I’ve always loved shopping for back-to-school supplies. As a child, I couldn’t wait to pick out a new Lisa Frank folder and colorful eraser set.
As a teacher, that excitement never really goes away! There’s something about organizing a clean, fresh classroom that feels full of potential. But when you’re setting up a high school business classroom, the supply list looks a little different from a typical core class. You’re prepping for presentations, simulations, and hands-on projects that mirror the real business world.
So what supplies actually make your business classroom run smoothly? Here’s a list of my tried-and-true must-haves that keep lessons engaging and organized.
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Below you’ll find my tried-and-true classroom supplies that keep my business students engaged and organized — plus a few Amazon favorites that make setup easier.
1. Individual Marker Boards, Markers, and Small Erasers
Individual marker boards are my #1 instructional tool. They make review sessions interactive and give every student a low-pressure way to participate.
Early on, I kept them on student desks, but I quickly learned they doubled as entertainment during downtime. Now I store them in a bin and pass them out only when needed.
How I use them:
- Quick checks for understanding after a new concept
- Review games
- Discussion questions
- End-of-lesson reflections or exit tickets
They’re especially useful for formative assessment. When every student holds up their answer, you instantly see who’s mastering content and who needs support.
If it’s a longer prompt, walk around the room while students are answering and provide feedback as student works.
Activities like the Money Management Case Studies (Banking, Budgeting, and Saving) and the Introduction to Accounting Application Activity also make great marker board activities.
My favorite picks:
2. Sticky Notes
While sticky notes are obviously handy for teachers, they are also perfect for conducting a gallery walk. Students move throughout the room to respond to questions, prompts, and tasks or provide feedback. They can record their response on a sticky note and stick it near the prompt as they move.
Test out this FREEBIE, make your own, or check out the best seller, Business Ethics Chat Stations.
3. Colored Paper
Who doesn’t love a splash of color? Colored paper adds vibrancy to activities, especially those that can be laminated and reused.
For escape activities, gallery walks, write-the-room scavenger hunts, stations, or reference sheets, colored paper enhances the visual appeal.
My favorite picks:
Don’t love to laminate? Skip it, and put your stations and reference sheets in sheet protectors.
4. Easel Paper
This is another fun tool for chat stations. Students can add to the work of others or respond to their classmates.
I also love easel paper for concept maps or a graffiti gallery walk. The options are endless here, but giving your students some colorful markers and large paper can be a gateway to help your visual learners excel.
5. Stickers
This may sound a bit cheesy for high school students, but I’ve used them for years. You’d be amazed by how motivated students are to complete a task when they can get a sticker as a prize. I also like to put smaller stickers on outstanding work.
My favorite picks:
6. Clicker
If you do many presentations, clickers are the way to go. You can move away from your desk, observe students, and provide individualized feedback while teaching.
7. Large Sticky Notes
If you’re a list maker like me, you’ll love the 4×6 sticky notes. They are the perfect size for daily to-do lists, recording student info, and writing actual notes and ideas. Their generous size makes them versatile tools for classroom organization.
8. Colored Pens
Like many teachers, I have a genuine love for colored pens. No classroom is complete without a colorful assortment. Pink, purple, green, and orange are among my signature ink colors. Life is just better in color!
9. Index Cards
Index cards come in handy for oral presentations or as flash cards. Keep some handy for those big presentations or pitches.
10. Organizational Favorites
Your desk is your headquarters for smooth operation, so make this space work for you. Are there any small changes that could help make the area more organized for better workflow?
Here are a few of my favorite tools:
- Cord Holder Organizer
- Tiered Paper Organizer
- Desk Drawer Supply Tray
- Clear Plastic Drawer Organizers
As you gear up for the new school year, remember — it’s not about having the latest gadget or a complicated new system. It’s about incorporating simple, tried-and-true supplies that help you create a supportive and engaging environment for your students.
🛍️ Shop the Post
Whiteboards • Fine Tip Expo Markers • Mini Felt Erasers • Sticky Notes • Bright Colored Paper • Pastel Colored Paper Easel Paper • Cardstock Colored Paper • Easel Paper • Prize Stickers • Star Stickers • Scratch & Sniff Stickers • Presentation Clicker • Large Sticky Notes • Colored Pens • Index Cards • Cord Holder Organizer • Tiered Paper Organizer • Desk Drawer Supply Tray • Clear Plastic Drawer Organizers
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🖤 If this list was helpful, save it to your Business Classroom Ideas board so you’ll have it handy for next school year!
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