My Top 10 Must Have Supplies for the Elementary Art Room

If you’ve ever taught art to kids, you know — it’s never just about crayons and paper! An elementary art room is a place of joyful chaos, creativity, and endless possibility. Over the years, I’ve found a few staple supplies that make all the difference. Whether you’re a new art teacher setting up your space or just looking to refresh your stash, here are my top ten go-to materials every art room needs.

🖍️ 1. Crayola Crayons (The Classic!)

You can’t go wrong with a good old box of crayons. They’re bright, easy to use, and perfect for younger students. I love that they allow for both control and color experimentation — plus, there’s something magical about opening a fresh 24-pack!

🖌️ 2. Watercolor Paint Sets

A class favorite every time. Watercolors are simple to set up and easy to clean, making them perfect for quick projects or early finishers. Tip: Keep a few sturdy brushes on hand — those little plastic ones don’t always hold up!

✂️ 3. Scissors (Child-Safe, of Course)

Cutting is more than just fun — it builds fine motor skills! Having a class set of comfortable, blunt-tip scissors makes all the difference. I always label mine by color or table group to keep things organized.

🧴 4. Glue Bottles and Glue Sticks

Every art teacher knows: you need both. Glue sticks for paper projects, glue bottles for heavier materials. Pro tip — keep a “glue hospital” bin for bottles that need unclogging later. It’ll save your sanity during class!

📄 5. Heavy Drawing Paper

Regular copy paper just doesn’t hold up to the masterpieces your students will create. Invest in good quality drawing paper — something that can handle marker, paint, and a little love (or a lot).

🖍️ 6. Oil Pastels

These are magic for kids. They’re bold, smooth, and blend beautifully. I love using oil pastels for texture rubbings, abstract designs, and resist techniques with watercolor. They’re also a great upgrade from crayons for upper grades.

🖋️ 7. Permanent Markers (Hello, Sharpies!)

A black permanent marker is an art room superhero. They’re perfect for outlining, defining, and adding finishing touches. Just make sure to go over marker safety and table protection first — you’ll thank yourself later!

🧽 8. Tempera Paint & Brushes

Tempera is a must for any painting unit. It’s bright, mixable, and washable (hallelujah). Pair it with quality brushes and plastic palettes or muffin tins for easy color management.

📦 9. Collage Bin

Keep a bin filled with scrap paper, magazines, cardboard, tissue paper, and fabric bits. Collage projects encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and design play. Kids love digging through and creating something out of “nothing.”

🌈 10. Drying Racks (Your Secret Weapon)

If you don’t have a drying rack, you need one. Trust me — it’ll save space, prevent smudges, and keep those masterpieces safe while they dry. If you’re short on room, wire dish racks or laundry drying racks can work in a pinch!

💡 Bonus Tip: Organize, Label, Repeat

The best supply in any art room? Organization. Use clear bins, color-coded labels, and visual examples so students know exactly where to find (and return!) materials. A tidy art room is a happy art room.

✨ Final Thoughts

Art class should feel like an adventure — full of color, texture, and discovery. Having the right supplies makes it easier to focus on creativity instead of cleanup. Stock your room with these essentials, and you’ll be ready for anything from finger painting to full-on masterpieces!