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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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