15 Simple Art Supplies List for Elementary School
Art supplies are a necessary part of any elementary school’s supplies list. Here are 15 simple art supplies that can be used by elementary students in a variety of art projects.
It’s time to go back-to-school shopping. If you’re an elementary school teacher, this is a great resource for the supplies that your students will need.
There are some great ideas listed below! This blog post includes: art supplies list for elementary school, pencils, crayons, markers, scissors and glue sticks.
You might also like:
- List of Art Supplies for Beginner’s
- Art Supplies for Toddlers List
- Art Supplies List for Preschool
- Art Supplies List for Middle School
- Art Supplies List for High School
- List of Art Supplies for Artists
- List of Art Supplies for Painting

Best Art Supplies List for Elementary School
Looking for ways to inspire your child’s artistic talents? Check out the Best Art Supplies List for Elementary School!
This comprehensive guide is filled with exciting options and is a must-have for parents and educators alike.
Important Art Supplies List for Elementary School
Elementary students are at their beginner’s level of using art tools and creating something new. So, they require easy peasy equipment to work with.
Here are the fifteen most important Art Supplies List for Elementary School that one cannot manage without.

1. Pencils
Pencils are one of the most common writing tools in the world. They are traditionally made of a wooden rod encased in a thin layer of rubber or plastic, with a pointed end for marking on paper.
Pencils date back to sometime in what is now modern Germany, where they were invented for other purposes but quickly took off as an instrument for writing.
Pencils are one of the most important tools in art and there are a variety of pencils available in the market.
At elementary level an H-B pencil is a good one as these are hard and dark and students can easily hold these pencils to draw sketches and for making patterns.
You should also include color pencils in your list and there are a variety of affordable color pencils available in the market.
- TEACHER REQUESTED: You’ve asked for shorter pencils in the classroom, and now the perfect sized-pencil for young students is finally here; 4.5″ Length delivers better control…
- Graphite core provides extra-smooth laydown for legible results
- Package Includes: 40 Flexible Pencils with Striped Design and Eraser
- You will get 28 colored striped cylindrical pencils with erasers. These lovely pencils are made of natural wood. The erasers are made of safe, non-toxic and tasteless…
- Wood-cased pencils (30-count) for writing, drawing, or sketching; ideal for home, office, or classroom

2. Erasers
An eraser is a piece of rubber or plastic that is used as a tool for removing pencil markings from paper.
Erasers are also used to remove graphite and ink from paper in an erasable ink pen, as well as from other surfaces, such as glass and plastic.
Working with a pencil definitely requires an eraser as there is much room for mistakes when following a pattern or making a definite shape.
Hence, I will recommend, an Art Supplies List for Elementary School should have erasers in it.
I will prefer those that leave less residue and leave a surface clearer. There are different types of erasers available in the market and are not very expensive.
- 120Pc High Quality Colorful Pencil Top Eraser
- PUZZLE PENCIL ANIMAL ERASERS: Pack of 35 animal erasers desk pets simple puzzle erasers toys in realistic and cute shape, each puzzle erasers goodie bags stuffers can be taken…
- 3D Thinking and Brain Exercising: Pencil erasers for kids with kawaii appearances and vibrant random colors, develop kids’s color and shape cognition, spark imagination and…
- 【CUTE ERASERS – 4 STYLES】Erasers are cute, novelty and fun, which is very suitable for children’s stationery or gifts. Including 4 styles – fruit erasers, ball erasers,…
- Excellent Classroom Prizes: Arscniek 3D animal erasers made of safety rubber materials. Cute food mini erasers bring an entertaining way to put mistakes away. Best prizes for…

3. Waterproof Pens
Waterproof pens are a type of pen that is designed to be used on paper as well as some other surfaces.
Such as glass and plastic, where ink markings would traditionally not be permanent. This makes it useful for some types of mapping and drawing.
Unlike some other types of ink pens that can be erased, these types of pens can’t be erased manually with an eraser because the ink is waterproof.
An Art Supplies List for Elementary School must have Non waterproof markers and pens as these are permanent and have more resistance to water.
Hence, at the elementary level they give a more permanent and attractive look to the artwork and can’t spoil with water.
- 【Adorable Design】This collection of Creative Animal Ballpoint Pens features cute and fashionable animal and friends theme designs, including 12 delightful Cartoon Styles…
- 🖍【Fun Multicolor Ballpoint Pens】Adopt Cute animal-themed designs, including dinosaurs, rabbits, bear paws… and other patterns. These adorable children’s images will…
- 🖍️NON-TOXIC: Conforms to ASTM D-4236, you can use those coloring markers with confidence. with Portable colorful package, is a good idea for adult, kids, artists,…
- Abundant Quantity:You will get 30 random cute kawaii gel pens,the quantity is enough for your daily needs,you can share with your family,friends,neighbors and…
- Cute Design: This squishy pen contains 10 different cute cartoon elements, made of quality sponge material, 18cm long and 0.7cm in diameter

4. Rulers
Rulers are used as a standard of measurement. Rulers come in many different sizes and vary in their accuracy.
There are many types of rulers such as metal, plastic, and wood.
One use for rulers is to measure the height and depth of something because it can be drawn on the ruler to show its depth and height.
Another use for a ruler is to measure the length and width of something because it can be drawn next to both sides to show the measurements.
Children at the elementary level cannot make straight lines so they always require a tool to make straight lines in their drawings.
Hence an Art Supplies List for Elementary School should have flexible rulers in it that are available in the market and are of different lengths. You should select one that is easy to hold.
- 7 Color Plastic Rulers: Pink, Orange, Blue, Transparent, Purple, Green, Yellow, The ruler size is 30.8 * 3 cm, measure of 12 inch/ 30 cm, Made with transparent clear plastic
- Package Includes: You will receive 2 pieces of soft bendable rulers in a gradient colour, which can attracts students’ attention and increases their interest in learning. The…
- Package Includes: 6 x 12 Inch Plastic Ruler In Assorted Colors
- Acrylic Ruler: Suitable for use at home, or in the classroom, shop, or office, this scratch-resistant 12-inch ruler features a transparent body that allows for easy page…
- Save Time And Money: This assorted color straight edge ruler set included 30 rulers in 6 colors, saving you the time of choosing rulers of various colors. A quantity of 30 is…

5. Watercolors
Watercolors is a type of paint that is mixed with water and used in the painting of artwork. Watercolors can be either pure pigment or translucent.
The paint is like liquid and will easily run off the paper if it’s not properly fastened down with an adhesive spray or pape, which then allows for more washes or layers to be added.
Watercolors is the basic thing that is used widely at the elementary level. These colors are easy to handle and give a variety of shades and blend easily.
But the most important thing is to use them with a water-absorbent paper as this paper can absorb excess water and helps colors to give a smoother look.
- Cra-Z-Art Watercolor Palette comes with 8 brilliant washable watercolors
- Mr. Pen washable watercolors include 2 sets of 8-color palettes, providing a wide range of brilliant, vibrant colors for your creative expressions.
- 16 Watercolor – Ultimate watercolors paint set includes a 16 water color palette, 1 painting paper pad, and 8 kids paint brushes in various sizes, includes all the components…
- 2 Pack of 12 VIBRANT WATERCOLORS and 1 BRUSH- Enjoy a large variety of high pigment paints in this paint set. Use the 12 watercolor paint set colors alone or mix them to…
- 48 Vivid Colors Best Watercolor Paints Set — The watercolour paint set including 42 unique vibrant colors, fine pigment powder make them soluble in water easily. The color is…

6. Color Paper
Color paper is a type of paper that has color applied to it instead of white.
The colors are created by printing with an ink that is either colored or created with a pigment that takes on the color of the paper when it dries.
These types of papers can be used in many ways. For example, color paper is used for many types of printing such as posters and invitations.
An Art Supplies List for Elementary School should have different color papers as children like to work with different colors and these color papers give a more attractive look to a painting.
Different sizes of papers are available in the market and you should choose one that is less costly and can be handled easily.
- BULK CONSTRUCTION PAPER: The 480-count of Crayola Construction Paper features 48 pages (10 unique colors) per pack.
- Heavyweight 100% vat-dyed sulphite paper is perfect for any arts and crafts project
- Vibrant, Fade-Resistant Colors-Bright, consistent colors, a smooth texture and cuts and folds evenly without cracking. Available in a variety of colors made to inspire each…
- PERFECT FOR EVERYDAY PROJECTS: Colorize your documents, flyers, crafting, school projects, color-coding, DIY crafting and more!!
- VIVID COLORS: 8 bright color assortment that includes White, Blue, Pink, Scarlet, Orange, Canary, Light Green, and Black.

7. Construction Papers
Construction paper is a type of paper that is made with a thick, heavy weight and is usually used for crafting projects.
For example, construction paper can be used to make banners for holidays such as the 4th of July or Memorial Day.
Construction paper also comes in many different colors. It can also be used to make cards for special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and many other events.
For crafting children always love crafting papers because they can fold, bend, mold, and shape them easily.
These papers are used to make cards and two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects. Hence crafting papers is the most important art supply.
- BULK CONSTRUCTION PAPER: The 480-count of Crayola Construction Paper features 48 pages (10 unique colors) per pack.
- Heavyweight 100% vat-dyed sulphite paper is perfect for any arts and crafts project
- VIVID COLORS: 8 bright color assortment that includes White, Blue, Pink, Scarlet, Orange, Canary, Light Green, and Black.
- Light-weight construction paper is great for cutting pasting, curling, and scoring.

8. Crayons
Crayons are an art supply for creating visual art. They combine the effects of wax, pigment, and paper to create a wide variety of possible artistic expressions.
They are usually marketed for children to use, but they are also used by many professional artists. Crayons are made from paraffin, a type of petroleum product that consists mainly of wax.
Crayons are the most important art supply at elementary level.
Students and the teachers both love to draw and color with crayons as they give a more permanent look and are easy to hold like a pencil.
There are a variety of crayons available in the market.
Crayons have wax based so they easily mix and blend well on paper that’s why students love to use crayon then pencil colors.
- CRAYOLA MINI TWISTABLES CRAYONS: 24 Twistables Crayons with Fun Effects colors!
- CRAYOLA TWISTABLES CRAYON SET: This kids’ coloring set includes 50 Crayola Mini Twistable Crayons, perfect for little hands to hold and use.
- BULK CRAYON SET FOR KIDS: Features 240 Crayola Crayons in 120 vibrant colors, providing a wide range of hues for limitless artistic creations.
- CRAYOLA CRAYONS: This crayon set includes 8 Large Crayons for kids.
- #1 highest quality Crayons

9. Kiln Stilts
Kiln Stilts are equally important as they help to make shapes on canvas and paper.
At elementary level students use these shapes to make different patterns, pointed metal helps to fix them on paper and they cannot move.
- Stilts strategically suspend glazed ware on the wire points (keeping pottery piece separated) and also allows air to circulate around large, flat pieces
- 【High Temperature Resistance】The movable support nail design is used to meet all ceramic firing works whose working temperature is below 1380 degrees Celsius.
- 【Comprehensive Set】This kiln stilt set comes equipped with 2 ceramic refractory pads and 120 sturdy support pins, designed to meet diverse firing requirements. Whether…
- Measuring 1-3/8″ between the points, 5/8″ high to the tip of the pins, this triangular stilt has a maximum firing temperature of 2025° F (Cone 03)
- 【Material】Made by high quality tungsten wire, this high temperature resistant materials can withstand up to 1600°C.Suitable for making ceramic works,Jewelry Making , Kiln…

10. Palettes
Creating a supply list for an elementary school art class requires careful consideration.
An important part of this list is the palettes used to mix colors and hold paint during class.
Palettes are hard wooden, ceramic, disposable paper plates, or plastic surfaces that have been widely used by artists for centuries.
In an Art Supplies List for Elementary School, palettes are equally important as they provide a place to mix, blend and make a color of your choice.
Children at the elementary level learn to mix colors on these surfaces. I will recommend choosing one that can be easily held in hand.
- ★【Premium Paint Palette】 – It’s made of plastic high quality, sturdy, durable. Our palettes have the advantages of firm and durable structure, break-proof, smooth…
- ◆Plastic Palettes◆The small paint pallet trays are light,made of sturdy plastic, not easy to break,smooth surface,easy to clean and avoids the problem of difficult pigment…
- Package contains 15 round plastic palettes, perfect for extensive painting needs
- 【Packaging】–4Pcs paint tray palettes has been contained. Molded plastic paint pallet is high quality, sturdy, durable, sanitary . our paint tray have the advantages of…
- 【Premium Plastic Palettes】: Paint tray made of molded white premium plastic which is sanitary,sturdy and durable.

11. Sponges
Sometimes sponges are used in school. They may be used for many different reasons, such as cleaning dishes, bathrooms, or toys.
Some sponges are also used to clean out the classrooms. When children work with water colors.
These sponges help to absorb extra color and are used to blend color on the canvas or a paper.
There are a variety of different shapes and sizes of sponges available in the market. Sponges can be used in a variety of ways.
You can use them to mix paint or watercolor paints together on paper or canvas, dab at paint around the edges of a painting, dry wet brushes after cleaning up with turpentine and more!
They’re also useful because they soak up excess liquid from surfaces which makes clean-up much easier than using cloths or towels.
- DETAILED TOUCH Get hawk eye level precision, enhanced colour control and smooth blending with naroa sponges to create artwork that impresses. Natural fibres and high…
- VALUE PACK: Natural & synthetic sponge assortment providing variety of sizes, textures and finishes. Reusable & economical.
- WHAT YOU GET: The package includes a total of 30 pieces of wooden handle round sponge brushes For painting in 4 assorted sizes. 5 pieces 1.5-inch round sponge brushes, 5…
- Round sponge color: yellow; quantity: 6pcs

12. Paint Brushes
There are numerous paint brushes available in the market and at elementary level art supply list you must include basic three types of brushes, these are flat, round and a filbert brushes.
They are available in a variety of sizes and lengths.
The right set of paint brushes can help your child take that next step in mastering this art form. What are some things to consider when choosing the best brush?
Look at both handle style and shape as well as bristles.
Consider how easily they will fit into your child’s hand, if you want them to be ergo-friendly or not, how much control they offer over the thickness of paint applied, etc.
There are many different factors to consider before making your final decision!
- VALUE PAINT BRUSHES SET: Total 15pcs paint brushes with 6 kinds of different functionals heads and size, all of them are prefect working with all paint types
- 35 ASSORTED PAINTBRUSHES: From watercolors to acrylics and oils, stock up on the all-purpose craft materials you need to create your next masterpiece!
- 🎨 HIGH QUALITY, NO SHEDDING: 10 Pcs all-purpose paint brushes for kids in an assortment of bright colors. They are made of high quality bristles and are made with exquisite…
- 【KIDS PAINT BRUSHES SET】Anezus paint brushes for kids come with 10 pcs paint brushes of 5pcs round paintbrushes and 5 flat paint brushes with colorful handles, good for…
- Quality: These paint brushes for kids are done in soft, high-quality pig bristles, rust-proof ferrules, and brightly colored plastic handles that are securely fastened to the…

13. Glue
If you are going to teach a three dimensional or two dimensional object then glue or any other adhesive is the most important tool to paste different pieces of paper together.
If you’re a teacher, you know how important it is to have the right tools for your job.
For example, there’s glue. Glue is great because it binds two things together and can be used as an adhesive or sealant.
But not all glues are created equal! Some work better on certain surfaces than others (e.g., wood vs metal).
Some glues dry faster than others, and some even come in different colors to help differentiate them from each other.
- The information below is per-pack only
- All-purpose clear liquid glue (1-gallon bottle); ideal for making homemade slime; effectively adheres items together–bonds with paper, cardboard, wood and making slime, and…
- 1-gallon bottle of all-purpose white liquid glue; great for school, home, and arts and crafts
- WHITE GLUE: Adheres to paper, fabric, foam, cardboard, display boards, and many other surfaces.

14. Scissors
It is also one of the most important items of all fifteen as for making patterns one should have to cut them in different sizes and shapes and without help of scissors it is not possible.
Hence, include scissors in your art supply list.
Scissors are an essential tool for your classroom. They can be used to cut paper, cardboard, and other materials.
Scissors should always be stored in a designated area or drawer that is not accessible by students.
Once you have the scissors out of the drawer, they should never be left unattended on a desk or table.
When using scissors with young children it is important to make sure they know how to use them safely and responsibly before giving them their own pair of scissors.
- ALL PURPOSE SCISSORS FOR SCHOOL KIDS: Contains 12, 5″ blunt tip scissors for school with a soft comfort grip handle
- Safety Blunt Blades with Protective Cover: These kids scissors made of extra strong, durable, anti-rust and wear-resistant stainless steel flat-ground blades. Smooth blades…
- Definitely small scissors for school — Great for cutting burlap, paper, card stock, cardboard, scrapbook, wrapping paper, light line, fabric, tape, photos, coupons, cutting…
- MY FIRST SCISSORS: This set includes 3 Crayola Safety Scissors designed for “ouch-free” paper cutting, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for toddlers and kids.
- Kids’ Scissors: Available in 4 cool colors kids love, our kid scissors for home and school are specially designed to accommodate a child’s hand

15. Tape
Tape is equally important as these are used to stick different papers together and are used in drawing and painting at beginner level.
These tapes help to draw straight lines and different symmetrical patterns.
Why use tape? Taping provides students with an affordable way to decorate their work without having to spend money on expensive covers.
Taping also makes it easier for students who are working on their own projects at home by giving them the option of being able to create a clean surface that they can easily take off when they finish.
Finally, taping provides teachers with the opportunity to help teach basic skills such as measuring and cutting straight lines that will have long-term benefits for student success later in life.
- INVISIBLE TAPE: 6 rolls of Scotch Magic Tape with dispenser mends rips and tears in college essentials, like notebooks, securely, permanently and invisibly
- 12 Colored Masking Tape: They come in yellow, purple, black, white, pink, orange, light green, dark green, red, light blue, dark blue, and brown. The colors are very rich and…
- Perfect Gift for Kids: Our colored masking tape features 15 vibrant colors, offering endless entertainment for kids and homemakers alike. It’s easy to carry in backpacks,…
- [Dimensions] – One package includes 40 rolls of masking tape with fashionable designs. Each roll of washi tape is 0.59 inches (15mm) in width and 9.8 feet (3m) in length, so…
- Durable Versatility: It can be torn by hand, sticky enough to adhere to any clean surface and easy to re-position. The tape can be used on paper, objects and walls.

Teach Children to Be Creative
It is important to teach children to be creative, which is good for their mental health and essential for their physical well-being.
Children at the elementary stage are at their beginner level of learning artwork.
There are lots of things that should be included in an art supply list at an elementary level.
If you are a teacher and are going to make an art supply list for the elementary level with all important and easy to use, here I have provided one to make your work easier.

Frequently Asked Questions
Struggling to find the right art supplies for your elementary school list?
Our frequently asked questions provide helpful answers and tips to make sure you get the best materials for your students.
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What supplies do art students need?
Art students typically need a variety of supplies, including pencils, erasers, paper, paint, brushes, and canvases.
The specific supplies required may depend on the type of art being created and the preferences of the student or teacher. -
How do I set up an elementary art room?
To set up an elementary art room, you may need art supplies, storage containers, tables and chairs, a sink, and display areas for student artwork.
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What are good art supplies?
Good art supplies may include paints, colored pencils, markers, crayons, pastels, paper, glue, and scissors.
The specific supplies may depend on the age of the students and the type of art being created. -
What do you put in an art room?
An art room may include art supplies, storage containers, tables and chairs, display areas for student artwork, and perhaps a sink for easy clean-up.
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What should a beginner buy for art?
Beginners may want to start with basic supplies, such as sketchbooks, pencils, erasers, and watercolors, before investing in more expensive or specialized materials.
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What are the 4 common essentials of art?
The four common essentials of art are line, shape, texture, and color.
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How do you set up an art area in a preschool classroom?
To set up an art area in a preschool classroom, you may need age-appropriate art supplies, such as non-toxic markers and paint, along with smocks and a designated art space with tables and chairs.
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How do I set up an art studio for kids?
To set up an art studio for kids, you may need a designated space with tables and chairs, art supplies, storage containers, and display areas for finished artwork.
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What do you put on art shelves?
Art shelves may include supplies such as paints, markers, colored pencils, construction paper, scissors, and glue.
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How should an art classroom look like?
An art classroom may look colorful and creative, with displays of student artwork and organized art supplies.
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How do you manage an elementary art classroom?
To manage an elementary art classroom, teachers may need to establish clear expectations and routines for students, provide demonstrations and instructions for art projects, and create a positive and supportive environment.
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How do you host a school art show?
To host a school art show, teachers may need to select and display student artwork, promote the event to the school community, and provide a reception or other activities for attendees.
Wrapping Up Art Supplies List for Elementary School
As you can see, art supplies list for elementary school is about more than just crayons and paint.
There’s a lot of science that goes into what materials to use for different purposes.
The best thing you can do is experiment with the options out there before deciding which ones work well for your needs.
Remember that it doesn’t have to be expensive—you might find something cheaper at an arts supply store or dollar store!
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