Favorite Art Supplies for Preschoolers

As an elementary art teacher and a mama I have strong opinions on art supplies for kids. I know it might seem silly but quality matters, even at this age. This doesn't mean spending hundreds or even dozens of dollars but paying just a little bit more means the materials will last longer and the artwork will look even better. This list is geared towards toddlers, but all of these materials I use in my classroom with my pre-k through fifth graders (and I love using them too!). 

In the past eight years I've been an art teacher I have noticed a steep decline in the fine motor skills of my students. One of the easiest ways to improve these skills for your toddler (and older!) is to get them creating art. Open-ended creating encourages imagination, problem-solving, allows kids to express emotions and work out ideas--and can provide you with some adorable artwork for your walls! 

Below are some of my favorite lesser-known art materials. Of course, markers, crayons, scissors, glue sticks are wonderful. But you don't need a blog to tell you about those : ) These are all items I use in my classroom and my home and have stood up to 550+ students and my two toddlers. 

P.S. All these items can be found on this Amazon list, but you can find them other places as well, maybe for better prices!

Tempera Sticks | These are my favorite, my kids' favorite, and my students' favorite! They are a solid paint--they look and work like a glue stick. They come out like paint but dry in a minute and a half, and don't require a paintbrush or water cup (which means no spills). They have bright and bold colors and can layer to create new colors as well. 

Tempera Cakes | Think of these as extra large, more bold watercolors. They do require a paint brush and water, but they clean up really easily and give your preschooler great practice holding a paintbrush. Also, if they mix the colors (it happens!) just run them under a faucet and they rinse clean.

Construction Paper Crayons | I am surprised these aren't known by more people! They are just like regular crayons but they color on all paper, even black/dark construction paper!

Play Doh | I know this isn't "lesser known" but working with Play Doh is so beneficial for that fine motor development we are aiming for! If the thought of Play Doh crumbs makes you shudder, try making it an outside activity or use a drop cloth under the chair for easier clean up.

Color Sticks | These are colored pencils without the wood outside and the sharpening. I love the look of colored pencils but sharpening them drives me crazy! (Btw, you shouldn't put a colored pencil in an electric pencil sharpener. The waxiness of the lead will cause it to break down) These are great for little hands because they are the size and shape of crayons, but they color like a colored pencil.

Construction Paper | Not necessarily construction paper itself, but if you want your child's artwork to stay the beautiful colors it was when they made it, buy Tru-Ray construction paper. Everything else fades :) Art teacher tip!

What do you think of this list? Any materials that are new to you that you want to try?