TOP 5 Best Art Supplies for 4 year Olds
1.Paint Sticks
These quick drying, washable tempera paint sticks are so easy and fun to use. They’re washable and quick drying, which makes them absolutely stress free. Instead of using a paintbrush and water container, these eliminate the spilling and wet paper hazards that often come with brush painting. 
These sticks lend themselves to bright, opaque colors that show up on construction paper and glide seamlessly across any 2D surface - I like to say they feel like “butter” or like a glue stick, but with color! Large sizes make it easier for little hands to hold on to, and the caps are easy to pull on and place back on top so they can work independently. Generally affordable, with sets costing less than $15.
I’ve seen different brands, and different sizes of sticks, and more often than not love any brand I purchase. Some sets will even come in neon, rainbow, or glitter so have fun experimenting! OOLY Chunkies Paint Sticks, 12ct. | Michaels
*** pro tip : instruct your four year old to draw gently with these, as the tempera stick is relatively soft it can “smoosh” easily if it’s smashed against paper. What a great way to show your little how to take care of their art supplies!
2). Crayola Model Magic
I’ve always loved crayola products, and this one is no different! This non toxic white modeling clay is soft and easy to use for little hands and they love to squish and manipulate the dough! It comes in many colors, but I generally buy the white packs because you can change them to any color using Crayola Washable Markers. As an alternative to play doh, this clay sticks together easily, and dries into a soft “marshmallow” like figure that can last for a long time!
Easy to Use!
Wrapping up your dough in between uses is crucial as it dries quickly when exposed to the air. Easy to clean up, and washable so it’s very safe for households with carpeting or even younger siblings. The good news is, it also comes in tubs! So if you’re digging this clay, go ahead and load up, because your students are bound to enjoy using it! Crayola® Model Magic® 4oz (michaels.com)
3). Do-a-dot Paint Markers
These are so wonderful for your littlest artist, with a big thick grip it allows students to hold on easily while making “dot dots” across their paper. I’ve tried different brands of paint dots, and don’t have a preference of one brand over another!
good, clean fun!
This washable set of 6 paint dotters are no-spill and no-splash bottles which is great for clean up. Bright opaque colors are satisfying for your youngest artist to push with minimal pressure and see their bright dots left behind! Do-A-Dot Art® Washable Rainbow 6 Colors Dot Markers | Michaels
4). Geometric Foam Shape Stickers
really, stickers? Yes! I love these stickers for four year olds, because THEY LOVE them! Larger foam shapes are easy for little hands to hold and use their fine motor skills to peel the paper off the back themselves. This promotes independent creativity, and they can “stick” them anywhere!
I use them to create on construction paper or give students recycled paper towel rolls and let them add stickers to it. They are soft, and colorful and provide a learning activity for you and your little one to talk about shapes, colors and improve their fine motor skills! Creatology™ Foam Stickers, Geometric Shapes (michaels.com)
5). Foam Paint Rollers
a fun alternative to the paintbrush, textured paint rollers offer a new way to roll paint across your page! Your littlest artist wil have so much fun rolling the wheel of these rollers covered in paint! They’re soft and spongy, which is fun for sensory exploration, and this particular set comes with trays for each roller to have it’s own color of paint. Easy to clean, these rollers will last forever!
Creative Patterns!
You can use any paints with them, and it provides opportunities to talk about patterns or “tracks” that the different rollers make! Purchase the WonderFoam® Foam Rollers and Paint Tray at Michaels
