5 Unusual Classroom Must-Haves Every Teacher Should Keep Nearby

After 20+ years in the classroom, I've learned that some of the best teacher supplies aren't the ones you'll find on every back-to-school shopping list.

Of course, every classroom needs the basics—scissors, glue sticks, crayons, pencils, dry erase markers, and all the usual essentials. (And if you're like me, colorful Flair pens and a well-organized teacher toolbox definitely count as "essentials" too!)

But over the years, I've discovered a handful of unexpected items that have saved the day more times than I can count. These aren't things you'll necessarily use every single day, but when you need them...you'll be so glad they're there!

Here are my 5 favorite unusual classroom must-haves that have earned permanent spots in my classroom.

---

Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, it doesn't cost you anything extra, but it helps support this blog. Thank you for supporting my classroom and my small business!

---

5. Folding Step Stool 

If you've ever taught elementary students, you know that one size definitely does not fit all!

Some of my students are tiny, while others seem to grow several inches overnight. When our interactive board was installed, it quickly became obvious that not everyone could comfortably reach it.

A lightweight folding step stool completely solved the problem.

It gives shorter students the confidence to participate at the board without needing help, and it folds flat when it's not being used. Plus, I use it just as often when I need to reach the top shelf of a cabinet or hang classroom decorations.

Honestly...I'm surprised I don't own two!

---

4. Pants Hangers for Anchor Charts

This might be one of my favorite teacher organization hacks.

While I don't keep every anchor chart I've ever made, there are certain ones I love to reuse year after year. Instead of rolling them into tubes or stacking them in a pile, I clip each chart onto inexpensive pants hangers.

The best part?

• They stay wrinkle-free.
• They're easy to flip over if you've used both sides.
• They store neatly in a cabinet or closet.
• You can quickly swap them out whenever you need them.

Even better, I hang Command Hooks around my classroom so I can move anchor charts wherever they're needed without damaging the walls.

It's such a simple system, but it makes classroom organization so much easier.

---

3. Label Maker

I have a confession...

I may be slightly obsessed with label makers.

Actually, I own one for home and one for school because I use them constantly.

At the beginning of the school year, I'm labeling:

• student folders
• mailboxes
• guided reading binders
• math materials
• classroom tubs
• supply bins

Then, throughout the year, every new student means more labels!

I've even caught myself labeling task card boxes, storage containers, and random classroom supplies simply because everything looks more organized with matching labels.

If you've never owned a label maker, trust me—it quickly becomes one of those classroom tools you can't imagine teaching without.

---

2. Classroom Umbrella

An umbrella probably isn't something you'd think to keep in your classroom...

Until you're standing outside for afternoon dismissal and the skies suddenly open up.

I've learned to keep a dedicated umbrella at school because the weather doesn't always cooperate with my plans.

Those surprise rain showers during recess duty, bus duty, or dismissal are much less stressful when you already have an umbrella waiting in your classroom.

I especially love the reverse-folding umbrellas because they trap the wet side inside when you close them. No puddles on the classroom floor, no dripping all over everything, and they dry easily in the classroom sink.

It's one of those little conveniences that makes a big difference.

---

1. Sewing Kit

This may be the most unexpected item on my list...

A small sewing kit has rescued everything from ripped backpacks to torn shirts and even our well-loved classroom stuffed animals.

Am I an expert at sewing?

Definitely not.

But a few simple stitches have saved the day countless times for students who suddenly discovered a hole in a pocket or a broken backpack strap.

One unexpected bonus?

Students become fascinated when they see me sewing. Over the years, several have asked if they could learn too! It has turned into a fun indoor recess activity or an end-of-the-year enrichment project where students learn a practical life skill they'll actually use.

Sometimes the smallest classroom supplies create the biggest learning opportunities.

---

What Unusual Classroom Item Could You Not Live Without?

Every teacher has that one item that wasn't on any school supply list but somehow became absolutely indispensable.

I'd love to hear yours! Share your favorite unusual classroom must-have in the comments—you might just help another teacher discover their next classroom lifesaver.

---

Want More Classroom Tips?

If you love classroom organization ideas, teaching tips, engaging activities, and exclusive freebies, be sure to join my email list! You'll get practical ideas delivered straight to your inbox to help make teaching just a little easier (and a lot more fun!).

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL!