A good kindergarten or first grade art center is self-running: clear picture instructions, a few supplies, and activities at different levels so every child can work independently. Tracing pages, step-by-step drawing cards, shape challenges and a “draw and write” option cover most needs. Rotate the theme every week or two to keep it fresh.
What to put in the center
- Tracing pages for beginners. See tracing for kids.
- Step-by-step cards for kids ready to draw on their own. Try the free art center cards.
- Shape challenge cards. “Turn this circle into an animal.”
- Draw and write sheets. A box to draw in, lines to write on.
- Supplies: crayons, pencils, erasers, a few colored pencils.
- A finished work basket.
Make it self-running
- Picture instructions. Kids who can’t read yet need a visual: 1. take a card, 2. draw, 3. color, 4. put it in the basket.
- Three levels. Trace, step by step, or create. Kids choose.
- Limit supplies. Fewer choices, less mess.
- Model it once. Show the class how to use the center before opening it.
- Clean-up picture card. What the center looks like when it’s tidy.
Weekly themes
- Week 1: animals.
- Week 2: monsters.
- Week 3: robots.
- Week 4: dinosaurs.
- Holidays: Christmas, Valentine’s Day, spring, Halloween.
Theme hubs with free pages: animals, monsters, robots, dinosaurs.
Skills the center builds
- Fine motor control and grip. See fine motor activities.
- Following visual steps.
- Shape recognition. See drawing with shapes.
- Early writing through draw-and-write. See draw then write prompts.
Books for the center
A tracing book, a simple step-by-step book and the Shape Drawing Challenge cover every level. See the best drawing books for a classroom library.
Related
How to teach a kindergartner to draw, directed drawing, teacher resources.
The book that helps
Tracing pages, simple step-by-step lessons and shape challenges cover every level in a K to 1 art center.
Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Animals
How to Draw: Baby Animals
Shape Drawing ChallengeAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
What should be in a kindergarten art center?
Tracing pages, simple step-by-step cards, shape challenges, draw-and-write sheets, basic supplies and a finished work basket.
How do you run an art center independently?
Use picture instructions, offer three levels of activity, limit supplies and model the routine once.
How often should I change the art center?
Every one or two weeks, with a new theme.