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Classroom and teaching supplies

Kindergarten classroom must-haves: 16 supplies for the first big year

Kindergarten adds letters, sounds, counting and the start of writing to Pre-K's play. These supplies cover each of those, with a few that help the day run smoothly.

Chosen from Lakeshore Learning's own category navigation and the makers' sites, checked Oct 2026. Prices are about, Oct 2026, and move with sales. Checked 2026-10-25. Nobody paid to be here. The buy links are plain search links, not affiliate links, so Peabody earns nothing from them.

  1. Primary writing paper and thick pencils

    Ticonderoga · Ages 5-6

    Wide-lined paper and fat pencils for first letters; many kindergarten teachers start with a primary pencil.

    Watch for: About $5-10 per dozen. Check your school's list before buying.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  2. Washable markers and crayons

    Crayola · Ages 5-6

    Used every day for drawing, labeling and coloring; buy in bulk for the class.

    Watch for: About $2-8 per box; classpacks cost more but last.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  3. Glue sticks and child-safe school glue

    Elmer's · Ages 5-6

    Glue sticks for paper, liquid glue for collage; washable and non-toxic types are standard for K.

    Watch for: About $1-5 each. Look for the AP non-toxic seal.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  4. Safety scissors

    Fiskars · Ages 5-7

    Cutting practice supports pencil grip and prepares for writing.

    Watch for: About $3-6. Have left-handed pairs.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  5. Alphabet and phonics cards

    Lakeshore Learning · Ages 5-6

    Picture-sound cards, word-building tiles and mats for early decoding.

    Watch for: About $10-35.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  6. Sight word cards and games

    Lakeshore Learning · Ages 5-6

    High-frequency words like 'the' and 'see' practised through games.

    Watch for: About $10-25.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  7. Counters and number lines

    Learning Resources · Ages 5-6

    Counting bears, ten frames and number lines build number sense.

    Watch for: About $10-25. Small pieces: keep out of reach of children under 3 and check the age on the package.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  8. Ten frames and number tiles

    hand2mind · Ages 5-6

    Ten frames show how numbers fit inside ten, the base for addition.

    Watch for: About $8-20.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  9. Pattern blocks

    Learning Resources · Ages 5-7

    Shapes that combine into designs; used for geometry and fractions later.

    Watch for: About $10-20 per set.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  10. Dry-erase boards and markers

    Expo · Ages 5-7

    Individual boards let every child answer at once and erase mistakes freely.

    Watch for: About $15-40 per class set. Low-odor markers; keep caps on.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  11. Pocket chart and calendar set

    Lakeshore Learning · Ages 5-6

    Daily calendar, weather, schedule and sentence strips live here.

    Watch for: About $15-40.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  12. Easy-read books for the library bin

    Scholastic · Ages 5-7

    Predictable and decodable readers for 'book boxes'.

    Watch for: About $3-8 per paperback; Scholastic Book Clubs give teachers bonus points.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  13. Classroom rug with a clear seating layout

    Lakeshore Learning · Ages 5-6

    Circle time starts and ends here; defined spots reduce arguments.

    Watch for: About $60-250.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  14. Play dough and fine motor kits

    Lakeshore Learning · Ages 5-6

    Keeps up hand strength while children shift from play to pencils.

    Watch for: About $10-30.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  15. Story props and puppets

    Lakeshore Learning · Ages 5-6

    Retelling stories with props builds language and comprehension.

    Watch for: About $8-30.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

  16. Name tags and desk plates

    Lakeshore Learning · Ages 5-6

    Helps with name recognition and keeps materials sorted.

    Watch for: About $5-15.

    Buy: Amazon · Walmart

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