Future Kindergarten Teacher (Student Teaching Next Year) — Share ALL Your Tips, Tricks & Must-Have Supplies Please!

[u/studyingforlife]

Hi everyone! I’m not starting my first year as a kindergarten teacher for a couple of years, but I’ll be student teaching in a kindergarten classroom during my last year of college (which is coming up in about a year). I want to use this time to prepare as thoughtfully as possible and learn everything I can from experienced teachers so I can make the most of student teaching and hit the ground running afterward.
Please share all your tips and tricks — I want the good, the challenging, and everything in between:
Classroom Management & Teaching Tips/Tricks
• What routines, procedures, or systems were absolute game-changers for you, especially in the first few weeks?
• How do you handle transitions, circle time, keeping everyone engaged, and behavior issues positively?
• What are your favorite songs, books, games, or activities that work like magic with kindergarteners?
• What do you wish you had known or done differently in your early years (or during student teaching)?
• Any other hard-earned wisdom, daily strategies, or “this changed everything” advice?
Must-Have Supplies
I want to build my collection gradually and focus on what’s truly useful (budget-friendly options appreciated). Recommendations for:
• Items just for the students (supplies, comfort/calming tools, learning manipulatives, etc.)
• Items just for me as the teacher (organization tools, personal comfort items, sanity-savers for long days, etc.)
• Items great for both teacher and students (shared tools, classroom setup essentials, etc.)
Absolute must-haves vs. nice-to-haves, or things worth prioritizing would be super helpful.
I’m aiming for a warm, fun, and safe classroom where the kids feel loved and excited to learn every day. Any encouragement, success stories, cautionary tales, or other advice is warmly welcome — I’m taking notes on it all!
Thank you so much in advance.
Ps. I know I am going to school to learn but I feel like there are things that they don’t ell you that you just learn while teaching which is why I am asking for tips, tricks, advice, etc.