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 collage featuring a vintage photograph of four people surrounded by abstract shapes and patterns with a retro flair.

Collage July 2010, July 2010, mixed media, photographs

July 21, 2010
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Collage

07-10 Collage, made in July 2010, mixed media, collage, photo and fibers

July 21, 2010
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A street vendor stall displaying the prettiness of colorful tie-dye shirts and fabrics under a traffic light.

Tie Dye Prettiness

A beautiful tie dye stand at the Farmer’s Market.

July 20, 2010

Handmade pottery bowl resembling a large leaf, with intricate veins and edges, created during a Kids Clay Camp, resting on a wooden surface.

Clay Camp for Kids- Week One

This summer I have also been teaching a clay class for kids. It is only 6 sessions, one hour each session. I have 2 groups of kids: K-3, then 4-7 (roughly, there are some overlaps). Some of the…

July 20, 2010

A farmers market with colorful umbrellas over a flower stand on a sunny street, with a building in the background.

Farmers Market Prettiness

I LOVE the Farmers Market in Madison. So much prettiness and delicious vegetables. Here is a photo I took today!

July 18, 2010

The Weaving Wonders Camp presents a colorful woven yarn and feather craft with a red spiral center on a circular base, displayed on a wooden surface.

Weaving Wonders Camp Part 2

Circular Weaving is another one of my favorite ways to teach weaving. We did these circular weavings at my Weaving Wonders camp. Beesybee Fiber’s has an explanation as to how it’s done. Obviously, this link shows a very…

July 15, 2010

Children’s Collages

Layered Giraffe Collage for a child’s room

July 14, 2010

Abstract art featuring brightly colored circles in red, blue, yellow, and green on four small square tiles.

Collages on Boards

Here are a couple of my new collages. I found the supports for these at a hardware “Re-store” near our house. They are collaged on old shelving boards. Everything is layered, painted, collaged and photographs added. I like…

July 14, 2010

A colorful illustration of an animal stack featuring a bird, flamingo, dog, and elephant standing on top of each other.

Stack of Animals

My newest “layered” artwork is a stack of animals. I recently purchased some gouache, just some cheapo set to test it out. I really like how you can get a watercolor effect or a thicker paint application.

July 14, 2010

A woven grid of colorful feathers and yarn strings displayed on a flat surface, showcasing the wonders of intricate weaving techniques.

Weaving Wonders Camp

Styrofoam Weaving At the beginning of this summer, I taught a “Weaving Wonders” camp at my school. Kids entering grades K-4 could sign up. The camp took place from 10-12:30 each day. A different weaving technique was…

July 14, 2010