One of the questions I am frequently asked is what supplies parents should have in their homes. I know how frustrating it can be to read about an activity and then realize you have none of the supplies. Or you start go to a store to try to replicate a creative idea and realize how expensive all those fancy supplies can be. It can be overwhelming. This post takes the guess work out. With a click of your mouse from the comfort of your own home you can purchase the best art materials for kids! Let’s have some fun together!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to order your supplies straight to your door without leaving your home via the Homegrown Friends Amazon aStore. If you order the supplies from this site I receive a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you. This is a great way to support Homegrown Friends and gives me the ability to continue to provide you with fun posts!
THE BEST ART MATERIALS FOR KIDS
White copy paper is perfect for everyday use. I keep a stack available for drawing and writing activities.
Multi-colored construction paper can be used for drawing, cutting, collages and so much more. A large stack will last a long time.
A white butcher paper roll is worth the upfront cost. One roll with last you a year and is perfect for large paintings and drawings, birthday signs, body tracings and so much more!
Crayons are an essential part of our day to day activities. Crayons are an important tool for early writing skills. Unlike markers, crayons naturally teach children how to apply pressure to the paper in varying amounts to make different types of hues and strokes. This will strengthen the muscles in the hand necessary for proper fine motor development and aid writing skills.
While crayons are one of the best tools to help aid early writing skills, markers are a wonderful addition. Markers are great for drawing and making signs.
Pencils are important for teaching proper writing techniques and aiding fine motor development. Make sure you also have a pencil sharpener handy.
Glue is an essential part to simple art activities with kids. I like to purchase the gallon size bottle. This is a huge money saver! You can pour small amount on container lids (like a yogurt top) and use with a brush or fill up small bottles.
Washable Tempera Paint is a wonderful introductory paint for children and can be used in so many ways! It is my philosophy that children should first be introduced to red, yellow and blue so that they can have ample time to explore the medium and the varying ways the colors mix. If you give them orange, purple and green you are missing out on an important learning opportunity to make these color mixing discoveries on their own. Once children have had plenty of experience with those three colors introduce white and black. Children should be encouraged to mix their own additional colors using red, yellow, blue, white and black. The only colors that cannot be made from these base colors are magenta and turquoise. You are welcome to eventually add those colors into the mix.
Red Tempera Paint See description above
Blue Tempera Paint See description above
Yellow Tempera Paint See description above
Black Tempera Paint See description above
Food coloring is great to have around the house to tint playdough, water activities and even glue.
Paint brushes in a variety of sizes will be used frequently during painting and gluing activities. If you have multiple children purchase one set per child.
A plastic palette is a great addition to our painting activities. Small amounts of tempera paint can be squeezed into the small round sections with plenty of empty spaces to encourage color mixing. I love how easy they are to wash and use again and again!
Table salt is an essential ingredient to the Homegrown Friends Playdough Recipe. Purchase in bulk so that you always have enough ready for use!
Cream of Tartar is an essential ingredient to the Homegrown Friends Playdough Recipe. Save your money by buying this item in bulk versus the grocery store.
Child- size scissors help children gain cutting practice during some of the Homegrown Friends activities. Because the act of cutting requires a level of fine motor development and coordination I introduce cutting around age 3. Purchase one pair of scissors per child.
Adult scissors will be needed to prepare some of the Homegrown Friends activities.
Take a moment to LIKE the Homegrown Friends Facebook Page!
