5 Top Elementary Classroom Supplies Teachers Should Restock

The must-have items your classroom can’t do without

Days are getting shorter, nights are getting cooler and it’s time for kids to head back to school. Students aren’t the only ones who need to shop for school supplies: teachers have to stock their classrooms as well. 

That goes double for elementary classroom supplies, which get used up quickly and aren’t always handled gently by young students. From pencils to paper to modeling clay, this guide will help you keep your elementary classroom stocked.   

Learn more about how Walmart Business can help you today.

The elementary classroom supplies you need the most

1. Pencils & pens

It’s a digital world, but cheap, easy-to-use writing tools like pencils and pens never go out of style, especially with younger students. Not a day goes by in an elementary classroom where a student doesn’t need a new pen or a replacement for a worn-down pencil. 

• Simple No. 2 pencils are affordable and versatile. They’re all-rounders, perfect for everything from schoolwork to art projects. 

• Ballpoint pens are also very affordable and good to have around as your students learn to become more confident about their handwriting.  

• Colored pencils are a staple item in children’s art classes across the world. They provide a cheap, mess-free way for kids to express themselves. Most classroom-grade colored pencils have a hard lead that stands up to multiple sharpenings. 

2. Markers

Markers are a must-have in every elementary classroom supply closet—for teachers as well as students. Different markers have different purposes, but no matter what you use them for, markers also have a tendency to dry up quickly. You can never stock too many of them. 

• Dry erase markers are necessary for writing on whiteboards. Most elementary school teachers make use of their whiteboard more than any other learning tool, which means they also go through a lot of dry erase markers. 

• Crayola markers are probably the first thing your elementary students will reach for when it’s time to draw, so make sure you have plenty in good working order.

• Sharpies and other permanent markers are good for writing on slick surfaces without any ink smudging or fading. They’re perfect for making signs or labeling plastic items.

3. Paper

Paper will always be a high-demand product in schools. Sometimes there’s no substitute for putting a pen to a piece of paper. Elementary school kids who are still developing their motor skills use up a great deal of all kinds of paper, so you can’t go wrong by stocking up. 

• Graph paper separates numbers, which makes it much easier for young students to keep track of their process when they work on math problems.

• Notepads are a good way for students (and teachers) to jot down thoughts and doodles.

• Printing paper is always in demand in classrooms. You don’t want to run out when it’s time for an entire class to print out a project. 

4. Modeling clay 

Clay is always a popular medium in classrooms. Students love to express themselves in three dimensions. It’s a good idea to stock up on several kinds of clay to meet everyone’s artistic needs. 

• Play-Doh is a mainstay supply in elementary schools. It’s cheap, easy to use, and—of course—non-toxic. It also dries out very quickly, so it’s best to have plenty of cans around.

• Plasticine never dries out, and its dense structure makes it possible to sculpt just about anything. Its tacky texture attracts dirt and grime, however. Always keep a fresh supply for easy replacement. 

• Air-drying modeling clay is a little stiffer than Play-Doh, but it also dries more thoroughly and can be painted. It’s a good option for older students who are serious about sculpting. 

5. Paint

One of the most fun elementary classroom supplies is paint. There are many different kinds to potentially keep in stock, but each one suits a different purpose. 

• Tempera is a thick, fast-drying paint that comes in a huge assortment of colors. Tempera doesn't run like watercolor paint, which makes it easy for even the youngest artists to work with. It’s a must-have item in any art classroom. 

• Watercolor paints are less prone to mess than other kinds of paint, because they rely on a dab of water to become liquid—that can make them a good option for younger classrooms. Watercolor paint sets get used up quickly, so have plenty on hand.

• Oil paints are an advanced medium for an elementary school student, but there’s a good chance a budding artist will want to give them a try. Oil paints dry up quickly, so make sure to have a well-maintained supply.  

Walmart Business lets you stock your classroom with big savings

A busy classroom can never have enough supplies, so keep yours well-stocked by signing up for a Walmart Business account. With Walmart Business you enjoy low prices on school supplies as well as free delivery on orders of $35 or more.¹

Get even more savings, member-exclusive deals and free delivery on store orders over $35² by upgrading to a Walmart Business+ membership. Walmart Business+ members receive 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards when they make purchases over $250.³ That can add up to an annual savings of over $500!⁴

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Restrictions apply.

³ Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply.

⁴ Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business Rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).