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.

Colorful abstract drawing with fish shapes, a star, and various geometric patterns on a patchwork background, utilizing positive and negative space techniques.

Positive/Negative Space Stencils– First Grade

Here are some fun pictures we made by creating our own stencils. First, the kids looked at little animal figurines for ideas. I did not limit them to drawing just the animals, so some chose to turn their…

April 8, 2012

A circular weaving with yarn, feathers, and fabric strips on a gray background.

Circular Weavings

March 31, 2012
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Colorful paper fish crafts titled "Rainbow Fish" hanging from strings against a solid background, showcasing the creativity of kindergarten students.

Kindergarten Rainbow Fish Sculptures – From Plastic Bottles

Rainbow Fish is an awesome kids book to go with fish art projects. The kindergartners made rainbow fish sculptures from water bottles. I learned about this idea at the NAEA conference. The lady who presented it did it…

March 30, 2012
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Black and white contour line drawing featuring shoes with buckles and small stick-figure people on a textured background.

Contour Line Drawings of Shoes

Contour Drawings The students observed the details and lines on their shoes. They completed a contour line study of their footwear. Next, they turned these drawings into “miniature playgrounds” for stick people. Contour drawing helps define and explore…

March 27, 2012
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Abstract painting with colorful brushstrokes and shapes in red, blue, and orange on a light background. The border patterns add a playful touch.

Paper Weavings– Kindergarten

The kindergartners made these lively paper weavings with colored paper strips and paper strips cut from scrapbook and wrapping paper. Then, I stapled them to a white piece of paper and the students stamped a border with gadgets,…

March 22, 2012

A hand-drawn maze titled "Dragon Quest" features a dragon in the center and a wizard at both the start and end points, creating an engaging labyrinth adventure.

Mazes

When I was gone on my trip to New York for the conference, one of the sub plans I left was to draw a maze. The instructions were to draw a maze lightly with pencil, then color it…

March 20, 2012
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A perspective drawing of a road flanked by colorful buildings and trees, with mountains and a sunset in the background.

Perspective Drawings– third grade/fourth grade

March 18, 2012
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Indoor metal slide with a curved design, emptying onto a dark carpet in a building interior with hallways visible. Visit this unique attraction and experience the fun!

A Visit to EPIC– Part 2

Earlier this week, I toured a medical software company with some 7th graders at our school. The hallways are decorated very artistically and contain many works of sculpture and paintings. For part one of my visit to…

March 17, 2012
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Interior of a light rail train with red seats. A person is sitting and reading, while another stands near the exit.

A visit to EPIC– Part One

This week, I went on a field trip with some 7th graders at our school. We toured a company that makes medical software for hospitals and clinics. The company has three different locations in our area. The campus…

March 15, 2012
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A drawing of two decorative vases with intricate patterns, one orange and one beige, set against a blue and orange background.

Greek Vase Chalk Drawings– 4th/5th Grade

The fourth/fifth graders have been working on some lovely Greek vase chalk drawings. We learned about overlap, proportion and shadows, as well as how to use and blend chalk pastels. This class studies Greek history in their social…

March 14, 2012
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A child's drawing of a house with a red roof, blue sky, green grass, and scattered green dots across the bottom.

Architecture Collages– Kindergarten

This was a project the kindergarteners did last week. They first glued down popsicle sticks onto tagboard. Then they added paint to color! I let them use markers in places if they wanted.

March 12, 2012
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Two colorful, round ceramic plates with bright concentric patterns in blue, green, yellow, pink, and purple.

3rd/4th grade Clay Projects

My 3rd/4th grade class made clay pots. We looked at the Mimbres pottery of the Southwest Native Americans, but I did not require them to use any of the imagery in their pottery. They could choose to add…

March 11, 2012
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My trip to the NAEA conference!

Here is a slideshow about my trip to the NAEA conference in New York! NAEA No Video

March 8, 2012
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