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. 

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!

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!

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!

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!