Alphabet Monsters
My 1st graders had read a variety of ABC books about art and we made letters that were illustrated with objects that started with that letter. To finish up our unit on alphabet related art, we made these…
Art Projects for Kids + Tips for the Teacher!
Art Projects for Kids + Tips for the Teacher!
Elementary Art Projects & Creative Lessons for Kids
Welcome to Art is Basic, a blog full of elementary art lessons, easy art projects, and teaching ideas for K-5 classrooms. Browse hundreds of engaging activities designed to inspire young artists.
Read More...Alphabet Monsters
Spooky Haunted House Art Project for Kids
I got the idea for this spooky haunted house picture from this picture I found online. For the background, we did a marker ink printing process using washable markers on plastic ziploc bags. I learned this technique from…
Mr. Doodle Inspired Doodling Pictures
My 4th/5th graders learned about the artist Mr. Doodle and watched several videos of him doodling. You can see his artwork on his Facebook page. We talked about emphasis and the focal point and how to make the…
Art Journaling Workshop at the NAEA Conference
Good news! My proposal to lead a hands-on workshop at the National Art Education Association convention was accepted. The convention is from March 26-28 and you can sign up on the NAEA website. My workshop is titled: “Art…
Rainbow Order Coloring Template
The first day of school was an orientation day for Kinders and new kids. We had a very shortened schedule and I saw the Kindergartners for about 10-15 minutes. I never feel like I know what the best…
Outdoor Art Creator Badge- Brownie Girl Scouts
Last year, my 3rd grade Girl Scout troop did a variety of art projects. One of the badges we earned was the Outdoor Art Creator Badge. Here are some of the activities we did to earn the badge.…
Art Class Behavior Reward Charts
This is a new resource in my shop! I use these as reward charts for free days in my classroom. Each art class kids can earn points for things like quiet listening, being respectful to others, working hard,…
Open House Idea for Art Class
At our Back to School night we have parents come in to meet the teachers, learn about curriculum and find out all about the school! This year, as the parents came in to my room, I asked them…
Hopes and Goals Girl Scout Art Project
Here is a fun and successful project for kids to do at the start of a new year! We did this with my Girl Scout troop of 3rd graders last January at the beginning of the new year.…
Growth Mindset Coloring Bookmarks
New coloring package available in my shop! I have been working hard on making these Growth Mindset Coloring Bookmarks for you. First, I know everyone loves FREEBIES! As my gift to you, here is a sample from the…
3 Back to School Ideas
During the first week of school, you want to be teaching routines and expectations for your art class. I always like to ease into the school year with some simple, yet creative projects to get to know my…
What is an Art-O-Mat? and Pictures from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts
Remember I told you about Cindy Ingram’s Art Class Curator workshops? She’s hosting the Curated Connections Workshop a FREE online training, starting August 8th. She’s sharing some of her favorite tips and techniques. This reminded me of the…
Free Curated Connections Workshop
Have you ever considered all the things kids learn from looking at art? Empathy. Curiosity. Visual intelligence. Self-awareness. Higher order thinking. The list goes on and on. But how often do students spend looking at art? Not long enough.…
Sharpie Drawings on Tin Foil
I learned this technique from my co-worker Jayne, who taught it during summer school last year. I think drawing on tin foil is a unique experience for kids that can be done using a variety of themes! My…
Scratch Art Stained Glass Windows
My students did an awesome job making Scratch Art stained glass windows after learning about the Notre Dame building. I love the variety and ways they were able to personalize their designs. To see how we made these…