Published Magazine Article!
An article I wrote was published in the April issue of Arts and Activities magazine! Big thanks to the editor, Maryellen, for publishing my article. I really appreciate it! Writing about art and teaching is a hobby of…
Elementary Art Lessons, Projects & Teaching Ideas for K–5
Because art is fundamental to who we are. Art has always been a basic form of human communication. From cave walls to classroom walls, art helps us express ideas, tell stories, and better understand the world around us. I believe art is an essential part of every child's education, which is why I chose the name Art is Basic. Here you'll find K–5 creative art lessons, teaching ideas, and printable resources to help K–5 art teachers inspire young artists.
Read More...Published Magazine Article!
What Do Artists Do? Signs about ARTISTS and Artistic Behaviors
I have something to share with you that I’ve been working on for a long time. I created a list of “what artists do” for elementary students. I have seen lists that were written for high schoolers, but…
Stuffed Animal Still Life Drawings with 1st Grade
Do you want to know what will really get first graders excited about drawing still lifes? Have them bring in their own stuffed animals! I invited the kids to bring in their favorite stuffed animals to draw. I…
Clay Projects for Kids
Hello! Today I am going to catch up on some of the clay projects my students have been working on. The last few weeks we have been busy learning clay techniques, building and glazing. We weren’t able to…
A World of Your Own: Creativity Drawings
I have a fun creativity drawing project and excellent children’s book to share with you today. I came across this book called A World of Your Own (Amazon Affiliate link) by Laura Carlin and thought it looked intriguing,…
Vassily Kandinsky and Abstract Art
Vassily Kandinsky was one of the first pioneers of abstract art. Abstract art is art that does not attempt to show things realistically, but uses lines, shapes, colors and textures to show emotions and meaning. …
Large Group Weaving on a Garden Fence
Thank you to all who voted for my blog in the AOE Blog of the Year contest. While I did not win, I am still happy to have been a finalist. Congrats to all of the bloggers in…
Why I Love Collage
Collage became a part of Modern art in the early 20th century. Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque were credited with naming this type of art. The word collage comes from the French word coller, which means to glue.…
Paul Klee Castle Collage
Paul Klee was an important painter in the history of modern art. I have always been drawn to his colorful, abstract pictures. Children can relate to the simple geometric shapes and bold colors. His art has been related…
Artist Trading Card Swap Received
We have received our artist trading cards from Mini Matisse‘s MEGA HUGE ATC SWAP! My students were very excited to receive their cards. I divided the cards up into bags for each class and then the kids randomly…
Flower Paintings by First Grade: Learn about Van Gogh and Hundertwasser
I’m proud of this lesson and how colorful and unique each of these pictures turned out! I like to introduce a bit of art history to the younger kids, but I didn’t want the kids to copy a…
Sand Painting with Kids
If you are looking for something to add a new dimension to regular painting, sand painting just might be the ticket! The tactile experience is something exciting for children. I recently taught a unit on painting with sand…
Mixed Media Snowmen Art Project for Kids (1st Grade)
Are you looking for a fun new way to make snowmen with your kids? I got the idea to use makeup remover pads from Happy Hooligans. I did this project with 1st graders. Start by mixing shades of…