10 Classroom Resources I Can’t Live Without

Over the years, I’ve discovered some incredible resources that have completely changed the way I teach, organise, and manage my classroom. Some are new additions, while others have been long-time favourites that I couldn’t imagine teaching without. From hands-on learning tools to practical organisational solutions, these resources help make my classroom run smoothly, keep my students engaged, and save me valuable time. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your teaching and classroom setup, these are my absolute must-haves!

1. Hue HD Camera – From Hue Cameras

This little camera is a game-changer in my classroom! I introduced it this year, and now I can't imagine teaching without it. The Hue HD Camera projects what it sees onto the board, making it perfect for modelling writing, guided art lessons, explicit instruction, and showcasing example work. It’s such a simple yet effective tool that ensures every student can clearly see what I’m demonstrating. The only thing I wish it had was a better zoom-out function to display a full worksheet at once—but maybe I’m missing something! If anyone has a tip for this, let me know!

2. CVC Folder – From Mrs Learning Bee

This grab-and-go phonics resource is a lifesaver! My CVC folder is packed with over 20 activities that my students can use independently, in small groups, or when they finish work early. It takes the stress out of planning phonics activities because everything is ready to go. The best part? It’s hands-on and engaging, making phonics practice feel more like a game than a lesson.

3. Morning Routine Visuals – Available in my store teachingfromtheheart.com.au

The morning routine sets the tone for the entire school day, and my visual timetable, date, and weather charts make the process seamless. My students love updating them each morning, and it gives them a sense of structure and responsibility. Having these visuals in place reduces anxiety, helps students transition into the day smoothly, and makes our mornings feel calm and predictable.

4. Wellbeing Tools – From multiple stores including Mrs Learning Bee, Elizabeth Richards, and Kmart

Supporting my students’ wellbeing is just as important as their academic progress. That’s why I keep a variety of wellbeing tools easily accessible in our classroom. From calming strategies and emotional regulation booklets to sensory tools and affirmation cards, my students know they can access these whenever they need them. Whether it's a moment of mindfulness, a sensory break, or using positive affirmations, these tools help create a supportive learning environment where students feel safe and valued.

5. Letter/Number Formation Activities – Available in my store teachingfromtheheart.com.au

These hands-on activities make learning letter and number formation fun and engaging. Whether it’s tracing letters with toy cars, using playdough to shape numbers, or going on a letter and number detective hunt, my students love these interactive learning experiences. They’re great for independent work, small groups, or as an option for fast finishers. Plus, they help build fine motor skills while reinforcing early literacy and numeracy concepts.

6. Individual Whiteboards –  various stores

Whiteboards are a classroom essential that I use in almost every subject. Whether it’s for explicit instruction, quick checks for understanding, or interactive group activities, they make learning feel more dynamic. There’s something about writing on a whiteboard that makes students more eager to participate—it feels less intimidating than writing in a workbook, which encourages them to take risks and experiment with their learning.

7. Practical Organisation Labels – These can be from multiple stores including Elizabeth Richards and Officeworks

Classroom organisation is so much easier with clear, visual labels! Gone are the days of rummaging through messy tubs to find what I need. These labels help students locate materials independently and, most importantly, put them back in the right spot! This year, I decided to use a combination of words and numbers instead of just words, and it's been a game-changer for my younger students. The numbered tubs help them identify different materials quickly, making classroom routines more efficient.

8. Teacher Toolbox – The toolbox is from Spotlight, the labels are available in my store teachingfromtheheart.com.au

Every teacher needs an organised space for their must-have supplies, and my teacher toolbox is exactly that! Instead of sifting through messy desk drawers, I now have a designated spot for everything I need. Whether it's pens, paper clips, sticky notes, or whiteboard markers, having these essentials within reach makes my day run much more smoothly.

9. World's Strongest Magnets – From Elizabeth Richards

I had no idea how much I needed strong magnets until I found these. Regular magnets always seemed to fall off my whiteboard the moment I put up too many papers, but these ones hold everything securely in place. No more frustration with things slipping down throughout the day—these magnets have completely changed the game for me!

10. 10-Drawer Trolley – Trolley is from Spotlight, the labels are available in my store teachingfromtheheart.com.au

This trolley is my ultimate organisation tool! I use the top five drawers to store lesson materials for each day of the week, which makes daily planning so much easier. The bottom drawers are reserved for admin tasks, including copies of weekly handouts, next week's resources, materials for my interest group, things to file, and an ‘other’ drawer for miscellaneous items. Having everything prepped and organised ahead of time makes the school week feel far more manageable.

Having the right resources can make all the difference in creating an organised, engaging, and effective classroom. Whether it's a handy tech tool like the Hue HD Camera, must-have organisational items like the teacher toolbox and 10-drawer trolley, or engaging learning materials like CVC folders and letter formation activities, these resources have made my teaching experience smoother and more enjoyable. If you have any favourite classroom resources that you can’t live without, I’d love to hear about them! Let’s keep sharing the best tools and strategies to make teaching easier and more fun for everyone.