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.

A collage of first graders' vibrant watercolor bird paintings, displayed in a grid format, with the title "Painted Birds.

Watercolor Bird Paintings by First Graders

I love these charming birds by the 1st graders! So colorful and a beautiful experience with watercolors. We read the lovely book The Boy Who Drew Birds, which is about the naturalist/artist John James Audubon. It is a…

July 25, 2013
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Colorful, artistic journals and sketchbooks stacked against a dark background.

Stack of Art Journals

I gathered up all of the art journals and sketchbooks I could find in my house (I’m sure there’s more, as they are scattered here and there.) Some are finished and many are in various stages of completion. …

July 19, 2013

A child's drawing features colorful spirals, stars, and abstract shapes above a black city skyline with towers.

Starry Night Kindergarten Art Project

Here is an easy Starry Night inspired project that I like to teach to my kindergarten art classes. There is a great Van Gogh book for kids called Vincent: Starry Starry Night. It’s a must-have! After viewing the…

July 17, 2013
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Collage of an art teacher's portfolio with project examples, a binder, and informative documents displayed.

Art Teacher Portfolio Ideas for an Interview

I got the idea to write this post based on a recent discussion about teaching portfolios in the Facebook Art Teachers group. I thought sharing parts of mine might be helpful to a prospective teacher who is building…

July 12, 2013
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A colorful, star-themed paper sculpture featuring paper rolls, feathers, and pastel colors arranged on a pink background. This creative art project is ideal for 1st graders.

Paper Sculpture by 1st Graders

Rolled up paper tubes, colored stickers, feathers, scrapbook paper… using up whatever was left in the scrap box at the end of the year! These were made by 1st graders.

July 5, 2013
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Cover of Pages magazine featuring art journals, a red crab painting, and an article about creative book and art journaling projects.

Cloth Paper Scissors article

I am honored to have an article published in the Summer 2013 edition of Cloth Paper Scissors PAGES magazine. It is on the newsstands now. The digital version is available here. I wrote about my watercolor doodles and…

July 1, 2013
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Lego Art Project Round-Up

Keeping with the Lego theme, I thought I would round-up some of the coolest Lego art projects I’ve found on the internet. Thanks to all these people for their awesome ideas! 1. Lego Drawings from Shine Brite Zamorano…

June 29, 2013
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A collage of LEGO creations: a man with a green apple face, an astronaut, and a detailed spaceship model displayed at the 2013 Brickworld Convention.

Lego Brickworld Convention, 2013: Part Two

I wrote a blog post earlier about our visit to the Lego Brickworld Convention. Part One is here. There were all kinds of fun characters built out of Legos. There was a whole huge table with interconnecting pieces. …

June 26, 2013

Lego Brickworld Convention, 2013: Part One

Last weekend I took a trip with my husband and daughter to Schaumburg, IL to see the Lego Brickworld Convention. My husband is an avid Lego collector and builder. As an art teacher, I saw some fun things…

June 23, 2013
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Colorful abstract artwork surrounds the text: "Things to Think About While Teaching Art.

On Teaching Art: Things to Think About

Welcome to the 4th post in my series On Teaching Art. The first post and the background behind this series is On Teaching Art: Art vs. Craft. The second post was On Teaching Art #2: Organizing Curriculum. The…

June 20, 2013
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Elementary Art Blog Directory" displayed on a colorful, paint-splattered background.

New Art Teacher Blog Directories

There are lots of great ideas on the internet and I have enjoyed reading so many art teacher blogs. There are over 300 art blogs on the art teacher blog directory. That is a lot of blogs to…

June 18, 2013
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15 Spirit Week Ideas for School

So, you’re in charge of Spirit Week! Do you need some good ideas? Be sure to check out my newer post “10 More Spirit Day Ideas for Scho0l”. Spirit Days can be fun scattered throughout the year or…

June 13, 2013
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A colorful, abstract clay pinch pot sculpture resembling a wide-mouthed creature with large, black eyes and small feet.

Clay Pinch Pot Monsters with 2nd Graders

This is a tried and true clay lesson for kids. Who doesn’t love cute monsters? The 2nd graders started by making pinch pots. This handout shows you how. Turn the pinch pot on its side and add eyes,…

June 8, 2013
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