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.

Value Scale

I made a Value Scale worksheet for an upcoming project. Use it if you’d like! I use this for kids in grade 3-4. Value Scale Handout

February 16, 2012

A colorful child's painting depicting a heart with various scenes, including a house, bees, and the words "bees," "honey," and "me." It's a delightful Map of My Heart, reminiscent of kindergarten creativity.

Map of My Heart– Kindergarten

The kindergartners made Maps of their Hearts! They included things that were important in their lives. We drew with permanent markers first, then watercolor painted them in.. I got this idea from the book “Playful Learning” which would…

February 13, 2012
5

A vibrant and colorful abstract painting with various shapes, patterns, and swirls in multiple colors, inspired by collaborative circle paintings often created by third grade students.

Third and Fourth grade collaborative circle paintings

I was so excited to see this idea of Circle Painting!! I first learned about it at Barbara’s Thought of the Day and then at We Heart Art. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. for this wonderful…

February 11, 2012
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Colorful abstract painting with various shapes and words like "Love," "Peace," "Hope," and "Waves" scattered throughout, created during an After School Art Class.

After School Art Class– Finished Projects

This week, the after school art class kids added marker and doodling to their spray painted pictures. They also finished their abstract paintings! Here are a few examples:

February 11, 2012

Colorful abstract drawing of a heart-shaped face with hearts for ears, red eyes, and a blue smiling mouth.

Valentine’s Heart paintings– 2nd grade

We had fun painting paper and then layering construction paper hearts and doilies on top. We used gel pens to decorate the hearts. I got this idea from We Heart Art!

February 9, 2012

This watercolor painting depicts a flowing blue waterfall surrounded by autumnal trees and a bridge in the background, capturing the charm of classic American landscape paintings.

American Landscape Paintings–3rd/4th Grade

American Landscapes The 3/4s learned about Colonial times and Westward Expansion. The students watched a video about American landscape artists during the 19th century and they painted their own landscapes. One of the goals was to use inspiration…

February 8, 2012

Abstract pattern of brushstroke asterisks in green, brown, blue, and black, arranged like Adinkra stamps in a grid on a white background.

African Adinkra Stamps

The 5th/6th grade class has been carving stamps from soft cut blocks. They used acrylic paints to print their stamps on muslin cloth! The students read about the African Adinkra symbol stamps and created their own symbol.

February 6, 2012
10

Egyptian Profile Pictures– 4th/5th grade

Egyptian Profile Paintings:The 4/5s have studied ancient Egypt in their social studies class. In Art class, they are using the standard proportions of the human face to draw each other in profile. Then, they are adding typical ancient…

February 4, 2012

A colorful abstract design featuring a central yellow star, various dots, floral patterns, and smudges.

After school class

I am teaching an after school art class for two sessions. We are painting abstract paintings on canvas with acrylic paints! We are also experimenting with spray inks and stencils! Next session, we are going to finish our…

February 1, 2012
2

A colorful, textured weaving with various fabric scraps, feathers, and ribbons on a white Styrofoam frame.

Weaving on Styrofoam

Weaving on Styrofoam was a recent project with the 1st graders. A restaurant supply store near our school had a huge package of styrofoam plates for very cheap. Slits were cut at the top and bottom of the…

January 31, 2012
2

Abstract collage with colorful shapes and cut-outs on a green background. Inspired by Henri Matisse, it includes the word "MOM" on a pink shape.

Inspired by Henri Matisse- Kindergarten

Henri Matisse is a popular artist to teach about in the elementary art classroom. I’ve seen a lot of Matisse-inspired artwork from other art teachers. His artwork is bright and colorful and lends itself well to teaching about…

January 29, 2012
2

A colorful clay butterfly with yellow wings outlined in orange and a blue body, set against a white background.

Clay Butterfly Art Project for 1st Grade

These lovely clay butterflies were made by the 1st graders. Each student traced their hands to make the wings. Some of the little parts fell off, so I would recommend making sure that the kids don’t roll their…

January 28, 2012
1

A large figure labeled "Deficit" chases a smaller figure labeled "House," which repeatedly says "work." Text below reads, "The deficit will catch up to us sometime." This editorial cartoon humorously highlights the looming financial challenges.

Editorial Cartoons

Every year, students in grades 5-8 participate in a local writing and art contest. There are categories in poetry, editorials and editorial cartoons. In art class, we study editorial cartoons. We analyze cartoons for their use of exaggeration,…

January 26, 2012
1