Choosing Drawing Materials for Young Children

Markers, Crayons, and More in Early Childhood Art

Jan 10, 2009

This article focuses on selecting basic drawing materials for the daycare or preschool classroom's art center.

Drawing is a wonderful, yet simple, way to incorporate the visual arts into many early childhood lesson plans. Before randomly handing out whatever drawing tool happens to be closest by, stop and look at what options are out there.

Crayons are a staple of most early childhood classrooms. They are inexpensive, virtually mess free, and come in as many colors as any child could think of. Before selecting crayons as a drawing tool first consider what your learning goals or lesson objectives are. Additionally, take into account the developmental ability of the children in the classroom.

Thicker crayons may work better with younger children, who have less refined fine motor skills than an older child has. Conversely, thin crayons may challenge older children to really work on fine motor development. These may also be more condusive to writing letters and simple words than thicker crayons. For classrooms with mixed ages or varying developmental levels, mix up the type of crayons used. Let the children direct their own choices as to thick or thin.

Crayons can also be used in alternative ways. Try peeling off the wrappers and having the children use bare crayons sideways. This can be used to make rubbing art projects.

Oil pastels may look like crayons, but they are in fact very different. Aside from being more expensive as a drawing tool, oil pastels can be used in a different manner than that of a crayon. They blend easily and can create paint like artwork without all of the planning, set up, and mess of actual paints. Invite children to blend multiple colors together with their hands, and allow them to explore how an oil pastel can be a truly unique art material.

Despite being a fantastic art material for young children, there are two important cautions to take into consideration. The first is the age of the child. Most oil pastel packaging will state that this product should not be used with children three or under. Make sure that the children using the oil pastels understand how to appropriately handle and use this material. Children who may be tempted to put the oil pastels into their mouths should not be allowed to use this material. And, as always, follow the manufacturers guide for use.

The second caution is clean up and mess. Although they are neater than most paints, oil pastels do have the tendancy to rub off on evrything around them. Make sure that children using oil pastels are wearing art smocks and/or messy play clothes.

Markers are an inexpensive drawing tool that come in many forms. Like crayons, there are multiple thicknesses to choose from. Additionally, some manufacturers produce scented markers for an added sensory experience.

When choosing a good marker for the classroom, avoid anything labeled permanent. In terms of clean up, markers stated as being washable are great for young children.

Chalk is a versatile art material for the young child. It can be used inside on paper or a board, or taken outside for sidewalk/playground drawing. Try dipping large pieces of chalk in water for a different drawing experience.

Chalk may also be added to other art projects in making creative details. Add chalk dipped in water over a tempera paitning for a special effect.

Drawing tools in the early childhood classroom can range greatly in price, use, and clesn up. Make your choices based on the children who you teach and the lesson that you plan.

The copyright of the article Choosing Drawing Materials for Young Children in Day Care is owned by Erica Loop. Permission to republish Choosing Drawing Materials for Young Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.