Every October, the budget meeting comes around and all of the teachers are asked what math classroom supplies they want to order for the next year. My first few years I had no idea what I would want because I never had to think about this before.
Then January would hit and I would be left wishing I had ordered new materials. I don’t want this to be you, so I created the ultimate list of all the math classroom supplies and tools you should ask your administrators to order for you.
Disclaimer: Do not spend your own money on these items!!
Let’s get into it!
Calculators
Setting the expectation that phone calculators should not be the norm in your classroom makes a huge difference in the amount of phone policing you have to do on a daily basis.
I was always borrowing calculators from other teachers and running around trying to scrounge for them when I could have just asked to have them put in the budget.
The calculators you order don’t have to be graphing calculators either. Honestly, scientific calculators are perfectly fine for the math your students will be doing. If they need a graphing calculator, have them use Desmos on their laptops!
Individual Whiteboards
These are the most frequently used tools in my classroom. There are just so many ways that you can differentiate and make your math lessons more engaging by simply using personal whiteboards.
Algebra Tiles
Algebra tiles are a great way to differentiate and support hands-on learning with solving equations and polynomials. I have seen a lot of lightbulb moments with my students when we use algebra tiles!
Bendable Rulers
Rulers are essential for Pre-Algebra through Algebra 2 classes with all of the graphing that is taught. Make sure the rulers you get are durable enough to handle reckless teenagers.
Clipboards
My students love using clipboards for working on assignments in small groups, scavenger hunt activities, or just sitting around the room. I’m a huge advocate for getting my students out of their seats and clipboards make this much easier to manage.
Colored Pencils
My visual learners LOVE colored pencils for sorting and keeping ideas organized. You’d be surprised how often students will use colored pencils for different activities and projects you may assign.
Scissors
I’m a big project-based assessment teacher, so my students were always doing hands-on and discovery activities. Sometimes lessons call for scissors and it’s way easier to have your own classroom set than trying to borrow them from the other people in your department.
Flashcards
I always used flashcards for making partners and playing math games (ex. Around the world). If your students are anything like mine, then practicing math facts is always a good idea.
Whenever you have 5-10 minutes to spare and you don’t want your students just messing around, pull out the flashcards and play a game!
Dice
If you teach probability this is a great tool to have for theoretical vs. experimental probability. You can also use dice to randomize groups or for choice boards.
What math classroom supplies is on your wishlist this school year?
You may not be able to get everything off of this math classroom supplies list in one year (honestly, you probably won’t be able to), so pick your top 2-3 choices to bring to your administrator or department head.
You’ll be surprised what they order for you as long as you ask!