We all know extra money can be hard to come by in the art room when our supplies are consumable and sometimes pricey. In episode 24 of the podcast, we covered ways to get extra funds for the art room (Listen Here). But…what about when you choose to write a grant? What do you do with that money? I’ve compiled some different ideas of fun things to purchase for your art room that your students will love! (Links included at the end of the post)
Specialty supplies
Think neon, metallic, more splurge worthy that you wouldn’t always have in your art room. You could get paint, oil pastels, paint sticks, colored pencils, markers, whatever you can find in these fun and unique palettes. I’ve also even found some glow in the dark paint! Another splurge would be a class pack of Mr. Sketch markers, because why not! And some of them definitely give off that neon vibe.
Stencils and texture rubbing plates
When I first started teaching, I purchased a pack of some somewhat cheap stencils. I had no idea how much my students would love and use them. To the point, they’ve worn them out and most are falling apart. The funny thing was, they were all animals or objects…no shapes. I recently purchased some shape stencils and they’re yet again, obsessed. I also purchased some texture rubbing plates a while back ago and once I showed the students how to use them whether that be for a project or just in their free time they are so intrigued!
Unique tools to paint with
This is one I want to work on utilizing more, but have done in the past. You could purchase sponges and cut them, some already come in shapes to a quick way to print the shape. There are texture rollers or sponges with textures on a roller to give a unique look to the paper. You could purchase puffy paint (always a win with my students). Truthfully the possibilities are endless and not quite as expensive as some other ideas.
Paint sticks
For 4 years of my teaching career I didn’t know paint sticks existed or what they were. They are now one of my absolute favorite materials to use with students. So much so I make sure to have plenty and have basic colors, metallic and neon ones. Like all art supplies, some are more expensive and tend to be better quality, but there are cheaper options to give them a try before you dive all in. Fun fact: recently my 5th graders were using them for a project as an option and because the end is so wide some of them discovered to just use a small paint brush and some water to fill in small spaces…mind blown.
Printmaking supplies
Printmaking is such a fun technique and of course there are savvy ways to complete this process without breaking the bank. But if you’ve got money to spend, purchasing printmaking ink, bracers and styrofoam is such a fun and exciting experience for the students. I always explain to them that we are essentially making a stamp that we can use over and over. I LOVE when they really want to keep the styrofoam when we are done and some have even used paint at home to replicate the process.
Unique glaze and ceramic finishing materials
I don’t know if you know this or not, but they make color burst glazes. Think like little Pop Rocks in the glaze. They go on as a little chunk and burst/melt in the kiln. My students are always so fascinated how their project turns out because it doesn’t look the same as it did when it went in the kiln for the glaze firing. Personally, I want to try underglazing pencils but never have. My concern is my students would need a very smooth surface for them to be most successful, but is definitely doable with secondary students!
Free time activities
If you haven’t already checked out our blog post about early finisher activities, this is another great thing you could use grant money for. Anything students can build and create with are a great option. Some don’t care to draw or paint, but man can they build! You can check out that list here
Light tracers
A new addition to my room thanks to a grant are some rechargeable light tablets. This is super beneficial for students who may struggle to draw something and you don’t want to draw it for them. Then they would be able to trace an example of a shape or image to help them feel more successful and take off some of the stress. My students for some reason are also obsessed with tracing coloring sheets I have? I don’t know…it’s odd to me. But this would be great for this as well! I think they like the way it looks more like they drew it than just colored it. Pro tip: buy a power bank so even if they die, students can still use them!
What are some must have, splurge-worthy things you have in your room?
Keep blending,
Hayley