We all know that preschoolers will use paper, broken crayons, and binders for learning. But what other learning tools should be available for little ones?
I’m glad you asked.
Daily Use School Supplies
After the child has graduated from broken pencils, pencil grips can be accountability partners for little ones who need the extra reminder of how to hold a pencil. If you are unsure how to teach a child how to correctly hold a pencil, be sure to each out the ABCJesusLovesMe Handwriting Curriculum.
When working on any writing or art project, either sit at a table designed for a child. This is best for development and learning.
It is important that the child’s legs don’t dangle and that their elbows can be at 90 degree angles. If the table is too high, set the child on a boaster with something below their feet to step on. Or, place the paper on a vertical surface (e.g. wall, door, refrigerator) for the child to stand beside.
Painter’s tape is my friend when working with kids. I can put it on the floor, walls, and on the table without leaving a sticky residue. It also comes up easily.
Cheap paper plates are used in my crafts, but also make great paint palettes.
Several in the ABCJesusLovesMe Facebook Group suggested large magnetic clips. Hang masterpieces or use to clip the paper for vertical art work.
Long after the child is in diapers, baby wipes can be helpful tools in your home or classroom. Use to clean up messy hands, paint-covered tables and chairs, and spills on the floor.
Because my refrigerator was not large enough to hold all of the creations my children made while using ABCJesusLovesMe, I created individual Preschool Notebooks to hold the Bible, handwriting, and academic activities. A 3-hole punch allows for quick placement into a binder.
Play-Learning Supplies
When my kiddos were young, I would keep items like pipe cleaners, Wiki Sticks, or play dough on the table to hand to them if I needed to help another child or there was a lull in what they needed to do. It gave them imagination play while providing me with some necessary time.
These items can also be used for fine motor practice, counting, or creating letters and numbers.
Organization of School Supplies
Sticky tack or mounting putty can be used to display art work on the wall, hold a piece of paper for vertical art, or in working with manipulatives. I keep a glob on my desk for quick use.
The Tool Caddy is my favorite option for transporting school supplies easily from the cabinet to the kitchen table or outside. A plastic bucket will also work.
Other than the fact that a stack of Post-it Notes make my Type-A heart happy, the stickiness of these little pieces of paper make them great markers, note takers, and guides.
After you have gathered these fun supplies, don’t forget to create a home or classroom library filled with “literacy gold.” Your child or student will love these best-of-the-best picture books.
Thank you to the ABCJesusLovesMe family in the private Facebook group for helping me create this fun list!
