All of these items can be found at the dollar store. I do recommend a watercolor set of more than 12 colors. The set I use has 30 colors.
I find that the 30 colors puts colors in groups of four making it much easier for students to make choices in less time.
I will teach your student how to not "waste" materials.


1. Watercolor Paints: Opt for a set of watercolor paints that includes a variety of colors. Look for student-grade paints that offer decent pigment quality without being too expensive. Consider sets with at least 12 colors to provide students with enough options for mixing and experimenting. Here is a set of 48 colors on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Nicpro-Watercolor-Squirrel-Non-Toxic-Beginners/dp/B09ZL2NDDL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JHGTBYUFF056&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.drYBpbqh7xMAKmhQvEQfo3rSMn18kR_70lFQ_btlntM3qpRlfB3qUd53rnwmt1sheXzKwiNbKcCfVT-8WZFJyDoSsqN4_FGPXCPgr1mJcXIdaeSYGyQqXeQ_RGsMvUEbis_z20hH_qRkVde1j7hKAWx-dCsIeKqN2kacbjGZdae_pub0kklk-yc_gnJfDdEgQoiNtabsQbqjgmnegpqObWO5uXrhB2QtthHETO3G39k.RxduJwk2t75Cz4cONiuPjCNomVzfkqZkEG3kcQly_5g&dib_tag=se&keywords=art+skills+watercolor&qid=1710606857&sprefix=art+skills+watercolo%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1

As of 3/16/2024, this set was listed at $8.99. I have no affiliation with Amazon or the seller.


2. Watercolor Paper: Size 8x10 or smaller, only go large when your student feels comfortable that they can complete the painting in the time given.

Choose watercolor paper that is specifically designed for water-based media.


3. Clipboard:
To hold the watercolor paper


4. Paintbrushes: 
I use the white ones from the Dollar Store.
Select a variety of paintbrushes suitable for watercolor painting. Include a range of brush sizes, such as small round brushes for details and larger flat brushes for washes. Make sure the brushes have soft bristles that hold water well and allow for smooth paint application.

5. Water Containers: 
I use a small jelly cup with 1/2 cup of water.
Provide small containers for students to hold water for rinsing their brushes and diluting paint. You can use plastic cups or jars that are easy to clean and refill. Consider having separate containers for clean water and dirty water.

6. Palette: 
I don't necessarily use one, especially for quick paintings.
Choose a palette for mixing and diluting watercolors. You can use traditional plastic or ceramic palettes with wells for holding paint, or opt for disposable palettes for easy cleanup. Alternatively, students can use wax paper or plastic plates as makeshift palettes.

7. Masking Tape or Painter's Tape: 
Blue Tape
Use masking tape or painter's tape to secure the edges of watercolor paper to a flat surface while painting. This prevents the paper from buckling and helps create clean borders for finished artworks.

8. Pencils and Erasers: 
Provide pencils and erasers for sketching outlines or preliminary drawings on watercolor paper before painting. Encourage students to lightly sketch their ideas before applying paint to avoid visible pencil lines in their finished artworks.

9. Paper Towels or Rags: 
I use one piece of paper towel in class.
I want to help students use water and paint sparingly.

Keep paper towels or rags on hand for blotting brushes, cleaning up spills, and dabbing excess water from paintings. These are essential for maintaining a tidy workspace and achieving desired effects in watercolor painting.

10. Optional Extras: 
I'll tell you at least a week in advance when you may need these.
Consider including additional supplies such as masking fluid for creating white areas in paintings, sponges for texture effects, and salt or rubbing alcohol for creating interesting patterns and textures. These extras can add variety and excitement to students' watercolor projects.