Your (Mathematics) Back-to-School Supplies

Hands-On Math, Professional Learning, Teaching and Learning

By Kim Rimbey 

The first day of school has a magic all its own. The buzz in the air. The fresh notebooks and sharpened pencils. The energy of new beginnings. For me, that feeling never went away—after all, I’ve had a first day of school every single year since I was five. (And yes… I still treat myself to a new outfit and lunchbox. Every. Single. Year.)

That same excitement doesn’t just come from seeing familiar faces or decorating bulletin boards. It also comes from knowing you’re ready—supplies gathered, tools prepped, and ideas flowing. At KP Mathematics, we want to make sure your math toolkit sparks that same ready-to-roll confidence. Even if the school year’s already underway, it’s never too late to stock up on the essentials that help students truly see and understand the math.

This week, we’re sharing our favorite math supplies—organized by representation type, following the Lesh Translation Model for Representations—plus a few lists of can’t-live-without general supplies and my personal favorite math books.

You probably won’t need everything on this list. You may not want everything on this list. But it will help you think about what’s missing and spark ideas for setting up your classroom for student success.

Let’s dive in.

 

Physical Tools

  • KP Ten-Frame Tiles
  • Base-Ten Blocks (I use BTBs sparingly – I use KP Ten-Frame Tiles for almost all NBT standards)
  • Two-Color Counters (I call them “integer chips” for grades 6+)
  • Pattern Blocks
  • Snap Cubes
  • Unit Square Tiles (one-inch)
  • Unit Cubes (one-inch)
  • Fraction Pieces (unmarked circles, bars, squares, etc.)
  • Cuisenaire Rods
  • Algebra Tiles (grades 6+)

Visual Tools

(I like laminated class sets—they’re perfect for BTC and work beautifully next to your VNPS.)

  • Place Value Mats ([compatible with KP Ten-Frame Tiles])
  • Dollar Boards and Coin Cards (KP Math exclusive)
  • Hundreds Charts (0–99)
  • Hundreds Charts (1–100)
  • Ten Frames
  • Double Ten-Frames
  • Bar Model/Tape Diagrams
  • Number Lines
  • Open Number Lines
  • Open Arrays (multiplication & division)
  • Graph Paper
  • Coordinate Grids (first quadrant)
  • Coordinate Grids (four quadrants)
  • Various geometric figures (as per your program/textbook)

Symbolic Tools

  • Cards
  • Dice
  • Calculators
  • Numeral, Number, and Symbols Charts

Verbal Tools

  • Anchor Charts
  • Sentence Frames

Contextual Tools

  • Rulers
  • Tape Measures
  • Yard/Meter Sticks
  • Balance Scales
  • Weights
  • Measuring Cups
  • Clocks 
  • Coins & Bills
  • Word Problem Frames
  • Problem-Solving Cue Cards

Don’t Forget These Supplies

  • Building Thinking Classrooms must-haves:
    • Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (whiteboard surfaces)
    • Dry-Erase Markers—get lots
    • Erasers (microfiber cloths are my favorite)
    • Individual Whiteboards
  • Writing & Art Supplies:
    • Reams of blank paper
    • Construction/colored paper
    • Grid paper
    • Watercolor markers (Crayola—both fine and broad tip)
    • Colored pencils
    • Pencils in different sizes (students love choice)
    • Tape
    • Scissors
    • Glue sticks

Kim’s Favorite Books (in 2025)

KP Mathematics Tools

Back-to-school is all about possibility. A well-stocked math classroom doesn’t just make your life easier—it sets the stage for deeper learning, richer conversations, and those lightbulb moments we live for.

Here’s to a year of math magic!

Kimberly Rimbey, Ph.D., works with teachers and leaders to develop system-wide change in mathematics teaching and learning.

 

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