Organized Creativity: The Magic of Using Divided Trays for Kids' Art Supplies

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I always use a tray when I set out art supplies for kids and it’s not because it looks cute. 

Using a sturdy tray for supplies will allow your child to spend less time opening packages, less time searching for that one color they love, and more time creating. The more confident your child feels about creating, the more likely they are to keep going! 

Here's why a tray will get your littles creating longer and more often:

  • Encourages Independence: Divided trays allow children to see all available materials easily. They can make independent choices about what they want to use without needing to ask where things are or fumble through containers.

  • Fosters Creativity: By having a variety of materials neatly displayed, children are encouraged to experiment and combine different elements. The layout itself can be an invitation to explore and innovate.

  • Teaches Responsibility and Self-Regulation: Children can learn to take what they need and put it back where it belongs. This helps in developing a sense of responsibility and an understanding of the organization.

  • Minimizes Overwhelm: Too many options or a cluttered workspace can overwhelm some children. A divided tray keeps everything visible without feeling chaotic. It helps kids focus on the task at hand by presenting options in a clear and accessible way.

  • Promotes Fine Motor Skills: Picking up small objects from divided compartments helps in developing fine motor skills. This encourages the child to use pincer grasp and other pre-writing skills.

  • Enhances the Aesthetic Experience: A well-arranged divided tray can be visually appealing, which is in line with the philosophy of creating beautiful and inviting spaces for children to work in. This can heighten their enjoyment and engagement with the art activity.

  • Facilitates Collaboration: If working in a group, a divided tray can create a sense of community, where children share the materials. It encourages communication, negotiation, and collaborative creativity.

  • Ease of Clean-Up: Divided trays are typically easy to clean and reset for the next activity. This practical aspect makes them a favorite choice for many educators and caregivers.

Using a divided tray for art supplies aligns with the child-centered approach that emphasizes independence, creativity, and intentional design. 

Plus, it’ll get your kids creating independently so that you can get some time back for YOU! 

See our favorite trays and storage options below!

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The Best Toddler Art Supplies

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Keep these supplies on hand so that you can get your toddler creating in a snap!

  1. Triangular Crayons / 2. Dot Markers / 3. Play Dough / 4. Quick Dry Paint Sticks / 5. Dot Stickers / 6. Kraft Paper

(these are affiliate links, which means The Workspace for Children gets a small kickback when you shop these links. Thanks for your support.)