TYPES OF MATERIALS
The following tables suggest possible materials and resources that you could use to support the six key art
experiences: drawing, painting, textiles, 3D, collage and print-making. It is important to remember that this
is not a prescribed list and your own list will reflect the needs and interests of the particular children at your
setting.
 - cotton buds
Drawing
 - sticks
 - buckets
 - chalks
 - palettes
 - oil pastels
 - sponges
 - brick crayons
 - spatulas
 - pencils
 - glue sticks
 - wax crayons
 - variety of surfaces - card, wood,
 - pencil crayons
hardboard
 - pens
 - different sizes, textures, shapes and
 - charcoal
colours of paper
 - graphite sticks
 - ready-mix paint
 - Brusho (water-based colour)
Textiles
 - brushes
 - rollers
 - range of fabrics including different
 - masking tape
weights, textures and colours
 - ropes and strings
 (sheer and translucent)
 - sand
 - white sheets or printing fabric (washed
 - mud
before use)
 - clay
 - range of threads
 - dough
 - PVA glue
 - flour
 - scissors
 - water
 - fabric with loose weave (holey)
 - watering can
 - plastic mats or clematis frame
 - plastic bottles with nozzles
 - oil pastels
 - hose
 - wax crayons
 - torches
 - brick crayons
 - OHP (overhead projector)
 - Brusho (water-based colour)
 - paper in different sizes, textures, shapes,
 - ready-mix paint
colours
 - graphic materials
 - acetate
 - natural, found and made materials
 - tissue
 - magnifying glass
 - cellophane
 - pieces of wood for frames
 - large pieces of fabric and sticks for tents
and dens
Painting
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- ready-mix paint
- sand
- flour
- icing sugar
- brushes
- toothbrushes
- nail brushes
- scrubbing brushes
- brooms
- sweeping brushes
- Brusho (water-based colour)
- rollers
3D
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- clay
- cardboard
- tubes
- boxes
- pots and trays
- mud
- sand
- dough
- builder's trays or similar
- buckets
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- drainpipes and guttering
- tyres and wheels
- containers of different shapes and sizes
- OHP and screen, sheet or large white
paper
- mirrors
- poles and sticks
- large fabric or plastic sheets
- natural, found and made materials
Collage
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- PVA glue
- natural materials (leaves, soil, shells,
twigs, gravel, wood shavings,
flower petals)
- reclaimed materials (plastics, cork,
wrappers, packaging, papers,
cardboard)
- made materials (rubber)
- fabrics
- threads
- Brusho (water-based colour)
- magazines and other printed materials
- graphic materials
- variety of papers
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- acetate
- plastic
- tissues
Printmaking
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- brushes
- rollers
- trays
- slabs
- clay
- dough
- ready-mix paint
- newspaper
- sand
- mud
- sponges
- wooden blocks
- vegetables, other natural and made
materials
- Plasticine
- sticks
- string
- corks, cotton reels
- flour
- masking tape .
AN INCLUSIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
All children in your setting should be provided with a stimulating and appropriate learning environment
suited to their individual needs. All children should feel comfortable and safe in their surroundings, and
happy to try new processes and use unfamiliar materials.
Consideration should be given to inclusive provision - for example:
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- providing activities on different levels and surfaces, both vertical and horizontal (walls, playground,
floor, a variety of table heights)
- arranging supported seating (beanbags, soft play equipment, foam, support from other people)
- providing opportunities for children to work lying down
- allowing sufficient time for the activity.