Probably my most requested blog post, finally put together for you! A grand list of my early ed activities must-have items. Nothing on this list to too special and majority of the items you will probably find around your house already! To see more tips on early childhood activities, visit this page here. This list is a good starting point if you want to be in a position to be able to just grab and go for activities. Nothing on this list is sponsored or endorsed, just a list from one Early Childhood Educator to another.
Paper/Sticker Supplies
Construction paper
Colored paper
Cardstock
Dot stickers
Paint Supplies
Washable tempera paint
Washable watercolor paint
Rags for cleaning
Paintbrushes- I like the chunkier, bigger kind. Not just the small ones that come with kid’s watercolor kits.
Office Supplies
Crayons
Markers
Permanent Markers- For you, not the kids!
Kid scissors
Pipe Cleaners
Glue
Glue sticks
Painters tape
Sticky notes
Sensory Bin Supplies
Large storage bin- roughly 28 qt
Small storage bin- roughly 6 qt
Sensory bin fillers: A lot of these are materials I have around my house or material I buy for a specific sensory bin I have in mind. I do not keep all of these materials on hand at all times.
Funnels
Small people or animals for pretend play
Bowls
Spoons
Ice cube trays
Muffin tin
Pompoms
Misc
Toothpicks
Popsicle Sticks
Food coloring
Dollar store or IKEA scrub brushes
Shoelaces
Colored beads
Squirt bottle
With this list of supplies that I have on hand, I can pull out an activity usually within a moments notice and only takes about a minute or two for me to set them up, I’m all about the easy, simple activities! If there is something specific I want to do with my kids I will make a trip to the store for those items.
Are there any other must-have items you keep on hand?