Creating Art Centers that Support Young Children’s Development

In early learning classrooms, art centers are important spaces for inspiring children’s sense of imagination and self-expression. Providing a variety of intentionally selected materials sparks creativity while encouraging learning and development. In this article, we explore materials to include in an early learning art center and share a few tips for creating an engaging and inspiring space for young children. 

Selecting Art Materials to Support Learning & Development

Intentionally selecting art materials that are interesting, engaging, and versatile helps to create an environment in which children are invited to experiment, explore, and be creative. Below are ideas and examples to help you get started.

Basic Art Materials

Materials that can be used in a variety of art projects and activities tend to be staples in most early learning art centers. These items encourage creativity while also supporting fine motor skill development, as little ones draw, write, cut, and paint – all of which require the use of small muscles in the hands and fingers. Basic art materials you might consider for your art center include…

• Crayons, markers, and colored pencils 
• Glue and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Paper (in a variety of sizes, textures, weights, and colors)
• Washable paints (tempera, watercolor, dot markers)
• Paintbrushes (various sizes and textures)
• Scrap paper
• Beads and pom-poms 
• Yarn

Natural items 

The natural world is filled with materials that young children can use in art and creative projects. As little ones engage with these items, they can explore the various colors and textures of nature, while also learning foundational scientific concepts. Examples of natural materials to incorporate into your art center include… 

• Pinecones
• Leaves
• Dried and fresh flowers and petals
• Seashells
• Pebbles and small stones
• Sticks and twigs

Recycled Materials

Recycled items spark children’s sense of creativity by encouraging them to see everyday objects in new ways. As children engage in this creative process, they practice problem-solving and flexible thinking, both of which will support later academic success. Some recycled items that can be used in early learning art projects include… 

• Cardboard tubes from rolls of toilet paper or paper towels
• Egg cartons
• Cereal boxes
• Bottle caps
• Pieces of cardboard
• Buttons
• Popsicle sticks
• Straws

Sensory Art Supplies

Materials with distinctive textures are ideal for sensory art activities. Squishing, squeezing, and sticking a variety of materials together engages children in creative projects while exercising their little hands and fingers and strengthening fine motor skills. You might consider equipping your art center with sensory art materials such as… 

• Stickers, tape 
• Clay
• Sponges and rollers (as alternatives to paintbrushes)
• Finger paint
• Fabric scraps and felt pieces

A Note on Sourcing Materials

While stocking your classroom’s art center might seem expensive, there are many cost-effective ways to collect art supplies. Local thrift stores and Dollar Stores are great places to find inexpensive items. You might check out online marketplaces, such as Facebook and Nextdoor, to see if items might be available in the free sections or in “buy nothing” groups. Let families and friends know what art materials you’d like to add to your art center by posting a donation wish list on your website or by displaying a list near the entrance of your classroom. 

Tips for Organizing and Setting Up Art Spaces

The way that materials are displayed in art centers can have a significant impact on the choices children make about using and interacting with the available items. Organizing the art center thoughtfully helps children easily access materials when they are feeling inspired. 

• Keep items visible. Ensure that the available supplies in your art center are stored at children’s eye level, using low shelves so that children can easily see what items are available. Utilizing clear bins is a good option for keeping things organized while maintaining visibility. When children see all of the materials they have to work with, it helps to create a sense of excitement and eagerness to dive into the creative process. 
• Display completed art projects. Putting children’s previous art projects on display is a great way to inspire children’s creativity and create a sense of pride in the work they have completed. Seeing their artwork encourages children to reflect on their creative process and choice of materials, and to learn from and be inspired by previous experiences.
• Quality over quantity. As a reminder, it’s not necessary to put out all of the items in your art center at the same time. By selecting a few materials to display at one time, we make it easier for children to focus on how the materials can be used to create something new. You can regularly rotate the items, observe the way that children are interacting with the materials and the space, and consider switching out items used less frequently for something new. Every few months or so, you’ll want to clean out items that are broken or worn so that things feel clean and fresh.