Depending upon your teaching experience, you probably already have a stash of bits and bobs in your storeroom; if not, it is wise to start collecting now.

Resources that are probably not provided by your school but would be beneficial to have in your classroom;

• plastic containers from your takeaway. These can be used to store lots of different things

• egg cartons for when painting

• collection of newspapers and magazines for art

• empty food boxes or packages for your class shop. Great when learning about money in Maths or for developmental activity playtime in Kindergarten

• shells from the beach for art, maths or the sensory table

• old stamps come in handy for when teaching letter writing or if you have a mailbox in your classroom

• wall borders to decorate your classroom

• plastic tablecloths to cover the tables when painting

• spot dots to allocate students a spot for sitting on the carpet. Especially good for the younger years

• pegs to hand artwork in the room

• collection of stamps, stickers and certificates to celebrate achievements and for positive reinforcement

• chalk textas to write messages on the windows

• form of getting students attention such as a bell, tambourine or xylophone

• pencil tubs particularly if you have the younger years without pencil cases

• most fancy art supplies - googly eyes, wool, feathers, straws etc.

• whistle for sport and fitness time

• lanyard to hang your classroom keys from

For upcoming science or art projects, I like to ask families to start collecting or supply these items from home. Parents are usually happy to help out. However, don’t expect each child to bring something in, always have your own supply for those who have forgotten, or simply didn’t give the note to their parents.

What are things that you buy or bring from home for your classroom that are not generally provided by your school? Or is there something that your school does provide that surprises you? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.