7 Necessities for Back-to-School ESL Supplies!

I have a weakness.

It’s back to school shopping. Is there anything more inspirational than walking down aisles of stationary and folders and binder clips? If you find anything better, let me know. 

I’ve had semesters where I spend a small fortune on supplies for my classroom, and in an attempt to save some cash, I’ve also had semesters where I bought almost nothing. 

Here are my tried and true, go-to necessities for teaching ESL at a university.

1. USB (Or two, or three)

I put my PowerPoints and any visuals or videos I have on my USB. If I have any handouts or printables, I also put the digital copy on my USB in case I need to print new or extra copies. And I always have a backup USB in case something goes wrong. Maybe my USB has gotten a virus from the many computers it’s been used in, or maybe I forgot my USB in another classroom. Having a backup is a necessity. 

2. Accordion File Folder

Throughout my first few years of teaching, I tried every method to organize my papers for each class. Once I started using an accordion file folder, I stopped looking. This is my favorite way to organize papers. I write the class number on the tabs of each folder, and any papers belong to that class go inside. My class roster, homework to give back, and any handouts—they all go inside their designated folder.

Pro Tip: If it’s the beginning of the semester and you’re having trouble remembering your schedule, organize the folders chronologically throughout your week. If you have Sophomore Class 3 on Monday, and Sophomore Class 2 on Thursday, don’t label your folders 1, 2, 3, 4. Put Class 3 before Class 2 to follow the days of the week. 

3. Binder Clips

Of course paper clips are a necessity, but when I first started teaching, I made the mistake of thinking paper clips would be enough. And, if you have a class of 23, then paper clips will definitely work to keep all your papers together. But if you have a class of 48, you’ll be wanting something a little more substantial. And in China, loose paper and notebooks aren’t as standardized as in the West. Unless you set standards for homework, you might have students turning in papers of all shapes and sizes. 

4. Pencil Case for Extra Pens

I like to have a pencil case full of extra pens only for me to use, but also to loan out in case a student forgot his pen or his ink ran out. It happens to all of us.

5. Pad of Blank Paper

As with the pens, I also always bring a pad of blank paper to give to students. Maybe they forgot their notebook or their dialogue went longer than expected and they ran out of paper. 

6. Extra Chalk/ Dry-erase markers

I never rely on the classroom to have writing supplies for the teacher. It’s too easy for the chalk to run out or dry-erase markers to dry up without anyone noticing. Maybe the school hasn’t replaced these items in a while, or maybe a neighboring teacher ran into your classroom to resupply his own. I always bring extra chalk or dry-erase markers with me (depending on what your classroom has) in case of emergencies. 

7. Small Spiral-Bound Notebook

I like to have a small, sturdy, spiral-bound notebook to use for notes and observations throughout the class. Knowing your students is the key to teaching them well. If you can observe students who are struggling or notice what general problems the entire class seems to be having, it can help you tailor your teaching to each class. I use a hardcover, spiral-bound one just because it makes it easier to write while walking around a room.

These are the absolute basics I need every semester! There are, of course, other supplies I use for games and activities and special projects, but these are my go-to necessities for an ESL classroom.