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.
Abstract art with colorful circles and patterns, including multi-colored segments, stars, and various shapes on a white background.

Sketchbook Covers for Kids

We have been making sketchbook covers from donated file tab dividers.  My sister-in-law works in medical records and they were transferring everything over to digital, so they did not need all these file tab dividers anymore.  Of course,…

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Decorative items on a desk include a tree figurine, a glass art piece, and woven objects.

Summer Art Challenge

I passed out Summer Art Challenge Sheets at the end of the school year last year.  Any of the students could participate in it over the summer and then turn in their artwork at the beginning of this…

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Colorful abstract artwork with overlapping patterns and textures in shades of purple, pink, red, and blue images.

Images from the First Week

School has started! First graders stamped their sketchbook covers. In process sketchbook cover… simple initial collage Kindergarten color collage Embellished stamping Look how beautiful crayon texture rubbings and children’s watercolor paints can be!

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Silhouette of an eagle flying over clouds

Giveaway Winner

Jennifer Grobsaid… I just hung up my sark poster today in my room. I would love those books!!! Your projects are super cute!Jenn Grob Congrats Jenn, you are the winner of the Sark books. School starts on Monday! …

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Colorful, patterned fabric collage with hearts, stars, and "Peace" text on a background of diamond shapes.

Fabric Collages

I never posted about these fabric collages that we finished at the end of the year last year.   The third and fourth graders made these. We worked together to paint fabrics! We painted with acrylic paints on muslin…

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A vibrant watercolor background showcases the whimsical and decorative message, "Be Glad for every day.

Thank You!

Thank you for following my blog.  I checked today and saw that I now have 500 followers.. holy cow!  I hope you are having a fantastic summer.  School starts in 2 weeks, so I will have lots of…

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A star-shaped paper craft made from layers of different shades of blue on a light background, showcasing intricate paper artistry.

Paper Pulp Pictures

At the end of the school year, we made more PAPER PULP PICTURES.  This is such a fun project.  I wrote all the step-by-step details on my blog last year.  You can see the tutorial HERE. this girl…

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Two tissue paper stained glass artworks hang in a window, one with blue-green shapes and the other with red-orange hearts.

Tissue Paper Fun

Our last summer art workshop was a fun one!  We decoupaged tissue paper on to glass vases.  The cylindrical ones could be candle holders.  We tore and cut tissue paper and adhered them to the glasses with Matte…

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