
- Dice
- Dominoes
- Number puzzles
- Counting chips
- Ten frames
- Unifix cubes
- Shape manipulatives
Literacy Center Supplies
Encourage early reading skills with:
- Alphabet magnets
- Magnetic letters
- Letter tiles
- Dry erase pockets
- Pocket chart
- Alphabet puzzles
- Beginning sound games
- Sight word cards
- Writing journals
Dramatic Play Center
One of the most-loved areas in every Pre-K classroom.
Ideas:
- Play kitchen
- Pots and pans
- Toy food
- Cash register
- Grocery baskets
- Baby dolls
- Doll clothes
- Doctor kit
- Cleaning set
- Dress-up clothes
- Puppets
- Toy phones
- Play money
Rotate themes throughout the year to keep students engaged.
Some fun dramatic play themes include:
- Grocery Store
- Veterinary Clinic
- Restaurant
- Bakery
- Post Office
- Camping
- Farmer’s Market
- Construction Site
Block Center
Don’t underestimate blocks.
By playing with blocks, students learn:
- Cooperation
- Problem solving
- Engineering
- Balance
- Creativity
Supplies you will want to have in this center include:
- Wooden blocks
- Magnetic tiles
- Road tape
- Wooden people
- Toy cars
- Animals
- Construction vehicles
Magnetic tiles are one of my favorite investments because they work for STEM, math, and imaginative play.
Fine Motor Center
Build those little hand muscles.
Great supplies include:
- Play Dough
- Play Dough tools
- Tweezers
- Tongs
- Lacing beads
- Peg boards
- Nuts and bolts
- Buttons
- Clothespins
- Sensory bins
These activities help prepare students for writing later in the year.
Reading Corner Essentials
Every Pre-K classroom deserves a cozy place to read.
Consider adding:
- Soft rug
- Bean bag chairs
- Floor cushions
- Small bookshelf
- Book bins
- Book buddies (plush character favorites as well as simple animals)
- Reading pillows
- Book display shelf
- Soft lighting (if allowed)
Don’t forget to include a mix of:
- Fiction
- Nonfiction
- Nursery rhymes
- Alphabet books
- Seasonal books
- Social-emotional books
A comfortable reading space encourages children to choose books during free choice time.
Teacher Must-Haves Worth Every Penny
If I could only recommend a handful of items before school starts, these would be at the top of my list:
- Magnetic tiles
- Transparent sticky notes
- Electric pencil sharpener
- Label maker
- Rolling cart
- Teacher toolbox
- Dry erase pockets
- Pocket chart
- Baby wipes
- Play Dough
These are the supplies that make everyday teaching easier while keeping students engaged.
Final Thoughts
Setting up your first Pre-K classroom can feel overwhelming, but remember—you don’t need to buy everything at once.
Start with the basics, add supplies as your budget allows, and remember that the best classrooms aren’t filled with the most expensive materials. They’re filled with meaningful learning experiences, creativity, and lots of opportunities for children to explore through play.
