Home Art and Play Supplies
Many of these items are ones you may already own or items that you can find cheaper at dollar stores. If you are experiencing financial difficulties and need help obtaining items for your homeschooling or virtual learning please reach out.
The Basics
of any home play space
Since we’ve all been home a lot more than usual(pre pandemic) we need to separate and create spaces for play and home. It’s ok when these spaces cross but I feel that it breaks up the day when there is even a small space that’s essentially the safe space for your toddler or preschooler. A simple rug, bathmat or soft mat where your child can take some quiet time helps create that space.
I love the Target children’s bath mats because they are colorful, soft and the right size for them to carry themselves. They learn independence by pulling out their own rug and setting up their own play session. They can read books, put together a puzzle, do yoga or even rest on it.
A table or space where they can explore and get a bit messy. The Ikea tables, the right size for your kiddo and you won’t mind if they get them a little dirty.
This specific table can be used for sensory projects or storage.
Play blocks. I love the Melissa and Doug block set for its durability, shapes provided and simplicity of use. I find that less is more and simple blocks build a greater use of imagination.
I love creating spaces where my children can feel open to creating when they feel the need. It creates independence and nurtures their need to explore. The key to creating that space is making sure it’s easily accessible for them and items I don’t mind them getting their little hands on.
ikea cart
I usually add some computer or construction paper, crayons, playdoh and a few playdoh tools. The older they got the more art supplies I add. Now, at 3 and 5 years old they have access to child scissors, crayons, colored pencils, washable markers, playdoh, paper and water color paints. The more independence they have with these tools earlier on the less mess is created (I promise!)
The tray. I love the tray! The tray helps contain the mess, I promise you this. When in doubt put it on a tray. Using a tray helps them explore but with a boundary in place. It’s not fool proof but they learn down the line that the mess stays on the tray. I love using the tray for playdoh, kinetic sand and any paint art project to keep my floors and table somewhat clean.
Let them get messy, let them paint their hands, feet, but when it comes to the table, and walls- that’s where we draw the line. When in doubt just say “the mess stays on the tray”.
*Keep in mind that the tray can be a baking sheet or a plastic container with a shallow edge. I’m not a fan of large plastic containers because they are harder for them to use when sitting down on a table to play, the mess rarely stays in the container if they are not seated or at least on a near a table standing. Plus, it’s a big plastic container, where do you put that?!
My favorite tray to use from Ikea. So many uses for it in the home, not just art projects.
The Details
for sensory, art and outdoor exploring
Amazon list
These are items you might already own, can find used or in the dollar section of target.
There are notes for many products on why I chose them specifically.
Online Pre-K Resources
Links, websites, random thoughts on pre-k education
The Measured Mom- Lots of info and great for phonemics awareness and ‘Letter of the week curriculum’.
Mommy and Me Preschool- I followed and ad on my facebook and it led me to this program and I am in love. It’s easy, cheap and I don’t have to do much to start the plan for the day. Daily lessons for shapes, letters for 20 weeks and more (for extra $).
Art Process vs Product Art process not product with children