Paints, Glue, Dough, Chalk & Accessories

Art materials play a crucial role in children’s creative development, giving them the tools to explore colours, textures, and techniques in a hands-on way. From early learning experiences to more advanced artistic projects, having access to a variety of paints, adhesives, sculpting materials, and accessories encourages both structured learning and open-ended creativity. Each material brings something unique to the process, helping children build confidence as they experiment with new ideas and refine their skills.

The Role Of Paints In Art And Craft Activities

Painting is one of the most engaging ways for children to express themselves. The movement of a brush across paper, the blending of colours, and the transformation of a blank surface into a vibrant scene provide a sensory-rich experience that strengthens fine motor skills. Different types of paint allow children to explore a variety of techniques, from soft watercolours that create delicate washes to bold acrylics that add texture and depth. The act of painting also encourages problem-solving as children learn to mix colours, adjust pressure, and experiment with layering.

Types Of Paint And Their Uses

• Watercolour paint is often used for its translucent effects, making it ideal for introducing young children to blending techniques.
• Acrylic paint provides a thicker consistency that allows for layering and works well on multiple surfaces, from paper to wood.
• Tempera paint is widely used in classrooms due to its quick drying time and ease of use, making it a practical choice for group activities.
• Finger paints offer a tactile experience that encourages younger children to explore colour mixing and hand movements.
• Fabric paint allows children to decorate textiles, adding a creative element to clothing, bags, and fabric-based projects.
• Poster paint is suitable for large display projects, providing bright, bold colours that stand out on posters and banners.

The Importance Of Glue In Craft Activities

Adhesives are essential in art projects, allowing children to assemble materials, create layered effects, and experiment with mixed-media techniques. Whether securing paper elements in a collage or building three-dimensional structures, glue introduces an element of construction that strengthens problem-solving skills. The right adhesive can make crafting easier and more enjoyable, ensuring that materials hold together while allowing for flexibility in design.

Types Of Glue And Their Applications

Different glues serve different purposes depending on the project.

• PVA glue is a staple in early childhood craft activities, providing a safe, easy-to-use adhesive for paper and lightweight materials.
• Glue sticks offer a mess-free solution for younger children who are still developing fine motor skills, making them ideal for quick and simple projects.
• Craft glue provides stronger adhesion for projects that require durability, allowing children to work with a wider range of materials.
• Hot glue, when used with supervision, enables more advanced assembly techniques by creating a firm and lasting bond between materials.
• Glitter and coloured glue add decorative elements, turning the adhesive itself into part of the creative process and enhancing visual appeal.

Why Dough Is A Valuable Creative Tool

Sculpting materials offer a different kind of artistic experience, giving children the opportunity to build, shape, and mold. Working with dough strengthens hand muscles, improves coordination, and encourages three-dimensional thinking. Unlike drawing or painting, sculpting engages both hands simultaneously, making it an excellent way to support motor skill development in younger children. The sensory experience of kneading, pressing, and rolling also provides a calming effect, helping children stay focused while engaging in creative play.

Types Of Dough And Their Benefits

Each type of dough provides a unique experience, offering different levels of detail, texture, and durability to suit a variety of creative projects.

• Playdough is a familiar favourite for younger children, providing a soft and easily moldable material that can be reused multiple times.
• Air-dry clay offers a more permanent option, allowing children to create sculptures that harden over time without the need for baking.
• Modeling clay remains pliable, making it a great choice for animation-style projects or detailed shaping that requires flexibility.
• Salt dough can be made at home, baked, and painted, allowing children to create lasting keepsakes with a hands-on crafting experience.

How Chalk Encourages Creative Expression

Drawing with chalk introduces children to a different artistic experience, offering a bold yet temporary way to create. The texture of chalk against a surface, the ability to blend colours, and the impermanence of the medium all make it an exciting tool for exploration. Children can experiment with shading, layering, and outlining, gaining a deeper understanding of composition and contrast.

Different Types Of Chalk And Their Uses

Each type of chalk offers a different way to interact with surfaces, making it a valuable addition to any creative space.

• Traditional white chalk is often used in classrooms to practice writing skills, while coloured chalk allows for vibrant artistic creations.
• Sidewalk chalk encourages outdoor creativity, giving children the chance to work on a larger scale with broad strokes and bold designs.
• Pastel chalk provides a softer texture that blends well, making it ideal for shading and more advanced artistic techniques.

Choose The Right Materials For Different Age Groups

A child’s approach to creativity changes as they grow, not just in ability but in how they engage with materials. The right materials should match both their developmental stage and their level of independence.

Early Crafting As A Sensory And Play-Based Experience

For younger children, crafting is less about the final product and more about the experience of exploration. The right materials should encourage sensory engagement, movement, and discovery rather than require precision or control. Squishing soft dough between fingers, dipping sponges into paint, or pressing chalk against a surface builds a natural understanding of cause and effect while strengthening fine motor skills. These materials should be forgiving, allowing for broad, expressive motions without frustration.

Texture plays a key role at this stage. Smooth glue sticks feel different from thick tempera paint, and soft clay offers a contrast to stiff paper. Materials that introduce new sensory experiences – such as coarse sandpaper shapes for collage work or puffy paints that create raised surfaces – help children connect touch with creativity. Providing a variety of textures not only supports artistic development but also helps with sensory processing and motor coordination.

Transition To Tools That Encourage Independence

As children grow, crafting becomes more about construction, design, and problem-solving. They begin to take ownership of their creative choices, experimenting with materials in ways that go beyond simple exploration. This is when tools become just as important as the materials themselves. Fine-tip paintbrushes allow for controlled strokes, and precision glue applicators make it easier to attach smaller details. Rather than focusing solely on new materials, introducing better tools can help children refine their skills and become more intentional with their work.

At this stage, layering and structure start to matter. Thicker paints provide depth, clay tools allow for sculpting details, and stronger adhesives make it possible to build multi-step projects. Beyond traditional crafting, children may also develop an interest in mixed media, combining materials like fabric, wood, or natural elements. Kits that include guided projects with room for customisation strike a balance between skill-building and creative freedom, keeping crafting both engaging and educational.

Expand Creativity Through Specialised Materials

Older children often begin gravitating toward specific styles of crafting, whether that means fine art painting, textile design, model building, or mixed-media work. Providing access to specialised materials helps them refine their skills while exploring personal artistic preferences. Fabric dyes introduce new colour application techniques, wood-burning tools allow for precision-based design, and metallic paints or embossing powders add an extra layer of creativity.

The key at this stage is to offer materials that allow for self-expression while also presenting a creative challenge. While younger children benefit from crafting as an open-ended experience, older children are often more motivated by projects that require problem-solving and planning. Whether experimenting with new paint textures, testing advanced adhesives, or combining unexpected materials, these creative risks help develop confidence and artistic identity.

Encourage Creativity With A Well-Stocked Art Space

At Educanda, we believe that a well-equipped creative space allows children to explore, experiment, and express their ideas in meaningful ways. The smooth glide of paint, the tactile nature of dough, and the versatility of chalk all provide different opportunities for artistic exploration. With the right materials at their fingertips, children can try new techniques, combine different mediums, and build confidence in their abilities. Whether in the classroom or at home, our selection of high-quality art supplies ensures that every child, regardless of experience, has the tools to engage in hands-on learning and creative discovery.