Teaching Tools and Learning Resources for Primary Schools

DfE Approved Supplier

BESA Member

Teaching tools and learning resources help pupils develop knowledge, skills and understanding across the curriculum. From calculators, Numicon and mini whiteboards to globes, maps, reading resources and oracy tools, these resources support effective teaching and curriculum delivery. This hub brings together curriculum-linked guidance, practical buying advice and resource recommendations to help schools choose learning tools that support pupil progress, classroom engagement and educational outcomes.

Teaching Tools and Learning Resources Categories

What teaching tools and learning resources does a primary school need?

Effective classrooms rely on a wide range of teaching tools that help pupils understand concepts, practise skills and engage with learning. From mathematical manipulatives and geography resources to reading materials and classroom assessment tools, these resources support curriculum delivery across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

The most effective learning resources are those that directly support curriculum objectives while helping teachers assess understanding, encourage participation and adapt teaching to meet pupils' needs.

Which calculators should primary schools use?

Calculators can support mathematical reasoning, problem-solving and investigations when used appropriately. The National Curriculum for Mathematics expects pupils to develop fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. Calculators become relevant only later in a pupil's mathematical development, once secure written and mental methods are in place.

Important correction: an earlier version of this guide suggested four-function calculators for Lower Key Stage 2. The National Curriculum states that calculators should only be introduced near the end of Key Stage 2, when appropriate, and should not replace secure written and mental arithmetic.

Calculator Guide by Key Stage

Phase	Recommended calculator approach	Curriculum consideration
EYFS	Calculators are not normally required	Prioritise practical counting, number recognition and mathematical language
Key Stage 1	Calculators are not normally required for curriculum mathematics	Develop fluency through practical resources, mental strategies and written methods
Lower Key Stage 2	Calculators should not be used routinely	Consolidate mental arithmetic, written methods and conceptual understanding
Upper Key Stage 2	Basic four-function calculators may be introduced near the end of the key stage where appropriate	Use to support conceptual understanding and exploration of more complex problems once pupils are secure in written and mental arithmetic
Key Stage 3 and above	Scientific calculators may be required according to the curriculum and school policy	Select functions according to subject and qualification requirements

Source: DfE Mathematics National Curriculum (2014).

Why are globes, maps and geography resources important?

Geography resources help pupils develop locational knowledge, place knowledge and an understanding of human and physical geography. The Geography National Curriculum requires pupils to use maps, atlases, globes and digital mapping to investigate the world around them.

Geography Resource Guide

Resource	Curriculum use	Recommended features
Globes	Locational knowledge and understanding Earth as a sphere	Clearly labelled continents, oceans and major countries
UK maps	Study of the United Kingdom, its countries, cities and geographical features	Age-appropriate scale, clear labels and current boundaries
World maps	Continents, oceans, countries, latitude and global patterns	Clear political or physical information appropriate to the lesson
Atlases	Independent research, place knowledge and geographical enquiry	Age-appropriate index, scale, symbols and physical and political maps
Digital mapping	Scale, aerial imagery, routes, landscapes and changes over time	Suitable school access, appropriate privacy controls and current imagery
Local-area maps	Fieldwork, routes, land use and the school's locality	Appropriate scale and recognisable local features
Ordnance Survey maps	Map symbols, grid references, contour information and fieldwork	Select an age-appropriate scale and teach the necessary conventions
Compasses	Direction, orientation and fieldwork	Simple directional compasses suitable for pupil use

Source: DfE Geography National Curriculum (2014).

How does Numicon support maths learning?

Numicon is one of the most widely used mathematical manipulative systems in UK primary schools. Physical manipulatives help children develop mathematical understanding by making abstract concepts more concrete and accessible.

Oxford University Press research highlights the value of visual and tactile approaches when supporting number sense, calculation and mathematical reasoning.

Numicon Resource Guide

Resource	Learning focus	Typical application
Numicon Shapes	Number recognition, number bonds, calculation and relationships between numbers	Teacher modelling, pupil exploration and intervention
Baseboards	Pattern, position, equivalence and spatial relationships	Individual or paired practical work
Number Rods	Counting, comparison, calculation and number relationships	Practical demonstrations and group activities
Pegs	Counting, pattern, place value and fine motor development	Early mathematics and targeted intervention
Spinners and number lines	Calculation, number sequences and mathematical games	Paired or small-group activities
Activity Sets	Reasoning, structured teaching and mathematical discussion	Whole-class sequences or targeted groups
Teaching Resources	Lesson planning, modelling and progression	Staff preparation and consistent implementation

→ Related guide: Numicon for Primary Schools

Why do teachers use mini whiteboards?

Mini whiteboards provide immediate opportunities for assessment, participation and feedback. They allow teachers to check understanding quickly, involve every pupil in lessons and identify misconceptions before they become embedded.

Common Mini Whiteboard Uses

Classroom use	How it supports teaching
Retrieval practice	Enables every pupil to recall and display prior knowledge
Mental mathematics	Allows teachers to check methods and answers quickly
Spelling activities	Supports rehearsal, correction and immediate feedback
Assessment for learning	Provides a rapid indication of whole-class understanding
Questioning	Increases participation beyond pupils who volunteer an answer
Vocabulary work	Supports definitions, sentence construction and word selection
Prediction	Allows pupils to commit to an idea before discussion or investigation
Misconception checking	Helps teachers identify errors before they become embedded

→ Related guide: Mini Whiteboards for Schools

What are oracy resources and why are they becoming more important?

The Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report (November 2025) identifies oracy as a key component of a world-class curriculum. Alongside literacy and numeracy, spoken language is increasingly recognised as fundamental to learning, participation and future success.

Voice 21 defines oracy as the ability to express ideas, communicate effectively and engage confidently in discussion. Schools are increasingly looking for resources that support structured talk, discussion and presentation skills.

Oracy Resource Guide

Resource	Purpose	Suggested provision for 30 pupils*
Discussion prompts	Structure paired, group and whole-class talk	15 paired sets or 6 group sets
Vocabulary resources	Develop subject-specific and general academic language	One display set plus 6 group sets
Talk-role cards	Allocate roles such as chair, summariser, challenger and clarifier	6 sets for groups of five
Presentation tools	Support speaking confidence and audience awareness	One presentation area with appropriate display facilities
Role play resources	Develop communication through purposeful scenarios	One area or rotating set supporting 4–6 pupils
Debate materials	Support reasoning, evidence and structured argument	6 group sets
Storytelling resources	Support sequencing, expression and narrative language	3–5 sets
Listening prompts	Encourage active listening, clarification and response	15 paired sets
Sentence stems	Support pupils in explaining, agreeing, challenging and building on ideas	One display set plus individual or group copies
Recording equipment	Enable reflection on speech and presentation	1–3 school-approved devices where appropriate

Sources: Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report (2025); Voice 21.

→ Related guide: Oracy Resources for Primary Schools

How can schools encourage reading for pleasure?

Reading for pleasure remains one of the strongest indicators of literacy development and long-term educational success. The National Year of Reading 2026 places renewed emphasis on helping children develop positive reading habits and a lifelong love of books.

The National Literacy Trust continues to highlight the importance of access to books, reading role models and engaging reading environments.

Reading Resource Guide

Resource type	Purpose	Suggested provision for 30 pupils*
Class library	Provide regular, independent access to varied reading material	Approximately 150–300 carefully selected texts
Reading corner	Create an inviting and accessible reading space	One defined area
Story collections	Support shared reading and reading aloud	10–20 high-quality core texts, refreshed over time
Reading challenges	Encourage exploration and participation	One inclusive class or school initiative at a time
Book displays	Help pupils discover unfamiliar authors, genres and subjects	1–2 changing displays
Poetry collection	Support enjoyment, performance and language development	20–30 varied poetry books or anthologies
Non-fiction collection	Support interests, curriculum learning and information literacy	At least 30–60 varied texts
Comics and graphic novels	Broaden access and reflect different reading preferences	15–30 varied texts
Audiobook access	Support inclusive reading experiences and engagement	School-managed access appropriate to pupil need
Pupil recommendations	Give pupils an active role in the reading culture	One recommendation board, shelf or display

The number of books is a collection-planning estimate, not a statutory target. Quality, relevance, diversity, accessibility and regular renewal are more important than reaching a particular total.

Sources: National Literacy Trust; National Year of Reading 2026.

→ Related guide: Reading for Pleasure in Primary Schools

Which classroom tools do teachers use every day?

Many of the most valuable classroom resources are simple tools used repeatedly throughout the school day. Timers, dice, counters and practical teaching aids help improve lesson flow, engagement and classroom organisation.

Everyday Teaching Tools

Resource	Typical use	Suggested provision for 30 pupils*
Digital timers	Lesson pacing, timed tasks and transitions	3–5
Visual timers	Visualising remaining time and supporting transitions	1–3
Sand timers	Independent, paired and intervention activities	6–10 in assorted durations
Standard dice	Mathematics, probability, number work and games	15 pairs or 10 small-group sets
Place-value dice	Number construction and calculation	6–10 sets
Counters	Counting, sorting, calculation and representation	300–500 assorted counters
Spinners	Random selection, probability and games	6–10
Number cards	Ordering, calculation and classroom response	6–10 sets
Blank cards	Vocabulary, retrieval and adaptable activities	100–200 reusable or replaceable cards
Teaching clock	Demonstrating time	1 large demonstration clock
Pupil clocks	Practical time activities	15 for paired work or 30 for individual use

→ Related guide: Classroom Timers for Primary Schools

Teaching Tools and Learning Resources Checklist

Curriculum area	Core resources	Suggested starting allocation for 30 pupils*
Mathematics	Calculators, manipulatives, counters, dice and number resources	Resources for individual, paired or group access according to the activity
Geography	Globes, world maps, UK maps, atlases, compasses and fieldwork tools	1–2 globes, two display maps and 15 paired sets of portable resources
Assessment and participation	Mini whiteboards, pens, erasers and classroom-response tools	One per pupil, plus approximately 10% spare equipment
Literacy and reading	Class library, reading corner, shared texts and varied reading formats	One reading area and approximately 150–300 class-library texts
Oracy and communication	Discussion prompts, vocabulary resources, talk roles and presentation tools	6 group sets or 15 paired sets, depending on the activity
Everyday classroom tools	Timers, visual timers, dice, counters and spinners	Enough for 5–6 groups, with selected individual tools where required
Intervention	Targeted mathematics, literacy and communication resources	1–2 sets for groups of up to six pupils
Storage and organisation	Labelled trays, boxes and charging or storage facilities	One clearly labelled location for each resource category

*All quantities are practical planning estimates for a typical class of 30 pupils in an English primary school. They are not statutory requirements or GLS first-party ordering data. Schools should adjust them according to curriculum sequencing, teaching approach, existing stock, product pack contents, pupil needs and whether resources are shared between classes.

Teaching Tools and Learning Resources Checklist

PDF Free download

Download checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

What teaching tools should every primary classroom have?

Most classrooms benefit from calculators, mini whiteboards, geography resources, maths manipulatives, reading materials and practical classroom tools that support everyday teaching.

Do primary schools need calculators?

Calculators have a role in primary mathematics, but the National Curriculum expects them to be introduced only near the end of Key Stage 2, once pupils are secure in written and mental arithmetic — not as a routine tool throughout Key Stage 2.

What is Numicon used for?

Numicon helps pupils develop number sense, calculation skills and mathematical understanding through visual and tactile learning.

Why do teachers use mini whiteboards?

Mini whiteboards provide immediate assessment opportunities and encourage participation from every pupil.

Are globes still useful in primary schools?

Yes. Globes remain an important resource for teaching locational knowledge and understanding the world.

What is oracy?

Oracy refers to the ability to communicate effectively through spoken language, discussion and presentation.

How can schools promote reading for pleasure?

Schools can encourage reading through engaging reading environments, access to books and positive reading experiences.

Which classroom tools do teachers use most often?

Timers, dice, counters, mini whiteboards and practical maths resources are among the most frequently used classroom tools.

Stay connected with GLS

Follow GLS for practical classroom ideas, product inspiration, school procurement guidance and the latest education news.

Teaching Tools and Learning Resources for Primary Schools

Teaching Tools and Learning Resources Categories

What teaching tools and learning resources does a primary school need?

Which calculators should primary schools use?

Calculator Guide by Key Stage

Why are globes, maps and geography resources important?

Geography Resource Guide

How does Numicon support maths learning?

Numicon Resource Guide

Why do teachers use mini whiteboards?

Common Mini Whiteboard Uses

What are oracy resources and why are they becoming more important?

Oracy Resource Guide

How can schools encourage reading for pleasure?

Reading Resource Guide

Which classroom tools do teachers use every day?

Everyday Teaching Tools

Teaching Tools and Learning Resources Checklist

Teaching Tools and Learning Resources Checklist

Featured articles

Globes and geography resources for primary schools: a buying guide

Oracy resources for primary schools: the new national curriculum explained

Handwriting Pens for Primary Schools: A Complete Buying Guide

Calculators for Primary Schools: Which Type for Which Key Stage?

Oracy Resources for Primary Schools: The New National Curriculum Explained

Globes and geography resources for primary schools: a buying guide

Teaching Fractions in KS2: Hands-On Ideas with a Fractions Stacker

Making Coding Feel Real with EaRL

School budget pressures in 2026: what school leaders need to know

Reading for Pleasure in Primary Schools: Resources and the National Year of Reading 2026

The importance of Coding in School

National Year of Reading 2026 – Reigniting a Love for Books

Revision tips for your school

Teaching Clock & Early Years Teaching Clocks

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay connected with GLS