The Best Way to Introduce School Supplies in Your Classroom

Starting a new school year is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to helping young students learn how to use their school supplies. Whether you’re teaching preschool, kindergarten, or first grade, taking the time to properly introduce and model the use of school supplies will pay off big time throughout the year. Trust me—investing this time now will save you tons of stress later!

Here are five simple tips to make the process smooth and effective:

1. Assume They Know Nothing

It might sound funny, but it’s crucial to start with the basics. Even if you think a task is too simple, like how to hold a pencil or use scissors, assume your students have never done it before. This means you’ll need to explain and model even the smallest details. Show them how to open glue sticks, where to place the cap so it doesn’t roll away, and how much glue to use. Demonstrating these tiny details helps set clear expectations and prevents mishaps later on.

2. Take Your Time—You’ll Thank Yourself Later

Introducing each tool slowly and thoroughly is key. Don’t rush through this process! Spend a few days on each tool if needed. Use the poems, posters, and mastery badges to make it fun and memorable. This might feel time-consuming now, but it’s an investment in your sanity. A classroom full of students who know how to properly use their tools is a classroom that runs smoothly!

3. Model, Model, Model—Practice, Practice, Practice

Kids learn best through repetition and visual examples. After introducing a tool, model its use several times, and then let the students practice. For example, after showing them how to use crayons, let them practice using a variety of practice sheets. The more they practice, the more confident and independent they’ll become.

4. Break Down the Skills

Something that really made a difference in my classroom was being explicit about what good "coloring" looks like. I realized I needed to break down each skill into clear, manageable steps to help my students understand exactly what was expected. I would show them how to stay inside the lines, use a variety of colors, and fill in all the white spaces. This approach wasn’t just helpful for coloring—it worked with every tool we used. By scaffolding the process, I was able to guide them toward the goal, one step at a time.

5. It's OK to Go Back and Review

It’s normal for students to forget or struggle with using a tool properly, especially at the beginning. Don’t hesitate to revisit a tool if you notice they’re not quite getting it. A quick review can make all the difference and help your students feel more confident. Remember, mastery takes time, and it’s okay to slow down and reinforce these important skills.

By taking the time to introduce, model, and practice using school supplies at the beginning of the year, you’re setting your students up for success. Plus, you’re setting yourself up for a much smoother school year!

If you’re interested in purchasing my product, which includes detailed practice pages, fun poems, and colorful posters to guide you through introducing 12 essential classroom tools, click here to get started! Let’s make sure our students are ready to use their tools like pros.