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 large boot outlined with stick figures dancing, climbing, and parachuting around it on a white background, evoking the creativity of 3rd grade.

Contour Shoes– 3rd grade

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…

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A child's drawing depicts someone at 30, with family and work, and at 70, using a cane and standing alone.

Substitute Assignment

On Wednesday I had a substitute teacher.  I left this drawing assignment for the 2nd graders to complete.  Divide your paper in half.  On one side, draw what you imagine your life to look like when you are…

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Three colorful glass pendants: a yellow duck on the left, a red flower in the center, and a red heart on the right.

Girls Night Out

The other weekend, I went out for a Girls’ Night Out at our local paint your own pottery place.  They also do glass fusing, which I excitedly tried for the first time.  It was a blast!  We were…

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Color collages featuring various green elements: plants, animals, and text, surrounded by handwritten notes about the color green.

Color Collages

 I really enjoy these pictures.  These were made by second graders.  This is a monochromatic color exercise.  The students flip through magazines to find pictures and swatches of one color and shades of that color.  They filled in…

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A blue and purple octopus painting surrounded by small, colorful, square, and round mosaic tiles.

Mosaic Frescoes

The 4/5s (4th/5th graders) learned about Greek and Roman mosaics and frescoes.  We poured mosaic cement onto masonite boards and then placed our mosaic tiles onto the cement.  When it dried, we painted with watercolors on top.  A…

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Kid's colorful drawing of three whimsical rainbow fish underwater, with coral and sea plants at the bottom.

Rainbow Fish

First, we read the book Rainbow Fish. Then, the kids drew pictures of fish. Next, we colored them using neon crayons and regular crayons.  Color REALLY hard and thickly.  Demonstrate this to the children so they see how…

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A figurine in a metallic outfit holding a flag and shield, standing on a base labeled "DARWIN OF OTFORD." Week Update included.

Week Update

Well, I haven’t updated since this past Sunday, so I will briefly tell you what I’ve been up to..  parent-teacher conferences were on Tuesday.  We are in the middle of various projects… monochromatic rhythm paintings (which are awesome…

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