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 colorful abstract painting with vibrant shapes and patterns in hues of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue, resembling an artful page from a sketchbook.

Sketchbook Page

watercolor sketchbook page

January 8, 2011
2

Black and white image of a circular shield adorned with geometric symbols and icons, including stars and crosses.

Native American Pottery, 3rd/4th grade

Native American Potttery:The 3/4s are learning about Native American pottery, in particular the Mimbres bowls. Check out the link for more information. They made their own coil-built pot and used sgraffito techniques to design the inside of the…

January 6, 2011
1

Watercolor painting of a brown bird with outstretched wings flying against a blue sky, captured on the pages of a sketchbook with spiral binding.

Sketchbook Pages

I’m following along with the Strathmore Visual Journaling Workshops and here a few of the pages I created so far. The first workshop is about taking copies of your previous artwork and cutting them up and reusing them…

January 6, 2011
1

A colorful, symmetrical piece with geometric patterns, featuring pink, blue, green, and yellow hues.

Islamic Tile Design

Islamic Art In this project the 5/6s are tying together Social Studies, Math and Art! They are making a geometric tile design (based on their name) using repeating shapes and patterns. They viewed a slide show about characteristics…

January 3, 2011
4

A handmade card with intricate designs, featuring a small "precious" charm and a blue ribbon with scalloped edges.

Scrapbooking

I’m making a blank scrapbook for a gift. This person is having twins, so I’m actually making two books. It’s not for someone I know, but it is something my sister-in-law wants me to make for her to…

December 29, 2010
1

Colorful, abstract mixed-media artwork featuring three flowers, geometric shapes, and patterns on a textured background.

Three Flowers on Grid

Mixed Media with two flower pictures and a flower painting. Scrapbook paper and watercolor paints were used.

December 27, 2010
2

The exhibit, titled "Tiny Friends and Foes," showcases colorful abstract artworks resembling microscopic organisms on a gallery wall.

Our Tiny Friends and Foes Exhibit

My students participated in a community art exhibit at a local arts center. The exhibit was fiber representations of microorganisms. The opening was this past Friday and it was amazing! All of the kids’ artwork was displayed, alongside…

December 23, 2010
4

Three people in winter clothing stand in a snowy landscape. One person holds a heart and there's a small tree in the background.

Winter Notecard

I painted this little winter illustration this week and then copied it to make little winter note cards. Perfect for thank you notes. 🙂

December 17, 2010
2

Clay Bells

I did an after school clay class with kids in grades K-6

December 16, 2010
6

A children's drawing with two cool hands and a warm heart in the center, all outlined in multiple colors.

Cool Hands, Warm Heart.. Kindergarten

Cool Hands, Warm Heart The kindergartners traced their hands and colored them with cool colors. They drew a heart and colored it with warm colors. COOL COLORS: Remind us of cool things, like the ocean. Blues, greens, and…