In my art room, like I know many others do too, I have a variety of items for students to use independently when they have extra time. I call it Free Art Time. When they finish a project, activity, or a step of a project we’re doing together and have extra time, I let them do these things. I have set the tone and they know to ask me first if they can do these things. Sometimes we have time and I say yes, sometimes we don’t and I say no, sometimes there are only certain items I let them get out. But whatever the case may be, they know to ask me first before they start getting all these things out.
Some teachers have a free art center, some have stations around the room, some have a maker space, some have STEAM bins (I used to call them that but now they’re just all together with other things). If you’re thinking about adding these kinds of choice items or independent work items to your room or maybe you want to add to what you already have, I’m going to share what I have with you and what I love about them.
- Free drawing
The most basic type of independent work students can do is draw. And don’t underestimate it! How often these days do students get the chance and time during their school day to just draw whatever they want?! My students have sketchbooks they bring and they can free draw in them when they have extra time. I also have a bin of free draw paper if they don’t have their sketchbook with them that day. This is recycled paper or plain cheap copy paper, nothing fancy. I also have white boards on our material cards by tables that students can independently draw on. It’s nice to have some options even with something as basic as free drawing.
- How-to-draw books
Going along with free drawing, I have a bin with how-to-draw books. Occasionally, I will also have specific how-to-draw pages or coloring sheets that go along with a specific unit a grade level is working on. Many students like more structure than just free drawing and they like to follow the directions of a how-to-draw book. Most of my books were donated by a former student! But I also find some at our schools book fair from time to time and these could also be easily found as second hand book stores and online as well.
- Books
Over time, I have been able to grow my classroom library. I have mostly picture books of all kinds. Books about artists we talk about, fun artsy stories in general, Caldecott winner books, etc. Students can always look at books and read them when they have extra time. They like to sit on the comfy carpet and read them. Some students might not be as artistic naturally but might like to read, so having these on hand is another way to make them feel comfortable and included in the art room. (You can go back and find other blog posts about my favorite books for certain topics.)
- Building materials
Think of this as your STEM or STEAM materials. All kinds of things kids can build with. Think about what they can build 3D with and not just 2D. It works the brain in different ways and lets kids explore in more creative ways. They have a different and new way to express their creativity. And sometimes, you’ll find that some students you wouldn’t think were very strong 2D artwork will shine with these items creating masterpieces out of 3D building materials! Here is a list of things I have that I love and students love! Some are definitely more expensive than others but some you will find there are a variety of brands so you can find what fits your budget. You can also get some of these things if you ask for donations.
Legos: A no brainer, legos are a kid favorite! Building all kinds of interesting creations and they are a great item for kids to work together in groups. If you can splurge a little more, get the base plates for students to build up on top of.
Brain flakes: These were new to me in the last few years. They look like little plastic discs with notches in them to connect, little snowflakes if you will. An interesting way to connect and kids will have to use their brain to work a little harder to make interesting creations. But really, they have fun just making a long chain of them too and see how long it can be!
PlayStix: Another new one to me in recent years. This look like squiggly sticks that balance together. Different colors are different lengths. Definitely a challenge to build with but my students love looking through the booklet that came with them and building step by step. There is also a way to connect them where they interlock and stay together! They definitely figured that one out, not me!
Wooden cubes: These are simple but kids will be creative with them! I had some laying around from a craft store that I never used for what I meant to, so I threw them in a box and put them out there. Students will build with them and sometimes combine them with other materials too. If you feel inclined, paint them different colors.
Mathlink Cubes: I got these when classroom teachers were getting new math manipulatives and getting rid of them. Again, a simple cube but these one lock together and they make all kinds of things with them!
Pattern blocks: Another classroom manipulative that kids might have in their classroom but will also love in art. They can have freedom with these in the art room and make really neat designs either 2D flat on the ground or table OR 3D standing up!
Keva planks: These are wooden blocks that resemble Jenga blocks but are thinner. Some students even set it up like Jenga and play! There are so many creative ways to build with these and the more you have the better! Many brands out there now to meet your budget.
Magnet Tiles: An all time favorite in my art room! A MUST HAVE if you ask me. These are up there with Legos! Kids will fight over them. So many shapes are out there these days to build in all kinds of ways. Many brands now too so you can get what works best for your budget. You might even look into if you prefer the solid tiles, or the hollow ones with just the outer edge connecting to each other.
Plus Plus Blocks: This is one I have noticed a growing popularity in. I see them at my local children’s museum and Target has their own version in their dollar spot sometimes. They come in two different sizes, giant and mini. Many different color variations. The mini ones would be good for working on fine motor strength too!
Mini Paper Cups: Simple and yet amazing! When I don’t have them, students ask for them. Yes, I’m talking about the little paper Dixie cups you get for your bathroom. Stack them up to see how big of a pyramid you can make! Make a wall, create a circle barrier, students come up with lots of ideas. It reminds me of making a house of cards – it can be challenging but very satisfying when you get it!
- Geoboards
This is another one I was able to get when classroom teachers were upgrading their math manipulatives. If you’ve never seen them, it’s a board (wooden or plastic) with spokes sticking out. Rubber bands are used to stretch over them and create designs. I even have some that have the spokes in a grid on one side of the board and in a circle on the other. Get a variety of colors and sizes of rubber bands to make it even more fun.
- Spirographs
These are the plastic gears with holes to place a thin pen or pencil in. Rotate it around in a circle and you get so many great designs! You probably played with these as a kid and they are still mesmerizing to kids these days. I got mine in the Target dollar spot years ago in small tins. So keep an eye out for when you can get these for cheap!
- Specialty markers
I have scented Mr. Sketch markers I like to use for projects because of their bright colors and chisel tip to cover large spaces. My students have started to request these now when they have some extra time to free draw. Sometimes they also ask to use the colored sharpies I have in the cabinet. I don’t let all groups use them when they ask, sometimes we need to save them for other projects, sometimes it’s better to let the older students use them to be more responsible. Whatever the case is, it’s up to me if they can use them or not. BUT, they are a great simple option for free art time. Something very easy for you, you don’t have to have anything extra prepared, but it makes a big difference to the students!
I just gave you a TON of ideas for things to have as part of your free art time in your art classroom. Now, do I think you need ALL of these things? NO! I don’t even have all of these things out at the same time. Sometimes I rotate out certain building materials or I give students the option of only a few activities when they are done. It can help cut down on the chaos. Keep it simple for you and your students. Some classes might be able to handle a lot of choices and clean up after a lot of things out, some classes might be too overwhelmed. Maybe at the beginning of the school year you have a few things available but then you slowly introduce more as the year goes on. Take time to teach your procedures of how you want students to be able to get these things out. Are some items always available without asking while other items they need to ask you first? Can they get things out on their own or do you get them out for them? Whatever the case, make sure you teach how to do these things just like you would any other procedure in your classroom.
I hope this list gives you some ideas of things to add to your art room or ideas of using things you might not have thought of! Students often shine when they use materials that are different than what you normally teach. They also come up with amazing ideas that you might not think of!
Do you have options for early finishers? Do you have a free art center or makerspace? Let us know!
Keep blending,
Laura