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.

Artwork featuring a large, textured "S" and scattered letters "K," "L," and "D" on a blue-green background.

Jasper Johns Collograph Print

2nd GRADE learned about the art of Jasper Johns. He used everyday, ordinary images and created art so people would view ordinary things in a new way. We made a collograph printing plate using letters and numbers cut…

December 8, 2010
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A bulletin board display featuring various white paper snowflakes on a blue background, bordered by colorful figures, creating a winter mural effect.

Winter Murals

These are some winter murals that we made this week. I was inspired by the murals on Mr. E’s blog.

December 7, 2010
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A colorful child's painting of a bird with a purple head and blue body, framed by a yellow and orange patterned border inspired by African cloths.

African Korhogo Cloths

The Intermediates (grade 3) are studying Africa in their Social Studies class. We learned about the African Korhogo Clothes. This project focused on how symbols are used in African art. The students designed their own painted Korhogo cloth…

December 2, 2010

A red and white knitted ball with a yarn tail on a green surface adorned with leaf patterns.

Knitted Balls

I really like to knit, but I’m not that skilled at it. I would say I’m probably an intermediate level knitter. I’m not good at precise things, and many times I’ll be knitting something and end up with…

December 2, 2010
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A colorful child drawing showcases two figures, one red circling a green, reminiscent of Keith Haring's style. Vibrant geometric shapes enliven the background.

Figure Drawing like Keith Haring

These are drawings by 4th/5th graders. Who was Keith Haring? What is gesture drawing? The 4/5s learned about the artwork of Keith Haring and practiced figural drawing. In pairs, the students posed for each other and practiced…

November 30, 2010

Two small children stand blurred against a green-lit wall in a shadow room, casting shadows behind them.

Shadow room at the children’s museum

November 28, 2010

Hand-drawn gray cat with green eyes, a red bow tie, and a green tree on its torso, on torn paper.

things I’m doing.

work in progress going a little sew-crazy bah! humbug! a christmas doodlebug

November 21, 2010
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A textured, heart-shaped clay ornament tied with raffia and red yarn on a white background.

Clay Hearts

Easy Clay Hearts for Kindergarten This project teaches how to roll coils and basic glazing techniques. 1. Step one, Demonstrate rolling coils.2. Form the coils on a pre-drawn heart handout. Press firmly to adhere together. A little bit…

November 21, 2010
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Alaskan Masks

In November the students are learning about the characteristics and functions of Alaskan masks as well as the cultural traditions of Native Alaskans. They are making a 3-D mask using typical characteristics— animal or human features, fur,…

November 19, 2010

A handmade ceramic pocket pot with a sun, a boat, and four birds design, hanging on a thin wire.

Finished Pocket Pots

Here are a few of the final glazed pocket pots. Kids were in grades K-6. It was an afterschool class. For full directions, see earlier post about this project. Yay! I love them!

November 17, 2010
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Hand-drawn image of ghosts in a living room with furniture, windows, a door, bookshelf, table, and couch, adding a touch of the paranormal to the scene.

Ghosts in a Bedroom

This was another good lesson I found on someone’s blog. Claim it if it was yours.. sorry can’t remember who. It was an old Halloween lesson.

November 16, 2010

Colorful turkey craft made of paper, featuring vibrant feathers and a layered circle background, ideal for Thanksgiving.

Turkeys!

Turkeys!I found this lesson on Mrs. Art Teacher’s blog: Thanks for the fun idea!! I don’t normally do crafty-type projects with my art classes, but these were so cute. At the beginning of the year, the kindergartners…

November 15, 2010

A close-up of a pink rose photograph with textured fabric and lace borders, featuring zigzag stitching details captures the essence of unique art.

My art is imperfect.

I am not a sewer, let’s just put that right out there. I think it is so fun though to use the sewing machine as a tool for collages. I just started doing it and wow, is it…

November 13, 2010
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