Organize the furniture for your classroom's art center. You should have an art table, an easel, a drying rack for painted projects, and an area for displaying finished work. The station should allow for three to five children at a time.
Gather your art materials. In addition to the basics such as crayons, paper, markers and paints, you should also include items such as pipe cleaners, pom poms, paint rollers, glitter and glue. You are only limited by your creativity. Crayons, markers and paint should be washable. Provide smocks to further protect children's clothing.
Decide which materials the children will have access to on their own and which materials they will need an adult to obtain for them. Crayons, stencils, stickers, and paper can usually be left out at all times, while glitter, paint, and glue may need to be kept in an art closet until you are ready for the students to use them.
Place at least three cups of crayons and two containers of markers on the art table. Place the container of stencils on the table and provide students with stickers. Make sure plenty of paper is available. Use scraps from other activities and remind students to use both sides of the paper. Use bins for stencils, stickers, and other materials you want to stay easily accessible.
Create an art closet for materials that will only be brought out at special times. If your space is limited, set aside a couple of shelves in your classroom specifically for art supplies.