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 simple face drawing featuring yarn hair, a bow, and colorful paper for eyes and mouth on a white background.

Scrap Faces

 The 1st graders learned about recycled art and how to use unconventional materials in art.  We read 2 books by Hanoch Piven, which feature portraits made out of objects.  The children brought in objects from home that represented…

Read More...Scrap Faces
A person wrapping yarn around a balloon at a craft table covered with newspapers and supplies, creating String Balls.

String Balls pt. 2

    So, in one of my previous posts, I talked about making string balls.  All you need to do is blow up a balloon, dip yarn in glue and wrap the balloon.  When it dries, pop the balloon…

Read More...String Balls pt. 2
Colorful text "ART IS AN EXPLOSION" with paint splatters and shapes on a white background, celebrating creativity.

Art is…

The 3rd/4th grade classes thought about what art means to them.  We also read the book Art Is, by Bob Raczka.  They made a poster that used a slogan about what art can be.

Read More...Art is…
The Dot features a colorful abstract composition with various shapes and sizes of circles and polygons in bright hues on a light background.

The Dot

Grade K learned about the most very basic marks in art… DOTS and CIRCLES.  The class read the book The Dot, by Peter Reynolds. They also looked at a slide show of artwork that uses dots.  These are…

Read More...The Dot
A drawing of two sunflowers with black centers in a blue vase, featuring green leaves in the background.

1st grade Sunflowers

Sunflowers Last year, when the 1st graders were in kindergarten, they planted sunflower seeds in the garden in the back of the school. Over the summer, these flowers grew tall and bloomed radiantly. Each child also brought home…

Read More...1st grade Sunflowers
A spherical craft made of intertwined blue and white yarn hanging from the ceiling in a cluttered room, resembling decorative balls.

String Balls

I have this cool idea to make a mobile out of string balls.  It’s a project where you blow up a balloon, dip strings in glue and place around the balloon.  When the glue dries, you pop the…

Read More...String Balls