By now, most first-year teachers know that school budgets vary widely for classroom materials. Some schools provide basic supplies, but those materials are likely dwindling during the second half of the school year. TeacherPop recommends keeping a few essential things on hand to make your life easier as teachers march toward summer break. Check out these 19 materials that every teacher needs in the classroom.

1. Fun colored markers and sharpies

2. Kleenex

3. An egg timer or digital clock

4. Set of self-inking teacher stamps - This way you don’t have to mess with an ink pad every time you check homework.

5. Storage bins, baskets, and magazine files - Helps to keep students’ papers and work organized.

6. Velcro or magnetic strips

7. Crayons

8. Goo Gone - Removes ANYTHING: pen marks on the table, dried glue, etc.

9. Dry erase markers

10. Extra pair of scissors

11. Stapler remover

12. Extra pencils and construction paper

13. Glue sticks

14. Stationery or thank you cards - Great for writing notes to parents and guardians.

15. Clipboards - To use when students need to be on the floor or moving around doing work.

16. Lap whiteboards - For students to use. (if you don’t have whiteboards, put a white piece of paper in a plastic page protector).

17. Books, books, and more books - Check out this post on how to score free books for your students.

18. Stickers - They make great rewards.

19. Snacks and bottled water (for you!) 

This post has been adapted from a longer article called 101 Tips for a First Year Teacher by Emily and Maggie Pettit.