Top 10 Must-Have Teaching Tools for Your Classroom Set Up

We are talking top of the range staple guns, paper cutters and trimmers, flip calendar rods and magnetic essentials! As a classroom teacher and assistant principal, I have tried and tested many teacher essentials over the years... and these are my top 10 for setting up the classroom and creating bulletin board displays that last all year round. 

So, what is the classroom set up season? It's that beautiful time of year when teachers roll up their sleeves, channel their inner interior designer, and transform four blank walls into a learning haven.

Behind every beautiful bulletin board and neatly labelled tote tray is a stash of tools teachers swear by. The right classroom tools don’t just save time — they save sanity. Here are 10 must-have teaching tools to keep your set up smooth, safe, and (dare we say) fun.

1. Bunnings Classroom Staple Gun – The Unsung Hero

A Bunnings staple gun is the unsung hero of classroom displays. Stronger than blu tack and quicker than tape, it gets your borders, bunting, and backings up in seconds. Preferred brand of Staple Gun and Staples? Arrow.

---

2. Adjustable Kenney Magnetic Curtain Rod for Flip Calendars – Stick Without the Holes

The Kenney magnetic curtain rod sticks to whiteboards and comes off cleanly. It features heavy duty magnets, making it the perfect tool for the classroom. Teachers call this one a “classroom hack” you’ll never give back. Adjustable. Quality and ready for classroom flip calendars. 

---

3. Staple Remover – Clean out the Classroom before Set Up or Get Ready for Pack down

Because what goes up must come down. A staple remover saves your fingers (and your sanity) when it’s time to refresh displays. I recommend buying two or three (handing these out to a teacher friends who are hanging out in your classroom can work a treat and save oh so much time!) 

---

4. 3M Magnetic Tape – Daily Schedule Lifesaver

Invest in quality magnetic tape to ensure your displays attach to your whiteboard all year round. This teacher hack allows you to attach your daily schedule cards so they stick neatly to whiteboards. Flexible, reusable, and a teacher favourite for smooth transitions.

---

5. Fiskars Cutting Board – Slide, Don’t Chop

Skip the guillotine stress. If you're looking for sharp precision... look no further. Fiskars sliding cutter board glides through borders, labels, and laminated sheets like a dream. Note: the below A4 size is super handy and light (throw it in your bag to and from school, or invest in a larger/sturdier A3 option).

---

6. Fiskars Scissors – Sharp, Smooth, Reliable

Every teacher needs a trusty pair of Fiskars scissors. They cut straight, stay sharp, and feel good in your hand (because you’ll be using them. A lot).

---

7. Gorilla Tack – No Mess, Just Stick

Move over blu tack. Gorilla tack holds heavier items, doesn’t leave greasy marks, and won’t let your posters peel off mid-term.

---

8. Metal Rings – Flip Calendar Essentials

Don't be fooled - these metal rings aren't just for flip calendars. Store task cards, weather displays... you name it... from magnetic rods or hooks! Those handy metal rings turn printables into sturdy flip calendars or swappable card sets. Easy for students to use and easy for teachers to store.

---

9. Desk Caddy – Organisation HQ

Your desk deserves better than a messy drawer. A desk caddy keeps markers, scissors, pens, and highlighters within arm’s reach — and allows you to move your marking and feedback station around the room with you!

---

10. Ledah 480 A3 Professional Paper Trimmer – Heavy-Duty Hero

For serious prep jobs, the Ledah 480 A3 Professional Paper Trimmer is unbeatable. With a solid metal base, ergonomic replaceable cutting head, adjustable guide, and wall-mountable option, it slices up to 15 sheets at once. A teacher’s dream for bulk cutting.

---

Bonus Must-Have: Classroom Pocket Chart Calendar

The EAMAY Classroom Monthly Calendar Pocket Chart (with 71 cards!) is a game-changer for teaching days, months, and routines. Big, bold, and interactive — it’s a must-have for homerooms, daily routines, and calendar maths.

Setting up a classroom takes time, energy, and plenty of staples. With the right tools in your kit — from a Bunnings staple gun to a professional paper trimmer — you’ll save yourself hours and keep your classroom looking sharp all year long.

At Gifted and Talented Teacher, we’re all about resources that lighten your load and lift your room. Pair these tools with our classroom decor, teaching resources and wall displays, and you’ll be unstoppable this school year.