Crayons in the couch. Markers without caps. Colored pencils with broken tips. Kids’ art supplies have a way of spreading everywhere. A simple system makes coloring easier and clean-up faster.
Sort by type
Keep crayons, colored pencils and markers separate. Each in its own cup, box or caddy section. Kids can grab the type they want quickly.
Storage ideas
- Cups or jars on the table
- A spinning caddy with sections
- Pencil cases for travel
- Clear plastic boxes so kids can see what’s inside
- A tackle box or bead organizer for older kids sorting by color
Sort by color (sometimes)
Some kids love sorting crayons by color, which is also a great learning activity for little ones. See teaching colors through coloring. Others find it a chore. Go with what works.
Markers
- Cap check. Press caps on until they click.
- Store tip down (if the brand recommends it) or flat.
- Test regularly. Toss dried-out markers.
- Keep markers away from young toddlers, as caps can be a choking hazard.
Crayons
- Peel some. Peeled crayons are great for coloring with the side.
- Save broken pieces. Short crayons encourage a better grip. See crayon grip tips.
- Recycle tiny bits. Melt them into new multicolor crayons (adult job, with care).
Colored pencils
- Sharpen as you go, with a pencil sharpener that catches shavings.
- Store flat or tip up to reduce breakage.
Coloring books and pages
- Magazine files for books
- A flat tray for loose pages
- A folder for unfinished pages
- A binder for finished favorites
Keep books like Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Monsters and Trace Then Color: Cartoon Robots where kids can reach them.
Clean-up routine
- Clean-up song or timer: two minutes.
- Everything has a home. Labels with pictures help pre-readers.
- Kids do it. Even toddlers can drop crayons in a cup.
See also set up a coloring station.
Questions parents ask
How many crayons does a child need?
A box of 16 to 24 is plenty for most young kids.
Should I throw away broken crayons?
Keep some for grip practice; recycle the rest.
How do I get kids to clean up?
Make it quick, consistent and part of the routine.
About Kevin Coulston
Kevin Coulston is a cartoonist and member of the National Cartoonists Society who has written and illustrated more than 100 drawing, tracing and coloring books for kids, including the Trace Then Color series. Meet Kevin or browse all his books on FirstArtBooks.com.
