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Art Lesson Plans

The home of quality art lesson plans.

This is just a small snapshot of the hundreds of art lesson plans available on The Arty Teacher website.  Each section highlights some of the best-selling art lessons for that theme. Remember, you don’t have to pay for these resources individually as with a subscription you can download 10 resources a month.

Exciting Techniques and Processes

Experimenting with different media is an essential part of a broad art curriculum.  Many of my resources explore exciting media; the three featured below have been very popular.

Complete Units of Work

These complete units of work are each an entire project. It’s wonderful to be able to teach new projects and to not have to spend hours and hours planning. There are many more complete art units on The Arty Teacher.

Popular Resources

I never know what resources are going to be popular.  The selection below all have received great reviews!

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Art lesson plans for teaching portraits.

Most art teachers teach portrait lessons at some point in the year.  Students really seem to love this topic even though it’s really difficult.  Below are three best selling portrait resources.  Click an image to learn more, or click here to see all  art lesson plans about portraits.

Art Lesson Plans for Teaching Colour Theory

Color theory is easy to teach with these resources to help you.  Every resource has the different spelling of ‘color’ and ‘colour’ to keep art teachers around the globe happy!  As well as the best selling resources below, there are more  color theory art resources  on The Arty Teacher.  This includes resources that help teach about harmonious, analogous and complementary colours.

Engage Boys in Art Lessons

Art teachers have told me that boys have really engaged with the resources below. Of course, many girls would enjoy them too.

Art Lesson Plans – Art Literacy

The Arty Teacher is particularly hot on literacy resources because art literacy is integral to most art curriculum’s.  On The Arty Teacher there are resources to do this through discussion, analysis and written tasks.  Click an image below or  browse Art Literacy resources .  You may be interested in art resources that incorporate  Blooms Taxonomy .

Art Assessment Resources

We all have to spend a lot time marking and assessing art work.  Many of the art assessment resources on The Arty Teacher are designed to save you time.  Click the images below or here for all  Art Assessment Resources .

Art Sub and Cover Lessons

The Arty Teacher prides itself in having helped hundreds of art teachers access sub/cover lessons when they need them the most.  You’ll find many of them will fit in with what you are teaching and will continue to teach your students the skills they need.  3 popular sub lessons are below or you can find lots of  art sub lessons  here.

Zentangles worksheets really seems to engage students.  These three resources are all on the zentangle theme.  Click on the images below, or there are more  Zentangle Art Resources  on The Arty Teacher.

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7 Easy Art Lessons For When You’re in a Pinch

Sometimes lesson planning comes down to the wire. Maybe your students went through a project much faster than expected, or you simply did not have the time to get ahead of things. We’ve all been there. It’s not unheard of to scour the internet and social media for ideas, but sometimes we still come up short. No art teacher is perfect, and we all need a lesson idea in a pinch from time to time! We don’t want these activities to be fluff or busywork. Instead, we want them to help our students build skills and scaffold learning.

The next time you find yourself in need of a last-minute activity or lesson, look no further. The following seven activities are easily adaptable for various grade levels. They also require minimal material prep and use supplies you likely have in your art room.

1. Personal Soda Can Label

We live in a consumer world where new beverages, food, candy, and snacks are constantly introduced to the market. Teachers and students experience product and brand design —often without even realizing it. Looking at the typography and imagery of different products can spark interesting conversations with both elementary and secondary students.

One way for students to explore the idea of consumerism through product design and advertising is by creating a personal beverage label. This will require students to brainstorm a brand and identity for their product by picking the flavor, color, and overall look. Use the handout below  to get your students started planning their designs.

Once students have designed their labels, you can take this activity a step further by attaching the design to an aluminum can. Have students participate in a reflection or critique activity. Ending the activity here might be appropriate for your elementary students, but you could take it a step further for your middle and high schoolers. Have students use their aluminum can with a custom label for observational drawing. Beginning students often struggle with matching the text and typography on traditional soda cans. Using the label they initially created will help them build confidence in their drawing skills. After practicing observational drawing skills, students add shading to create the illusion of form. High school students can also explore more package design and advertising elements.

Suggested materials: Paper, drawing materials, aluminum cans (optional) Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school, high school

2. Crushed Soda Can Drawing

Another simple yet effective way to recycle aluminum cans in your classroom is to crush them and use them for observational drawing. When students learn to draw, they eagerly want to draw things as realistically as they can. Students often feel frustrated and disappointed when they aren’t able to draw things perfectly. One way to reduce the pressure of realistic drawing is to begin with an imperfect object. Crushing cans and spray painting them white can serve as a beautiful and cost-effective way to teach basic drawing skills.

Students can draw the cans from life or use a reference photo. If they use a reference photo, you could introduce your students to the traditional grid method or provide them with alternative ways of making a grid.

Cover the cans with white paint so students can focus on the simplified shapes without worrying about labels or text. Strong lighting can also help students to identify values easily. If you don’t have aluminum cans on hand but still want to try this activity, use these images as references .

To adapt this lesson and take it even further for your secondary students, explore new and advanced techniques to create a background with contrast and emphasis. Students research and experiment with a technique they have wanted to try. Provide them with a demonstration and sampling of some ideas to get them started.

Here are some exciting advanced techniques:

• Monoprinting
• Painted Paper Weaving FLEX Lesson (can be found in FLEX Curriculum )
• Paper marbling

Suggested materials: Paper, drawing materials, aluminum cans Suggested grade levels: Upper elementary, middle school, high school

3. Ashley Mary-Inspired Organic Shape Painting

Exploring abstract and non-objective art can be an empowering experience for students. However, sometimes the freedom to create can leave them paralyzed or push them to overwork their pieces. One way to introduce students to proper painting techniques while exploring color, pattern, and shape is to learn about the contemporary artist Ashley Mary . Mary’s playful paintings are reminiscent of the free-form collages of Matisse. Comparing Mary, a contemporary artist, with Matisse, a classical artist, can provide a foundation for inspiration and discussion. To learn more about Ashley Mary, download our complimentary FLEX Curriculum Artist Bio . Find this and many more artist bios in FLEX Curriculum .

Before students begin painting, have them choose a color scheme. Encourage students to work with a limited palette to push them to make more intentional color decisions. Students create shapes and patterns one paint layer at a time. If using watercolor, this can be a wonderful exploration of how transparent and translucent colors mix and layer. The free-form nature of this painting style also fosters intuitive thinking.

Suggested materials: Paper, acrylic or tempera paint, watercolor Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school

4. Water Droplet Drawing

If you are looking for a skill-building activity to boost your students’ confidence, this is it! Inspired by art teacher Jennifer Sell , this water droplet drawing activity is the perfect way to introduce students to shading and form at any age level. For best results, use a material that blends easily, like graphite, charcoal, chalk, or oil pastel. Use these videos to help guide your students as they navigate through the activity.

To adapt this for your advanced learners, students create the same drawing with two different media. Compare and contrast the process, medium characteristics, and end results.

Suggested materials: Paper, chalk, graphite, charcoal, or oil pastel Suggested grade levels: Upper elementary, middle school, high school

5. Textured Slump Mold Slab Bowl

Are you in need of a one-day clay activity that requires minimal materials? Creating slump molds is a great way to introduce or review making slabs with students. All you need is clay and a mold, like a bowl, to press the clay inside. This idea also can introduce surface texture on clay. Students roll a slab, add texture, then press into the slump mold. If you plan on doing more clay lessons with your students, this is a quick project for students to practice the glazing process.

Suggested materials: Clay, bowls for molds Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school

6. Op Art Drawing

Optical illusions are always exciting for students, and learning how to make them is even better! Some op art designs require more math and complexity, while others are on the simpler side. These op art sphere and cube designs are perfect as an introduction to your younger artists. Check out this video for a step-by-step guide to create them.

If you plan on doing more complex op art activities with your advanced or high school students, these simple drawings will make great bellringer prompts. Connect several spheres and cubes to create more elaborate patterns and compositions. For more op art lesson ideas, check out the Connecting Op Art and Math in FLEX Collection.

For a brief introduction to op art that you can share with your students, check out the FLEX video below:

Suggested materials: Pencil, markers, ruler, paper Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school, high school

7. Color Mixing Lines

The process of color mixing never ceases to amaze students, no matter how many times they have experienced it. This activity allows students to observe color mixing and explore creative drawing processes.

To start this project, students use a water-based marker or watercolor paint. If students use markers, create shapes of color right next to or slightly overlapping each other. Prep an eyedropper filled with water or a paintbrush dipped in clean water. Stand the painting up vertically and carefully drop water on the paper. Watch as the water mixes with the color and drips down the page together.

Use the same method with watercolor paint with a wet-on-wet technique by painting the paper with water first. Add color with the paper held vertically.

Once the paint drips are dry, students identify the positive and negative shapes created by the drips. Students can trace the shapes and fill in designated areas with line patterns.

Suggested materials: Water, watercolor, markers, paper Suggested grade levels: Elementary, middle school

Alexander Graham Bell said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” With all that art teachers have to do daily, we understand the importance of preparation. However, there are only so many hours in the day, and sometimes we don’t have enough time to get it all done! If you find yourself behind, overwhelmed, or stuck, try one of these activities. They are sure to engage students from start to finish, adaptable for all grade levels, and you can easily tie them into your existing curriculum when you’re in a pinch.

What’s your go-to lesson when you are in a pinch?

How do you prep in advance for a last-minute activity?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Abby Schukei

Abby Schukei, a middle school art educator and AOEU’s Social Media Manager, is a former AOEU Writer. She focuses on creating meaningful experiences for her students through technology integration, innovation, and creativity.

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Lessons and Activities

Select a grade level range below to find lesson plans for your classroom.  

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Lesson Plans

These lesson plans help you integrate learning about works of art in your classroom. Select an option below to browse lesson plans by grade, or continue scrolling to see all lesson plans.

Lesson plans for elementary school students

Lesson plans for middle school students

Lesson plans for high school students

Elementary School

Ancient Animals at Work

Identify ways animals (past and present) enhance daily life through a close look at an ancient figurine and art making.

Animal-Inspired Masks and Masquerades

Help students understand the connections between art and the environment of Guinea, animal anatomy, and the cultural context of the Banda mask with the help of viewing questions and a dance activity in the Museum's African Art galleries.

Armor—Function and Design

Identify moveable and static features of armor as well as functional and symbolic surface details and examine similarities and differences between human and animal "armor" through classroom viewing questions. Enhance the lesson with a sketching activity based on an English suit of armor in The Met collection.

The Astor Chinese Garden Court

Explore the Museum's Astor Chinese Garden Court and enhance students' understanding of how traditional Chinese gardens reflect the concept of yin and yang and how material selection and design can convey ideas about the human and natural worlds. Use viewing questions and a storytelling or drawing activity in the Museum's Chinese galleries.

The Burghers of Calais

Convey the interpretive significance of pose and expression in the visual arts—in the Museum or the classroom—with viewing questions and a story-writing activity inspired by a nineteenth-century French sculpture by Auguste Rodin.

Medieval Beasts and Bestiaries

Explore the use of animals as symbols in medieval art with viewing questions and a group drawing activity at The Met Cloisters or in the classroom.

Power in Ancient Mesopotamia

Examine how a great ancient Mesopotamian king conveyed power and leadership in a monumental wall relief in the Museum's Ancient Near Eastern art collection and consider how leaders today express the same attributes through viewing questions and an activity.

The Nomads of Central Asia—Turkmen Traditions

Students will be able to identify ways art of the Turkmen people of Central Asia reflects nomadic life and understand the functional and symbolic role objects play in their lives.

Voices of the Past

Focus on a slit gong in the Museum's Oceanic collection to illustrate the impact of scale in works of art, and consider objects' functions in their original contexts and ways different communities engage with their elders and ancestors. Classroom viewing questions and an oral history activity enhance the lesson.

Middle School

Aeneas, Art, and Storytelling

Virgil's epic poem, The Aeneid , has inspired generations of artists and writers. Create your own artwork inspired by the text and consider how artists draw upon and reinterpret stories from the past.

Architecture and the Natural World

How can buildings reflect the relationship between people and the environment? Explore possibilities in this lesson plan featuring an ancient Egyptian temple.

Art and Empire—The Ottoman Court

Students will be able to recognize ways a tughra functioned as a symbol of power and authority within a culturally diverse and geographically expansive empire.

The Battle of David and Goliath

Illuminate strategies for conveying stories through images in the classroom with viewing questions about a large silver plate in the Museum's Medieval collection and an illustrating activity.

Beyond the Figure

Consider how artists convey personality in nonfigural portraits and the relationship between visual and verbal expression by looking at a painting by Charles Demuth in the Museum's Modern and Contemporary galleries and through a portrait-making activity in the classroom.

Bravery Stands Tall

Examine a major turning point in the American Revolution through a close look at this depiction of General Washington and his troops crossing the Delaware River.

Composing a Landscape

Study the relationship between the human and natural worlds in art, as well as the techniques artists use to convey ideas, by exploring a painting by Frederic Edwin Church in the Museum's American Wing. Extend the lesson through a writing and drawing activity in the classroom, or a sketching activity outdoors.

The Making of a Persian Royal Manuscript

Students will be able to identify some of the key events and figures presented in the Persian national epic, the Shahnama (Book of Kings); make connections between the text and the illustrated pages of the manuscript produced for Shah Tahmasp; and create a historical record of their community.

The Mughal Court and the Art of Observation

Students will be able to recognize ways works of art reflect an intense interest in observation of the human and natural world among Mughal leaders; and understand ways works of art from the past and present communicate ideas about the natural world.

Muses vs. Sirens

Through movement and storytelling, uncover the layers of meaning embedded in a Roman sarcophagus.

Point of View in Print and Paint

Explore ways that viewpoint shapes the way we picture the past in this lesson plan featuring a depiction of the abolitionist John Brown.

The Power behind the Throne

Bring the Museum's African collection into the classroom with viewing questions and an art-making activity that cultivate visual analysis and an understanding of how surface detail and composition can express themes of power and leadership.

A Rite of Passage

Explore the ways rituals, ceremonies, and rites of passage play an important role in communities around the world through an investigation of related objects.

Science and the Art of the Islamic World

Students will be able to identify similarities and differences between scientific tools used now and long ago; and use research findings to support observations and interpretations.

Shiva—Creator, Protector, and Destroyer

Inspire students to interpret, communicate through, and personally connect with art through an in-classroom examination of a powerful sculpture in the Museum's Indian art collection and a self-portrait activity.

High School

Ancient Mesopotamia—Literacy, Now and Then

From cuneiform inscriptions to digital tablets, this lesson highlights changes and continuity in written communications across the ages.

Arabic Script and the Art of Calligraphy

Students will be able to identify visual qualities of several calligraphic scripts; recognize ways artists from the Islamic world engage various scripts to enhance works of art supporting a range of functions; and assess the merits of several computer-generated fonts in supporting specific uses.

The Art of Industry

Use viewing questions and a debate activity to investigate the relationship between art and community values, techniques artists use to convey ideas, and strategies for interpreting an American painting in the Museum's Modern and Contemporary galleries.

Above: Writing board (detail), ca. 1981–1802 B.C. Middle Kingdom. Dynasty 12. From Egypt; Said to be from Upper Egypt, Thebes or Northern Upper Egypt, Akhmim (Khemmis, Panopolis). Wood, gesso, paint, 16 15/16 x 7 1/2 in. (43 x 19 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1928 (28.9.4)

THAT ART TEACHER

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The Art Teacher

Art Lesson Ideas, Plans, Free Resources, Project Plans, and Schemes of Work. An 'outstanding' art teacher in Greater Manchester. Teaching KS3 and KS4 art and design.

Picasso Portrait Art Project

The aim of this Picasso Portrait Art Project was for students to be able to work together in groups to create one large scale piece of work. The lessons introduce a number of Picasso’s Cubist portrait paintings, which students then respond to in their groups. Get Art resources sent straight to your email: I delivered […]

Alfred Conteh

Alfred Conteh is a contemporary American artist who creates powerful, thought-provoking pieces that explore the complexities of identity, history, and social justice. Conteh uses a variety of mediums, including painting, drawing and sculpture, to create artworks about race and power in society. Get art resources sent straight to your email: Aldred Conteh is a multi-disciplinary […]

The Formal Elements of Art

There are seven basic formal elements in art: Line, Shape and Form, Tone / Value, Texture, Colour, Space, Pattern. The formal elements are what artists consider and use when making their artworks, either explicitly or subtly. Understanding the formal elements of art is important and will help you interpret and analyse different artworks. Get art […]

Gwen John was a portrait artist from Wales, UK. John also painted animals, specifically cats, but was best known for her paintings of anonymous women and self-portraits. John moved to France and enjoyed a painting career which lasted 40 years, with her portraits gaining more recognition after she died. She is now recognised as one […]

Andrea Joseph

Andrea Joseph is an artist and illustrator from South Wales in the UK. Joseph explores a range of subjects in her artworks, from natural and organic forms, to architectural structures and buildings. As well as being a proficient biro artist, Joseph’s artwork often uses mixed-media layering and different mark-making techniques to celebrate textures and tones. […]

GCSE Artist Research Guide

Creating research about artists is a creative and exciting part of a GCSE course. It will allow you to discover new artworks and learn about how artists think and work. This GCSE artist research guide will help you find an appropriate artist, analyse their work and present your research to a GCSE standard. The purpose […]

KS3 Mini Art & Photography Project

This Art & Photography project is fairly simple and quick to teach, with effective photographic final pieces for students. It doesn’t require any complex understanding of photographic techniques (yay) and it was designed as a taster of GCSE Photography for my Year 9 (KS3) classes. Students created some brilliant, woven photograph pieces as their final […]

GCSE Art Project – Skills Training

This GCSE Art Project is the first I teach when students start in Year 10 (KS4). Essentially, I wanted to develop and enhance the range of skills that students have been taught at KS3, enabling them to master and improve in a way that was engaging yet simple to achieve. There are some ‘essential’ GCSE […]

Tom Mead is a British figurative and portrait artist based in London. He shot to fame when he was a finalist on Portrait Artist of the Year and is well known for his fragmented and fractured paintings showing people in various positions. Mead’s contemporary portrait paintings have been exhibited in art galleries across the UK. […]

James Mylne

James Mylne is a British artist renowned for his exceptional biro drawings. He creates his artwork using a range of biro pens, which allows him to produce an array of tones and textures. Mylne has developed a unique Pop Art style that captures the essence of his subjects with incredible realism, detail and precision. James […]

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Bring the joy of art and creativity to your classroom!

Our art lesson plans are designed for specialist art teachers and classroom teachers. Take the stress out of planning your art program with our detailed art lesson plans for teachers and full year curriculum designed specifically for teachers of Kinder or Foundation to year 6. The art lesson plans cover popular genres from famous artists to cultures, animals and nature, and include creating with a range of art materials such as drawing, painting, clay, printmaking and more. Access our full year, art curriculum to have your whole year of art lesson plans ready to teach.

Our membership program enables teachers of art to easily select art resources for their class. Sign up for the full year to choose 24 units straight away or choose two units of art lesson plans each month with aligned curriculum details and assessment rubrics (ACARA). Browse our comprehensive range of art lesson plans for teachers and enjoy the confidence of delivering exciting ideas and techniques to your class. We will help you bring out their inner artist in your students.

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K-2  Clare Youngs Apple 

3-4 Van Gogh Iris artwork

5-6  Draw a Peacock

Kinder – Grade 2 Art Lessons

Easy to teach art lessons for kindergarten, grades 1 & 2

Grade 3-4 Art Lessons

Inspire grade 3 and grade 4 kids with our art lesson plans

Grade 5-6 Art Lessons

Bring out the inner artist with grade 5 and 6 art lesson plans

Join our community of art teachers, classroom teachers and home schoolers and enjoy teaching art.

The experienced team of qualified artists and teachers at Creative Kids Art Lessons have created the perfect balance of amazing, inspired art lessons that are also easy to teach to children from kindergarten to grade 6. Lesson plans come in monthly thematic units and include at least four hours of art, for Kindergarten to year 2, years 3 and 4 and years 5 and 6.

Sign up for the monthly membership and c hoose two themes, from our comprehensive art units, each month to create your own curriculum. You can sign up for a yearly membership and have access to 24 units straight away and use the free, ACE Curriculum to have your whole year in the art room planned and ready to go.

Become a member today and lighten your planning load. Integrate with other subjects and access ACARA details and assessment rubrics. Reference images are supplied, including artist information sheets.

Creative Kids Art Lessons are the go-to art resource for teachers and home schoolers looking to nurture the inner artist in every child. Take advantage of our sign-up offer of only AUD$25 per month. Enjoy creative, easy to teach art lessons for the whole year on our yearly membership of AUD$250 a saving of AUD$50.

Popular Kids Art Lesson Categories

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Shop Our Most Popular Art Lesson Plans for teachers

Purchase our most popular art lesson plans for teachers online today and enjoy watching your students develop confidence and creativity. Our lesson plans have detailed, step by step instructions and process images making them easy to teach. Kids can learn about Australian Indiginous artists, and explore food and art from a range of different cultures. Creative Kids Art Lessons provide high quality art lessons for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students.

Tundra – Arctic/Antarctic

Students will have fun creating a range of Arctic and Antarctic themed artworks. We'll use stylised and realistic techniques to bring a variety of different projects from the coldest regions on Earth to life! In this unit, we'll use collage, painting, drawing,  printmaking, mixed media and craft, whilst having fun learnng aobut the farthest reaches of the planet.  

Students will have fun creating a range of fish themed artworks. We'll use stylised and realistic techniques to bring a variety of different fish projects to life! In this unit, students will use collage, painting, drawing, clay, mixed media and textile, whilst having fun in the watery realm.  

More About Me

More About ME art lesson plans! In this unit many of the art lessons are based on self portraits and individualised projects where each student can focus on the self. Try colourful portrait projects inspired by Sandra Silberzweig and Romero Britto.

All about me

Art from Australia

Explore Art from Australia with a range of exciting lesson plans. Try out different art materials and techniques including painted paper collage inspired by Pete Cromer, drawing, mixed media and painting.

Have fun with clay! Create and make relief and 3D clay projects with a clay turtle, starry night mobile and sheep to create. Learn how to make an animal relief clay plaque and an enchanting bobble head dragon. To really refine those clay skills, there is also a layered terrarium to make with textured plant details to inspire your class.

Australian Aboriginal Art 2

Explore Australian Aboriginal Artists and their culture in this second unit of colourful art lesson plans.   We will use a range of materials and techniques including painted paper collage, drawing, clay and painting.

Women Artists

Explore Women Artists with these colourful art lesson plans. Your students can discover the art of Georgia O'Keeffe, Yayoi Kusama and Faith Ringgold in these lesson plans. Create artworks inspired by pop artist Corita Kent and contemporary artist Jane Donaldson. 

African Animals

Students will have fun creating a range of African animal artworks. We'll use stylised and realistic techniques to bring a variety of different African animals to life! In this unit, students will use collage, painting, ink drawing,  and printmaking, whilst having fun in the African savannah.  

Learn all about colour with monsters to create, sneakers to design and colour mixing artworks to create.  Learn about the art of abstract trailblazer Sonia Delauney and contemporary artist, Janet Skates whose works are both based on colour and contrast.

Artists and Culture Curriculum (ACE)

Make your year in the art room easier with a full year of ACE art curriculum lesson plans worked out for you and ready to use! Teachers, take your class on a round-the-world trip, looking at the artists and cultures of countries such as Japan, Australia, America, Mexico, Ecuador and Peru. 

Children love their pets and we have a whole unit that explores this special connection. Creatures of all shapes and sizes, cuddly, scaled and slimy delight children and also offer a special kind of companionship.

Explore UK artists with these colourful art lesson plans. Your students can discover the art of designers Orla Kiely and William Morris, create works inspired by Eric Carle,  David Hockney and Simon Wiltshire in this quintessentially UK art unit. We will use a range of materials and techniques including collage, printmaking, watercolour painting, drawing, mixed media and painting. 

We have art lesson plans from kindergarten to grade 6.

You can use Creative Kids Art Lessons plans to teach kids to draw, paint, collage and create wonderful works of art with clay and so much more. Our art projects are based on popular themes, including artists, illustrators, animals, foods, cultures, year events and personalised student art projects that will expand their skills and confidence. K-2, grade 3-4 and grade 5-6 kids art lesson plans are provided with all the instructions you require to confidently teach your class. Inspire their creativity with high quality kids art lesson plans, designed and created by qualified art teachers and tested in the classroom.

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Arttango K-5 Art Education

Here you will find free art lesson projects for your kindergarten, first grade, second grade, third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade students. The lessons are free to use and of great benefit as a tool for educating your students in art. They include 30 art education projects per grade for a total of 180. These lessons cover line, shape, color, and all the elements of art.

I hope you enjoy the Arttango art education program. You don't even need to register.

Advantages and Benefits

• Helps meet accreditation objectives
• Instructional consistency for K-5 students through a spiraling curriculum
• One teacher can serve many elementary school classes at the same time
• Easy to operate and utilize
• Web benefits include on-line gallery, assessment tools, enrichment options
• Promotes visual literacy
• Provides qualified fine arts instruction
• Can be easily incorporated with other academic disciplines
• Aligned with National Standards for Art Education
• Excellent resource for after-school instructional opportunities
• Promotes personal achievement in students which promotes self confidence

The online art lessons are in a written format, but Arttango also has available these same lessons in a video format , which will further enhance and build your students understanding of art, giving them a strong comprehensive foundation for all things related to art.

Feel free to Contact Us for more information on Arttango art education video lesson series.

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Discover the Ultimate Art Curriculum & Take the Frustration out of Lesson Planning. It is time to explore the Art Education Curriculum that is embedded with Artists, Art History, Themes, Elements of Art, and the Principles of Design. Click Here to Learn More

Hi, I’m Ms Artastic, and I want to help you feel confident and stress-free.

I am Kathleen McGiveron & I am Ms Artastic. Ever since I could remember,  I loved Art . Whether it was obsessively drawing cartoons with books or T.V. as a kid or creating with clay in my High School Ceramics classes,  I LOVED Art .

And there was once a time I was so exhausted and overwhelmed as a teacher, that I almost walked away from it all.

Want to learn more about me?

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Ready to  LOVE  and Focus your Art Teaching Job?

The truth is that better classroom systems will not only help you feel happier and more relaxed, and in more control, but they will help you free up time and energy that you can spend on the things your  WANT  to do.

If you’re struggling to know where to begin to transform your art teaching life to calm, clear, and focused, then my Art Teacher Focused Guide is the step for you!

Looking for Art Lesson Plans?

You’re in the right spot! I have created a FREE Art Lesson Plan Start-Up Pack to provide you with a folder of art resources that you can use instantly.

Perfect for Teachers or Homeschool Parents!

This  Free Teacher Start-Up Pack will provide you with:

✔️a  variety of   art lesson plans  ready-to use

✔️a  Graphic Organizer to help students funnel their ideas

✔️a Mindful Moments Social Emotional Learning Art Lesson Plan

✔️Art Themed Coloring Pages

✔️… and the confidence to teach art!

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Ready to  LOVE  and Focus your Art Teaching Job?

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Fauvism & Color Mood Art Project

11 ready-to-use lesson ideas for innovative art teachers

Crazy times ask for crazy lesson ideas. And… when teaching art, you are allowed to. 🤩

In this blog post, we’ll show you how you can use digital lessons to teach art, both the theoretical side of art lessons as the creative side. We hope these ready-to-use art activities can inspire you with teaching art remotely and still interact with your students.

How to use these digital art lessons?

All the lessons below are made with BookWidgets .

• Just share the “ready-to-use” link with your students.
• Or, create a free account on BookWidgets to make changes to the lessons. You can find all the art lessons in this BookWidgets group . Just duplicate the online art lesson and make alterations if needed.

6 Digital art lessons when teaching art theory

Here’s how you can explain the main theory to students in a fun way through art games, with interesting facts about artists, and so on. Art will not be equally interesting to everyone, but some things are just basic knowledge. Who doesn’t know the Mona Lisa or the sunflowers of Vincent van Gogh?

1. Art memory

In this amusing memory game, students have to match the artwork with the artist who made it. This way, students get to know the most famous artists of our history and now, while simultaneously training their memory.

2. Combining pairs

This game resembles the classic memory, only all cards are already turned over, and you have to combine the artwork with the matching text.

3. Art Crossword

This example of an ‘art crossword’ contains some fun facts about famous artists. It will ensure that students get more information about the artist hiding behind the artwork.

4. Art Puzzle

Time for entertainment: let students complete a puzzle of a painting. We chose a self-portrait of Frida Kahlo, as you can see in the example below.

When your students finish the art puzzle, you can give some more information about the work/the artist. You can add text, or just add audio in which you explain the story behind the work/artist.

Or, instead of giving them information, you can ask a question in the title, and students have to answer it. For example: who is the artist, and what’s the painting called? Is there a deeper story? Some interesting things that stand out in the painting?

Check out this jigsaw puzzle below. Here, they have to talk about the painting.

5. Art movements timeline

With this timeline, you can let students practice the different art movements with their characteristic features. You can add an image of an artwork in that movement and a few well-known artists who are representatives for that art movement.

The timeline above is a “fixed” timeline. If you want your student to practice, you can make an editable timeline as well like the example below.

Here, students have to name the art movements by adding a title, give a description, and put them in the correct chronological order.

6. Art quiz

In this exercise, you can give a fun fact or a description of an artist. Students should then choose the correct name at the top of the bar to drag in the sentence. You can do this exercise using the ‘quiz’ widget. At the end of the quiz, you add a question to see how well your students know their artists. Provide a statement and 3 photos from different artists. Can they indicate the correct photo?

5 Digital art lessons that spark creativity

The following art class ideas are sparking your students’ creative brains. Sure, these are digital lessons, but they too can have a high art-y factor. Here are a few small, creative assignments so that your students can let off some steam. The more creative they get, the better!

7. Blank canvas

Use the Whiteboard widget to give your students a digital canvas. In this case, it’s an empty canvas, so they can make an artwork using their own ceativity.

Use the title of the digital whiteboard to give instructions or a task. In the example, students have to make an artwork out of what they see through their window at home.

Students can submit their artwork to the teacher as well, so it can be graded. This way, the teacher can also give feedback.

8. Stick it

Ready for another interactive art lesson? In the whiteboard widget, you can allow students to use stickers. You give them a range of stickers to choose from, and your students have to make an artwork with them. This can be a collage or something else like in the example.

Open the example and click on the “star-icon”. Then, start building your robot. You’ll be amazed by how many different robots your students will build with just a few forms.

9. Self-portrait

In this art lesson, students have to make a digital self portrait. On one side, they have to add their image (by clicking on the photo icon), and on the other side, they have to make artwork out of the original image.

Again, students can submit their work to the teacher by clicking on the envelope in the upper right corner.

10. Chinese vase

Instead of giving your students a blank canvas, you can give them this whiteboard widget with a background image. In this example, students have to decorate a Chinese vase.

11. Emoji artwork

The last example is even more fun! Here, every artwork will be nothing alike as the students need to spin the emoji wheel (also created with BookWidgets) and create an artwork inspired by the 3 first emoji’s that show.

Pro Tip! Notice the camera icon in a few of these digital whiteboard exercises. If students want to work and draw on real paper, that’s possible too. They can just take a picture of their work, and upload it in the whiteboard assignment, so it can be sent to the teacher afterwards.

I hope all these examples inspire you to teach art lessons online or remotely. As you can see, everything is possible. And these art lesson plans are just the tip of the iceberg. Use your imagination, and combine sveral BookWidgets activities to create the ultimate art lesson.

You can use these art activities above, or you can create your own digital art lessons with BookWidgets.

Create your first digital art lesson

Join hundreds of thousands of subscribers, and get the best content on technology in education.

BookWidgets enables teachers to create fun and interactive lessons for tablets, smartphones, and computers.

Art For Kids Hub

Art projects for kids and the whole family!

Hey, art friends! Welcome to Art For Kids Hub! 🎨✏️

Here, you’ll discover all sorts of awesome art lessons, from drawing to painting, and even some super cool origami. whether you’re a beginner or a budding artist, there’s something fun for everyone.

I’m Rob, and along with my amazing wife, Teryn, and our four creative kids, Jack, Hadley, Austin, and Olivia, we make art together as a family and love sharing it with you. ❤️

Ready to jump in and start creating?

Most of our art lessons are self-contained, so grab your favorite black marker, some paper, and your coloring supplies, and let’s get drawing! 🖍️📒

Join us on this colorful adventure, and let’s make art that brings smiles and joy. Happy

Draw With Art For Kids Hub Book!

Hey, art friends! 🎨✨ We’ve got some AMAZING news to share with you! Our very first book is now available to order! 📚🖌️

A huge thank you to DK Books for making this dream come true. Your support has meant everything to us, and we are deeply grateful.

It’s filled with easy-to-follow lessons that emphasize fun and creativity, allowing kids to draw in their own unique way and be proud of what they create. And with both kid and adult versions of every drawing, families can enjoy being creative together, making art that’s as unique as you are.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Order your copy today and start making more wonderful memories with us. Let’s fill the world with creativity, one drawing at a time. 💖

Order Today!

Where to watch our lessons.

There are several places to watch our art lessons. Each place provides a different experience and benefit.

YouTube (free/ads)

You can watch many of our art lessons on YouTube for free with ads ( visit our Channel here ). You can watch through a desktop computer, the YouTube mobile app ( Android and  iTunes ), or even through the YouTube app on a smart TV.

YouTube Kids (free/ads)

If you have some concerns with your children using YouTube, be sure to check out the YouTube Kids app for mobile ( Android and iTunes ). You can watch many of our lessons for free with ads on the YouTube Kids app. Visit our channel on YouTube Kids , don’t forget to subscribe. Log in through your YouTube/Google account for more parental controls. Did you also know you can watch YouTube Kids on a desktop? Just visit youtubekids.com !

ArtForKidsHub.com (free/ads)

You’re already here on this website! This site is a great option for more focus and fewer distractions. You can watch many of our lessons for free with ads, just visit our blog page . The videos on this website are hosted and embedded from YouTube. This means that you’ll receive the same ads/commercials you would see on YouTube but you won’t see videos from other channels.

ArtForKidsHub .tv (paid)

Become an Art Hub member and eliminate YouTube/Google ads and YouTube distractions. The membership also gives you access to watch our lessons through our dedicated mobile and tv apps . Save lessons to a personal playlist and download lessons for offline viewing.  Visit artforkidshub.tv to learn more and join.

Latest Art Lesson

Today, Hadley and I are learning how to draw Minecraft TNT! Parents, you can download our Mining Grid PDF guide here: Art Supplies This is a list of the supplies we used, but feel free to use whatever you have in your home or classroom. Black marker (or something to draw with) Paper (we use […]

To find more art lessons for kids use the search and navigation bar above, or browse through our blog!

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Art supplies.

Would you and your kids like to use the same art supplies we use? Here’s what we love using:

• Marker paper to draw on
• Art For Kids Hub Markers
• Colored pencils (sometimes we also use Prismacolor colored pencils)

If you’d like to purchase the same art supplies we use, visit our Art For Kids Hub shop or our Amazon Art Shop . Each art supply in our shop I have purchased and love. We participate in Amazon’s Associate Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Art Supply Info

Parents and teachers,.

We hope you and your kids find a love for art and drawing that lasts a lifetime. If you ever have questions, concerns, or even suggestions you can find us on Facebook , Instagram , or even directly through our contact page . Your kind words and support mean the world to us and allows us to continue making art lessons. Thank you!

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ENJOY TEACHING AGAIN WITH IPAINTMYMIND'S ART LESSON PLANS!

Save time, reduce stress, and get excited..

Save time, reduce stress, discover diverse artists, and streamline your entire school year with our professionally built art lesson plans PDF!

Pick An Artist. Pick A Lesson Plan. Do It Again! It’s that simple.

TIME-SAVING & CUSTOMIZABLE!

Art lesson plans that save time & reduce stress.

With the IPaintMyMind Art Lesson Plan Book PDF (K-12 | 2024 – 2025), you can efficiently implement art lesson plans that are rooted in representation, while also reclaiming your evenings, weekends, and family time.

With over 30 artists to discover and 21 lesson plans with accompanying worksheets, there are over 600 lesson plan options to customize!

• Save time, stop spending many hours lesson planning
• Streamline your week, month, year
• Learn & teach about diverse artists
• Implement immediately with worksheets

All for just $39!!!

Once you purchase the PDF, we’ll send it to you via email so you can get started! Now, you and your students become the curators of your classroom!

Use our Simple 3-Step Process – begin by selecting an artist to feature as a reference for the lesson plan. Use the PDF Before Class to prepare, or In-Class, by projecting it on your wall and showing your students what artists they can choose from.

You and your students will learn about greats like Frida Kahlo, Kerry James Marshall , Jean-Michel Basquiat and 30+ other diverse artists, both living and deceased!

• 21 Lesson Plans with Accompanying Worksheets
• Appropriate for Grades K-12
• Organized by age group — K-3, 4-8, 9-12
• Designed to satisfy National Core Arts Standards
• Over 600 options to enjoy

Worksheets are included with each art lesson plan, making it easy to get students focused as soon as they arrive!

• Use the same lesson plans for different classes!
• Select age and skill level appropriate lesson plans
• Embrace learning about diverse artists
• Give your kids examples of artists they see themselves in
• Allow students to select their own artist to study then have them teach each other when sharing with the class

ALPB Products

All ages (k-12).

For grades K-12

Early Childhood

For grades K-3

For grades 4-8

High School

For grades 9-12

“The art activities in the art lesson plan book PDF are truly engaging and it has really caught the attention of my students! From the bottom of my heart, thank you IPMM!”

K-12 Art Teacher 

“IPMM supports us in our efforts to provide high quality culturally responsive art lesson plans to all our students!”

K. Shanovich

High school art teacher.

“IPMM’s PDF art lesson plan book, their artwork, and their access to artists is truly a great resource for teachers and students.”

K-12 Principal

Art lesson plans.

save time and energy planning lessons with our detailed art lesson plans

EASY-TO-FOLLOW

quickly prepare engaging activities for your students

TIME SAVING

quickly customizable worksheets for any grade level

pick from over 30 diverse artists

HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR ME?

This art lesson plan book pdf is perfect for you if....

• You’re looking to present more diverse artists to your students
• You’re looking to freshen up your rotation of art lesson plans
• You’re focused on learning new skills and info to bring into the classroom
• You want to embrace art in your local area
• You know to become a better teacher you need to learn new tricks
• You want to add some excitement to your school year
• You’re looking for resources for art teachers that will help you diversify your lesson plan
• You want to improve your art lesson planning to make it more engaging
• You want to present an art lesson that will inspire your students
• You are looking to reach more age groups by using our art lesson plans for elementary school children

OUR PROMISE…

We promise that our Art Lesson Plan Book will save you time, add excitement to your school year, and ensure you’re delivering a truly representative experience for your students.

IPMM is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit.

All sales of our Art Lesson Plan Book PDF enable us to support arts programming in underfunded schools and for teachers nationwide.

Will these art lesson plans save me time?

100%! If you had no plan and just used every art lesson in the PDF, you’d be good to go!

Will these art lesson plans make my job easier?

Definitely! Instead of taking all kinds of time to research and create new lesson plans from scratch, you can rely on these to streamline the entire process.

How do I use these art lesson plans?

Simple 3-Step Process: Pick An Artist, Pick A Lesson Plan, Do it Again! You get to curate or let your students curate! Go to the Artist Section and make your selection. Then Pick A Lesson Plan for the correct age range you are teaching, and Print Out the corresponding worksheet.

Can I use it before class or in class?

Both! You can prepare for each class by using the PDF as outlined in the previous question, or you can project the PDF on the wall during class to lead your students in an exploration of the artist they choose!

Are these good art lesson plans for elementary students?

They are. We break these art lesson plans down into three age ranges: K-3, 4th-8th, and 9th-12th.

Are these good art lesson plans for high school students?

You’ll want to use lesson plans from the 9-12th section, where the format, skill level, and application is all better for high school students.

Are these easy art lesson plans that even non-art teachers can benefit from?

Definitely. Be sure to watch the video in Section 1 of the IPMM Art Lesson Plan Book, which goes over our Simple 3-Step Process.

How does this support professional development for art teachers?

Teachers get to learn about a diversely curated of famous and emerging artists through the IPMM Art Lesson Plan Book PDF. It will enrich your knowledge base, give you experience with new mediums and approaches, and is super practical since each lesson plan comes with an accompanying worksheet for you to print off.

What can I gain from using this rich interactive PDF?

Save time, streamline your lesson planning, and learn a lot about cool artists.

Do you offer a physical copy?

We no longer provide a physical copy since the rich outbound linking throughout the PDF makes it much richer and dynamic of a resource for art teachers. It is great to use on an iPad or tablet!

How will I receive my Art Lesson Plan Book PDF?

After your purchase, you will receive the PDF via email. Please check your SPAM folders in case your email service put it there.

Is this Art Lesson Plan Book aligned with National Core Arts Standards?

100%! Our Team of Content Specialists and Educators built this lesson plan PDF with rigorous standards. At the end of the PDF you’ll see a link to in-depth information on how the IPMM Art Lesson Plan Book is aligned with National Core Arts Standards.

How are these easy lesson plans to implement?

Our Simple 3-Step Process is everything you need. Curate and have fun!

Are there any printables, printouts, or worksheets included?

Every single art lesson plan in the PDF includes an accompanying worksheet that you can print out and have on students desk when they arrive in your class.

Will this help me learn and teach about diverse artists?

It will, and that is one of the aspects of this resource for art teachers that we believe is most important. Our Artist Section features a diverse collection of artists curated by our team to reflect the diverse range of communities we work with. We love students and teachers being able to see themselves in the artists we feature, and overall there are over 600 combinations of artists and lesson plans included in this PDF!

Do you have other resources for art teachers?

Tons! Browse the Schools section of our website via our top navigation menu to learn about our coloring book, workshops, online resources, digital workshops, artist process video series, and more.

• Charitable Giving
• Lesson Plan Book PDF
• Art Programs
• Coloring Book
• Screen Printing Workshop for Schools

IPaintMyMind is a recognized 501(c)(3) Public Charity / Nonprofit Organization and is tax-deductible in the United States

Art Lesson Categories

Create Your Technique Toolkit

Well done, you! I’m giving you a hearty applause for wrapping up another year in the art room. It’s not easy sustaining creative energy all year long when your workday... Learn More

What to Do in Your Art Room During the Summer Months

Summer is upon us and you’ve probably already packed up the papers and closed the art room door. You’ve already organized materials and supplies, but have you taken some time... Learn More

Chalk Flowers Art Project – 2 Ways

Chalk is an underused art medium. Too dusty. Too messy. High maintenance. And spraying? Forget it. But with these chalk flowers… I say ignore the bad rap and go for it. Chalk pastels,... Learn More

Spring Daffodils Art Project

One of the loveliest aspects of Spring are the delightful surprises that emerge from the earth. Daffodils and tulips are the first hints of warmer weather and come at a... Learn More

Van Gogh Sunflowers in Oil Pastel and Tempera Paint

Van Gogh’s paintings of sunflowers are easily some of his most famous, making them widely recognized in the classroom. In fact, many students end up creating their own version at... Learn More

Bird in a Cherry Tree Art Project

This project has been one of my personal favorites for a very long time. It was the first project I did that made me aware of how powerful collage and... Learn More

Painted Paper Dancing Duckling

This sweet little dancing duckling is a perfect spring lesson for your little wee ones! Kindergarteners, pre-kindergarteners and even preschoolers will love to build and create their own frolicking duck... Learn More

How to Create Easy Watercolor Resist Flowers

These bold, colorful flowers are sure to brighten your day! This lesson is a mash up of two projects from my book, Draw, Paint, Sparkle; Van Gogh Flowers and Big,... Learn More

Peter Rabbit Watercolor Project

I love The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. I was inspired by her beautiful watercolor illustrations to create this easy project for spring. The best part? The technique... Learn More

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Top 50 Art Integrated Project Ideas For High Schools [Updated 2024]

In today’s educational landscape, integrating art with other subjects can enhance learning experiences and foster creativity among students. Art integrated projects not only make learning fun but also help in better understanding complex concepts. If you’re a high school student looking for exciting art integrated project ideas that combine art with your curriculum, you’ve come to the right place!

What Is An Art Integrated Project?

Table of Contents

An art integrated project refers to an educational approach that combines art with other academic subjects to enhance learning and understanding. It involves using artistic techniques, such as visual arts, music, drama, or dance, to explore and illustrate concepts from disciplines like literature, history, science, mathematics, and social sciences.

What Are The Examples Of Art Integrated Activities?

Literature and art fusion.

Creating visual artworks (paintings, sculptures, digital art) that represent characters, themes, or scenes from literary works studied in English class.

History through Art

Recreating historical events through artistic mediums like paintings, sketches, or multimedia presentations to understand their significance and impact.

Science and Art Collaboration

Illustrating scientific concepts through visual representations such as diagrams, models, or digital animations to explain complex ideas from physics, chemistry, or biology.

Mathematics and Art Connection

Exploring mathematical patterns, shapes, and symmetry found in art from different cultures or historical periods to understand geometric principles and tessellation.

Environmental Awareness through Art

Using art to raise awareness about environmental issues like climate change, pollution, or conservation through artworks that depict the impact on ecosystems.

Social Issues and Visual Expression

Addressing contemporary social issues such as gender equality, mental health, or social justice through art forms like posters, digital art, or multimedia presentations to advocate for change.

Art and Technology Integration

Exploring digital art techniques such as animation, digital painting, or multimedia presentations to showcase concepts from subjects like computer science or information technology.

Top 50 Art Integrated Project Ideas: Category Wise

Literature and language arts.

• Character Portraits : Create visual artworks depicting characters from a novel or play studied in literature class.
• Book Cover Redesign : Design a new book cover that visually represents the themes and symbolism of a literary work.
• Storyboard a Scene : Create a storyboard with illustrations and captions to narrate a key scene from a story or play.

History and Social Studies

• Historical Timeline : Design a timeline with illustrations that depict significant events from a specific historical period.
• Biographical Collage : Create a collage featuring images and symbols representing a historical figure’s life and achievements.
• Propaganda Posters : Design posters that mimic historical propaganda styles to reflect different political ideologies or events.

Science and Mathematics

• Scientific Illustrations : Create detailed drawings or digital illustrations of biological organisms or scientific phenomena.
• Mathematical Patterns : Explore geometric patterns found in nature or art history, and create your own tessellation designs.
• Infographics : Design infographics that visually explain scientific principles or mathematical concepts.

Environmental Studies

• Eco-Art Installation : Create an art installation using recycled materials to raise awareness about environmental issues.
• Endangered Species Project : Research endangered species and create artworks to highlight their habitats and conservation challenges.
• Pollution Awareness Campaign : Design posters or digital artworks that depict the impact of pollution on ecosystems.

Visual Arts and Design

• Fashion Design : Create a fashion collection inspired by a historical period, culture, or art movement.
• Digital Art Exploration : Experiment with digital painting techniques or create animations that explore abstract concepts.
• Sculpture and Mixed Media : Use unconventional materials to create sculptures that represent abstract ideas or emotions.

Music and Performing Arts

• Musical Storytelling : Compose music or songs inspired by a literary work or historical event.
• Drama and Theater Production : Write scripts, design costumes, and create sets for a theatrical adaptation of a literary work.
• Dance Choreography : Choreograph dance movements that interpret themes or emotions from literature or history.

Technology and Innovation

• Interactive Art Installation : Use technology like sensors or AR/VR to create interactive art installations.
• Digital Storytelling : Create digital stories using multimedia tools that integrate visuals, text, and audio.
• Data Visualization : Use data from scientific studies or historical events to create visual representations such as graphs or maps.

Social Sciences and Current Affairs

• Documentary Photography : Document social issues or community life through a series of photographs with accompanying narratives.
• Community Mural Project : Collaborate with peers to create a mural that reflects community values or addresses local social issues.
• Global Citizenship Campaign : Design a multimedia campaign advocating for global citizenship and cultural understanding.

Cross-Disciplinary Projects

• STEAM Fair Project : Create an interdisciplinary project that combines science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
• Literature in Film : Adapt a literary work into a short film, focusing on visual storytelling and cinematic techniques.
• Cultural Exchange Art Project : Partner with students from another culture to create artworks that explore similarities and differences in traditions and values.

Personal Development and Reflection

• Visual Journaling : Keep a visual journal where you illustrate and reflect on personal experiences, dreams, and aspirations.
• Self-Portrait Series : Create a series of self-portraits that explore different aspects of your identity and personal growth.
• Memory Collage : Construct a collage that represents memories, emotions, or significant life events using photographs, drawings, and found objects.

Community Engagement and Service Learning

• Art for Social Change : Organize an art exhibition or performance to raise funds and awareness for a local charity or social cause.
• Public Art Project : Collaborate with local artists and community members to create murals or sculptures that beautify public spaces.
• Environmental Cleanup Art : Use collected trash to create sculptures that highlight environmental conservation and recycling.

Career Exploration and Skill Development

• Portfolio Development : Create a portfolio showcasing your best artworks across different mediums and themes.
• Artist’s Workshop : Organize a workshop where you teach younger students basic art techniques or art history through hands-on activities.
• Art Entrepreneurship Project : Develop a business plan for selling your artworks online or organizing art-related events in your community.

Global Perspectives and Cultural Studies

• World Art Exploration : Research and create artworks inspired by art forms from different cultures and historical periods.
• Cultural Heritage Project : Document and celebrate your cultural heritage through artworks, stories, and traditions.
• Language and Calligraphy : Explore the art of calligraphy from different languages and create your own calligraphic designs.

Interdisciplinary Science and Art Projects

• Anatomy and Art : Study human anatomy and create anatomically accurate illustrations or sculptures of body parts.
• Botanical Illustrations : Study plant biology and create detailed botanical illustrations or watercolor paintings.
• Astronomy in Art : Explore astronomy concepts and create artworks that depict celestial bodies, galaxies, or space exploration missions.

Interactive and Multimedia Projects

• Augmented Reality Art : Create artworks that come to life through augmented reality technology, enhancing viewer interaction.
• Interactive Storytelling : Develop interactive digital stories where viewers can make choices that affect the narrative and visuals.
• Digital Music Composition : Use software to compose and produce original music tracks inspired by themes from literature or history.

Educational Outreach and Collaboration

• Art Exchange Program : Partner with students from different schools or countries to exchange artworks and cultural perspectives.
• Digital Exhibition : Create a virtual art gallery showcasing student artworks with descriptions and artist statements.
• Art and Science Symposium : Organize an event where students present their art integrated projects to peers, teachers, and parents.

Environmental Conservation and Sustainability

• Upcycling Art Project : Use recycled materials to create artworks that promote sustainability and waste reduction.
• Nature Photography and Conservation : Document local ecosystems and create photo essays that highlight biodiversity and environmental challenges.

Top 5 Art Integrated Tools For Students

Integrating art into student projects can be greatly enhanced by using various tools and technologies. Here are five top tools that students can utilize to create compelling art integrated projects:

1. Adobe Creative Cloud

Description.

Adobe Creative Cloud offers a suite of powerful tools including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro, among others. These tools are excellent for creating digital art, graphic design, video editing, and multimedia presentations.

• Versatility: Covers a wide range of creative needs from digital painting to video production.
• Professional Quality: Produces high-quality outputs suitable for presentations and exhibitions.
• Integration: Works seamlessly across different Adobe software for integrated workflows.

Example Use

Students can use Photoshop for digital painting or photo editing, Illustrator for creating vector graphics, and Premiere Pro for editing videos related to their art integrated projects.

Canva is a user-friendly graphic design platform that offers a variety of templates and tools for creating posters, infographics, social media graphics, and more. It’s accessible both on desktop and mobile devices.

• Ease of Use: Intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for beginners to create professional-looking designs.
• Templates: Provides numerous templates for different purposes, saving time and effort in design creation.
• Collaboration: Allows for collaborative editing and sharing of designs.

Students can use Canva to design posters for historical events, infographics for scientific concepts, or digital presentations for art exhibitions.

3. Sketchbook

Autodesk Sketchbook is a digital drawing and painting app available on desktop, tablets, and mobile devices. It’s designed for artists and provides a wide range of tools for sketching, drawing, and painting.

• Natural Drawing Experience: Offers realistic brushes and drawing tools that simulate traditional media.
• Layer Support: Allows for working with layers, which is essential for complex artwork and adjustments.
• Accessibility: Available for free with a robust set of features, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Students can use Sketchbook for creating detailed illustrations, concept sketches, or storyboard scenes for their art integrated projects.

4. Google Arts & Culture

Google Arts & Culture is an online platform that offers access to high-resolution images of artworks from museums around the world. It also provides virtual tours of famous cultural landmarks and exhibitions.

• Artistic Inspiration: Students can explore artworks from different cultures, periods, and styles to gain inspiration for their own projects.
• Educational Resources: Offers articles, videos, and interactive features that provide insights into art history and techniques.
• Virtual Tours: Provides virtual tours of museums and cultural sites, enhancing learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Students can use Google Arts & Culture to research art movements, study artworks relevant to their projects, and explore cultural influences on artistic expression.

Padlet is a digital canvas that allows users to create collaborative boards where they can post notes, images, videos, and documents. It’s versatile for brainstorming, organizing ideas, and presenting multimedia content.

• Collaboration: Facilitates group projects where students can contribute ideas, images, and research findings in real-time.
• Organization: Helps in structuring and arranging content in a visually appealing manner on a virtual canvas.
• Accessibility: Works across devices and allows for easy sharing and presentation of boards.

Students can use Padlet to collect and organize research materials, brainstorm ideas for art integrated projects, and present their work in an interactive digital format.

In conclusion, art integrated project ideas offer a dynamic way to engage with your curriculum. They encourage you to explore subjects from new perspectives and develop skills that will benefit you both academically and personally. So, pick an idea that sparks your interest, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the process of learning through art!

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50 Fun Craft Ideas That'll Spark Any Adult's Creativity

These DIY projects range from quick and easy to truly unusual.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

While we've included some projects that require a bit more time (like a DIY side table), most of these projects can be completed within an hour. Find tutorials and step-by-step instructions for a range of fashion accessories, self-care essentials and gorgeous DIY home decor . Think hand-painted bangles, rose petal bath salts and a butterfly frame, just to name a few standout ideas. Scroll this list to find simple projects for beginners, as well as more challenging options (like crocheting a pillow) to put your skills to the test.

If you're hunting for a seasonal craft idea, there's no shortage of inspiration — explore our roundups of summer crafts , easy fall projects and DIY Christmas decorations . Keep in mind, these relaxing craft ideas are intended for adults, but we've got plenty of craft ideas for kids too.

Leaf Imprint Jewelry Dish

Collect a few cuttings from your favorite houseplants or neighborhood trees, then use them to create beautiful jewelry dishes. The hardest part is rolling the imprint onto air dry clay using a rolling pin.

Get the tutorial at Sprouting Wild Ones »

Floral Stencil Tote Bag

Turn a solid tote bag into a one-of-a-kind accessory with a few floral stencils and acrylic craft paint. You can also invest in alphabet stencils to spell out an inspirational message or name of a loved one, like "Mom."

Get the tutorial at Sarah Hearts »

Rose Petal Bath Salts

Turn your bathroom into a luxurious spa by making your own bath salts. Not to mention, this recipe will give your dying rose bouquet a second purpose!

Get the tutorial at Paper & Stitch »

Rainbow Doormat

Every time guests step through your charming entryway , you can point out your handcrafted doormat. All you need is a natural coir mat and a few outdoor acrylic paints, plus paint brushes to draw on the design!

Get the tutorial at Make and Takes »

Colorful Jenga Game

Give this classic wood game a colorful upgrade! Using small foam paintbrushes and acrylic paints, simply paint the sides of each Jenga block. It shouldn't take longer than 30 minutes.

Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed »

Paper Flower Gift Topper

Whether it's for a birthday or special holiday, these striking paper flower toppers make any present feel more personal. Once you nail it, you'll use this easy paper folding technique all of the time!

Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »

Mid-Century Modern Side Table

Most mid-century modern side tables cost at least $100 — but this DIY option is way less. There's even a round cake pan, which can be painted any color of your choice, that provides hidden storage.

Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »

Rainbow Bangles

Let your imagination run while as you paint and stencil your favorite patterns onto wood bangles . They're so fun to wear knowing you've made them yourself, but you can also paint one for a friend.

Pressed Flower Lanterns

Decorate your home with these gorgeous flower lanterns — or make them in bulk for an upcoming party. You can definitely press your own flowers, but save yourself time by picking up a pack online.

Get the tutorial at First Day of Home »

SHOP DRIED FLOWERS

Cubby Cabinet

Inspired by vintage apothecary cabinets, this farmhouse wall shelf costs less than $15 to recreate. Dress it up with everything from seasonal decor and office supplies to vintage trinkets.

Get the tutorial at A Piece of Rainbow »

Bumble Bee Bookmark

Bookworms will adore marking pages with this smiling bumble bee bookmark. Plus, this tiny craft is a great way to use up any felt scraps you have lying around from previous projects.

Get the tutorial at The Craft Train »

Colorblock Vase

With a bit of spray paint and painter's tape, this homemade decor project is a breeze! The hardest part will be deciding what color to paint your flower vase .

Get the tutorial at Lolly Jane »

RELATED: DIY Home Decor Ideas for Instant Personality

Floral Candles

Decorate taper candles to make your home more inviting, especially if you're hosting a party. For this craft, we used paint markers (acrylic paint works too) for the floral designs.

Follow these steps:

• Use a clean cloth to wipe the candles with rubbing alcohol. This will remove lint and debris for a smooth surface.
• Use paint markers or craft paint to draw a series of dots, flowers and patterns.
• Work on one side and let it dry completely before moving to another side.

SHOP TAPER CANDLES

Easy Landscape Painting

Love painting, but you're not a painter? Follow this step-by-step video to make a masterpiece with ease. Display the final result in a thrifted picture frame, and you've got yourself a truly one-of-a-kind creation.

Get the tutorial at Bless'er House »

DIY Lavender Soap

Give yourself permission to use the fancy soap… by making it yourself. You’ll need just a few supplies: goat's milk melt and pour base, dried lavender, lavender oil and silicone soap molds.

Get the tutorial at It All Started With Paint »

Tassel Earrings

Here's an adorable craft idea that'll take less than five minutes. You'll need a few supplies, including silk tassels, gold end caps and earring hooks to create these unique earrings.

Get the tutorial at Tell Love and Party »

Decorative Pinboard

Create a personalized or seasonal display by hanging photos, greeting cards and your favorite artwork from an old window frame. Add small bulldog clips with a hot glue gun to complete the vintage-inspired look.

Accordion Paper Flowers

Green thumb or not, you can still grow an everlasting garden. Download these templates and follow the steps below to make paper flowers in various shapes, sizes and colors.

• Cut out four pieces of yellow or white paper (depending on what color daffodil you would like) using the first template.
• Fold the paper in half both vertically and horizontally and open again. Fold the bottom up about ¼" and crease it down.
• Flip the paper over and fold all the way to the top until you create an accordion.
• Fold the accordion-folded paper in half and attach the two middle pieces together with double-sided tape.
• Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining three pieces of paper.
• Connect all four together with a strip of double stick tape to create a flower shape.
• Cut out a rectangle of orange paper about 2" x 1.5" and cut little points on one of the long edges.
• Roll the rectangle loosely to make a tube shape and connect with a small piece of double-sided tape, folding the bottom edge down to create a flat bottom. Glue the little cup you made into the center of the flower to finish your daffodil.

Colorful Coupe Cocktail Glasses

Make these eye-catching cocktail glasses with just a bit of scrap adhesive vinyl and cheap glasses from Ikea or the dollar store. This project is super easy, but will create a dazzling result your cocktail party guests will be sure to admire.

Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life »

Woven Coasters

Burlap coasters add a layer of texture and warmth to a display, all while keeping your table protected from spills and water marks. Give plain burlap squares a more finished look by stitching a colored border or pulling at the thread along the edges to create a fringe detail.

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping , where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor , Chairish , BobVila.com , Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine , in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping , where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine . She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions , in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community , a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. 

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Crafts & DIY Projects

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*Grades 6-8

We’ve listed all of our Middle School art lesson plans here. These activities are best suited for Grades 6-8 – or – ages 11-14 years. Grade levels are given as a guideline only.

Oil Pastel Hearts

K-2, Grades 3-5, Middle School

Black Capped Chickadees

By Andrea Mulder-Slater Charley Harper was an incredible artist and illustrator who is best known for his stylized, simplified interpretations of nature and wildlife. Students will learn about Charley as …

Snacking Cardinals

by Andrea Mulder-Slater Charley Harper was an incredible artist and illustrator who is best known for his stylized, simplified interpretations of nature and wildlife. Students will learn about Charley as …

by Andrea Mulder-Slater Mandalas help to bring balance, peace and calm. This makes creating them a perfect activity for children (and adults) of all ages. This lesson uses readily available …

Getting to Know You

by Andrea Mulder-Slater The first days and weeks of school can be exciting and terrifying, all at once. Arming yourself with a few “getting to know” you exercises can help …

Design Your Own Nutcracker

by Andrea Mulder-Slater Nutcracker dolls symbolize good luck in German tradition, but where did they come from? This drawing lesson will teach children the answer to this question, and more. …

Drawing with Glue

by Andrea Mulder-Slater If you are looking for a sure fire way to get a great response from your students, walk into the art room and tell them they will …

Gingerbread Village

By Andrea Mulder-Slater Every year my daughter and I decorate a gingerbread house (or two, or three). We don’t bake from scratch, but instead work with pre-baked, pre-cut slabs of …

A Cup of Cocoa

by Andrea Mulder-Slater The only thing better than chocolate, is chocolate in a cup! Big mugs of hot chocolate (or hot cocoa) are the theme of this cozy art lesson. …

Paper Pumpkins

by Andrea Mulder-Slater Here’s a super quick way to make paper pumpkins that look real enough to pick! [This is a small snippet of a lesson we have inside The …

6 Ways to Make Sketchbooks

by Andrea Mulder-Slater When I was a student at art school, my drawing professor had one rule and that was to draw, every single day. From her I learned there …

Pop Art Owls Drawing Art Lesson with Video Tutorial

K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Glue Flowers

Negative Space Plant Drawings

Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, High School

Criss Cross Doodles

by Andrea Mulder-Slater Using materials found in every art room, students will draw criss cross lines to create shapes for doodles to live! Then, by following a few basic prompts, …

Design a Miniature Garden

K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8

Architecture Mood Board

Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12

Draw and Paint a Sea Turtle

Making art is a uniquely human act, and one that provides a wellspring of health benefits

Professor of Art Therapy Research, Drexel University

Disclosure statement

Girija Kaimal receives funding from the national Endowment for the Arts, Drexel University, Department of Defense, Johns Hopkins University and the Prasad Family Foundation.

Drexel University provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

View all partners

When you think about the word “art,” what comes to mind? A child’s artwork pinned to the fridge? A favorite artist whose work always inspires? Abstract art that is hard to understand?

Each of these assumes that making art is something that other people do, such as children or “those with talent.”

However, as I explain in my book “ The Expressive Instinct ,” art is intrinsic to human evolution and history. Just as sports or workouts exercise the body, creating art exercises the imagination and is essential to mental as well as physical well-being.

I am a professor of art therapy who studies how creative self-expression affects physical and emotional health. In our clinical research studies, my colleagues and I are finding that any form of creative self-expression – including drawing, painting, fiber arts, woodworking or photography – can reduce stress , improve mood and increase self-confidence.

As a sickly child who needed to stay home from school a lot, I found that making art helped me cope. Today, creating art is my sanctuary. I use it as a sounding board to better understand myself and a way to recharge and learn from the challenges of life.

The uniquely human attribute of creativity

Although everyone has their own concept of what defines art, one thing is universally true: Creativity is a defining feature of the human species.

How so? Well, human brains are not computers processing data. They are biological prediction machines that perceive the environment through memories and the senses, with the capacity to use that information to imagine plausible future scenarios.

These inherent predictive and imaginative capacities are the wellspring of humanity’s abilities to survive and thrive – because self-expression is a safety valve that helps us cope with uncertainty. No one truly knows the future; they must live each day not sure of what will happen tomorrow. Art can help us all practice this imaginative muscle in a useful way.

In our study examining brain activity while using virtual reality tools to create 3-D digital artwork, my team demonstrated that creative expression is a natural state of being . The brain naturally uses fewer cognitive resources to be expressive and creative, compared with the brain power needed to do a rote task that requires conscious effort.

Seemingly ordinary everyday activities can provide opportunities to tap into one’s natural creativity and imagination: whipping up a meal from leftovers, figuring out an alternate route to work, dancing a little jig in response to hearing a song, or planting and tending a garden.

We have repeatedly found in our studies that even a single session of real and honest self-expression can improve self-confidence and reduce feelings of stress , anxiety and burnout .

This is partly because creativity activates reward pathways in the brain. Using our hands and bodies to express ourselves activates dopamine pathways and helps us feel good. Dopamine is a neural messenger that is associated with feeling a sense of hope, accomplishment or reward . Our brains are wired to secrete feel-good hormones whenever we move , create something or engage in any type of expressive activity.

Tapping into the creative resources within is one of the most underrated seeds of well-being in the world.

By comparison, bottling up or denying these feelings can cause distress , anxiety and fear because we have not processed and expressed them. This is probably one of the reasons why every community around the world has its own creative and expressive practices. Even our ancestors in Indigenous communities all around the world intuitively knew that self-expression was essential to emotional health and social connection.

Being unable to share our lives, keeping secrets and feeling isolated and lonely tend to worsen our health . To our brains, social isolation feels like a chronic disease because it interprets this loneliness and inability to express as a threat to survival.

Since creative expression can engage the senses, it can also be a body workout: a sensual as well as emotional and cognitive experience. Being active in expression – be it art, music, dance, drama, writing, culinary arts or working with nature – imparts a sense of confidence and hope that challenges can be navigated and overcome .

The role of art therapy

Given the integral role of art in our lives, it makes sense that making art can help people manage transitions, adversity and trauma, such as the stresses of puberty, the death of a loved one or experiencing a serious illness .

According to a global study, 1 in 2 people will experience a mental-health-related challenge in their lifetime , whether from life’s challenges, genetic predispositions or a combination of the two.

This is where art therapy can come in. Art therapy is a regulated mental health profession in which clinical psychotherapists with extensive clinical training offer psychotherapy to patients with diagnosed mental health needs.

The origins of art therapy go back to attempts to treat soldiers struggling with post-traumatic stress during the 20th century’s two world wars. Today there is evidence that traumatic experiences tend to be stored as sounds, images and physical sensations in the brain. When someone lacks the words to process these experiences through traditional talk therapy, art therapy can provide an indirect way to express and externalize those feelings and memories.

One of art therapy’s unique strengths is that it provides nonverbal ways of communicating, processing and eventually managing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. In fact, in a recent study, my team has found that a personal history of trauma is related to how people react to evocative images . Images of distress and pain resonate with us when we have known similar kinds of distress ourselves. This implies that our life stories make us sensitized to distress in others and even personalize it more.

Creative self-expression is especially relevant in coping with trauma because it provides an outlet through which a person can regain a sense of agency and control.

How to bring creativity into daily life

For those new to exploring art as a creative pursuit or for well-being reasons, engaging in creative activities begins with letting go of unrealistic expectations. Being creative isn’t about becoming a famous artist or even a mediocre one. It is about allowing ourselves to flex the creative muscle that we all have and enjoying all the sensory and emotional aspects of imagining.

Next, think about activities that made you feel free to explore when you were a child. Did you like singing, playing in the outdoors, dancing, making up pretend plays, or writing little tales? Allow yourself to indulge in any and all of these creative pursuits that made you feel relaxed and joyful.

A cultural tradition , tinkering with electronics, making a gift for someone or simply paying attention to everyday beauty – any of these can be a creative activity. And just like any muscle, the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. Over time, you will notice yourself getting more confident and adventurous in your creative practices.

Whatever it is, make time for this creative pursuit every week – which is possibly the hardest step of them all. If it seems “unimportant” compared with the demands of daily life, such as work or family, try thinking of it as another form of sustenance.

Remember that creativity is just as critical to human health as eating nutritious meals or getting exercise and good rest . So as the Latin saying goes: “Plene vivere.” Live fully.

This article is part of Art & Science Collide , a series examining the intersections between art and science. You may be interested in:

Literature inspired my medical career: Why the humanities are needed in health care

I wrote a play for children about integrating the arts into STEM fields – here’s what I learned about interdisciplinary thinking

Art and science entwined: This course explores the long, interrelated history of two ways of seeing the world

• Mental health
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Art therapy
• Physical health
• Self-expression
• Art and health

PhD Scholarship

Senior Lecturer, HRM or People Analytics

Senior Research Fellow - Neuromuscular Disorders and Gait Analysis

Centre Director, Transformative Media Technologies

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Helping Your Baby Reach Greater Wonders

3 Ideas for a Fab Yes Day (And How to Set Yes Day Rules)

• Budget-friendly Yes Day ideas include manageable activities like dance parties, scavenger hunts, cupcake decoration, and arts and crafts.
• It’s best to avoid activities that require bookings or travel to keep the day spontaneous and stress-free.
• Setting Yes Day rules is essential to help manage expectations, prevent chaos, and ensure safety.
• Involving children in setting ground rules helps them understand their importance and encourages compliance.
• Establishing a budget prevents overspending.

If you’ve seen the movie Yes Day starring Jennifer Garner, you might have thought to yourself, “My children would love something like this!” Or maybe you watched it as a family, and now your kids are insisting on having their own Yes Day.

Whichever category you fall into, planning a whole day filled with your children’s Yes Day ideas can seem unnerving.

Your first thoughts will probably be that they’d want to take a road trip to Disney World or fill your entire backyard with slime, but if you suggest a dance party, scavenger hunt , baking competition, board games, or a water balloon fight, they could be open to it.

There’s a lot of easy, low-cost, fun stuff you can incorporate into your Yes Day that the whole family can enjoy.

The most important thing to remember is to set Yes Day rules while still allowing your children to make their own decisions.

Yes Days are about giving your kids the power to create lasting memories. However, as parents, we still have authority over precisely how much control they have.

Here are some Yes Day ideas you can let your kids choose between:

Idea 1: Creative Cooking

Creative cooking is a fun way to get the whole family involved in a Yes Day activity. If you let your kids pick what meals to prepare, they’ll also feel more in control and excited.

Here are a few kid-friendly recipes you can suggest that will keep them entertained without breaking the bank:

Make-Your-Own-Pizza

For make-your-own pizza, you can set out different toppings like cheese, pepperoni, veggies, and sauce. If you feel stuck, you can also just go with your children’s requests!

Allow each child to create their pizza however they like.

If possible, turn this activity into a family competition. That way, your children can spend quality time together while also having fun competing for a special treat.

Decorate Cupcakes

Decorating cupcakes can be another fun activity. You can bake the cupcakes beforehand or together as a team effort.

Then, let your kids go crazy with colorful frosting, sprinkles, and other decorations. This activity satisfies their sweet tooth and encourages creativity as they choose their own toppings.

Ice Cream Creations

If your kids are old enough, creating ice cream cones or bowls for each other is a great way to make memories.

Blindfold the child whose ice cream is being scooped, and have a sibling surprise them with a unique flavor or topping combination. You can let them guess the flavors or toppings before removing their blindfold.

Idea 2: Arts and Crafts Bonanza

An arts and crafts station could be perfect for your Yes Day fun! Start by selecting art supplies like paints, brushes, colored paper, glue, glitter, markers, and any other materials you think your kids will enjoy.

Encourage them to paint pictures, make collages, or even create handmade cards for themselves or each other.

They might even want to build a sculpture from recycled materials or design jewelry!

This activity offers endless possibilities. Your children can stay entertained for hours. It’s also an excellent chance for them to get creative and express themselves.

You can let their imagination run wild or work on a big family art project together.

Idea 3: Movie Marathon

After an entire day of fun, a movie marathon could be the perfect way to unwind and end your Yes Day.

You can let your children pick their favorite movies or shows to watch or place a few options in a hat and ask each child to draw one.

To make your movie marathon extra special, create a cozy environment. Here are a few tips:

• Comfortable seating: Arrange plenty of pillows, blankets, and cushions on the floor or couch. This will create a comfy space where everyone can relax.
• Snacks: Prepare different snacks like popcorn, candy, or junk food. You can even make cookies or brownies together before the movie starts.
• Lighting: Dim the lights or use fairy lights to create a movie theater ambiance. Having pretty lights could set a fun mood for your children and make the experience more fun.
• Breaks: Plan short breaks between movies or episodes for bathroom trips, snack refills, or quick stretches. This keeps everyone comfortable, engaged, and ready for more screen time.

Setting Yes Day Rules

Without rules, your Yes Day can quickly turn into chaos. If you want an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, setting a few simple ground rules before the day starts will help manage expectations and, hopefully, prevent tantrums. Here are a few ideas:

Rule 1: No Activities That Require Bookings or Travel

To keep the day spontaneous and stress-free, avoid activities that need advance reservations or extensive travel, like visiting a theme park, taking a road trip, or attending a sports event.

Rule 2: Set a Budget

Set a family budget to avoid overspending. This will ensure that you can enjoy your Yes Day without worrying about costs.

You can also ban certain activities like going on a shopping spree or limit dining options if you’re giving your children the choice to visit their favorite restaurant.

Rule 3: Make Safety a Priority

When children get excited, they don’t always consider safety. Your kids might insist on doing dangerous stunts or activities that could lead to injuries.

Be clear on what is acceptable and what’s off-limits.

Rule 4: Limit Screen Time

The point of a Yes Day is to create fun memories as a family. Limit screen time to find a balance between digital and physical activities.

Rule 5: Time Management

Decide when your Yes Day will start and end while you’re in the planning stage.

This will help you set aside enough time for your kids’ ideas and get them to bed at a reasonable hour so they get enough rest after such an exciting day.

Involve Your Children in Setting Ground Rules

Involving your kids 1 1. Creating Classroom Rules with Children. Eastern Connecticut State University . https://www.easternct.edu/center-for-early-childhood-education/expert-interviews/creating-classroom-rules-with-children.html#:~:text=Children%20are%20more%20likely%20to,to%20help%20enforce%20the%20rules. in setting a few ground rules for their Yes Day will help them understand the importance of these rules and make them more likely to follow them.

You should gather everyone involved to discuss what Yes Day should look like.

Let your kids suggest ideas and talk about what is realistic and what isn’t.

Setting Yes Day rules will help create a day filled with fun while ensuring practicality and safety.

By planning ahead and involving your children in the process, you can create the perfect Yes Day and memories everyone will cherish for years.

Who knows, you might even turn your special day into a family tradition!

• Creating Classroom Rules with Children. Eastern Connecticut State University . (n.d.). https://www.easternct.edu/center-for-early-childhood-education/expert-interviews/creating-classroom-rules-with-children.html#:~:text=Children%20are%20more%20likely%20to,to%20help%20enforce%20the%20rules.

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How Art Works in Networks: A Mixed-Methods Study of Arts Education and Arts Educators in New York City Charter Schools Affiliated with Charter Management Organizations

Brown-Aliffi, Katrina

Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, this study aimed to contribute to an understanding of A) the availability of arts education programming in NYC during the 2022–2023 academic year at charter schools affiliated with Charter Management Organizations CMOs), and B) arts educators’ plans for retention and perceptions of professional satisfaction, network-level support, and school-level support. In this study, a CMO was defined as a non-profit operator that exists (as a business entity) separately from the charter schools it manages. Quantitative data was collected prior to qualitative data. In Phase 1 (quantitative data collection), an electronic survey of arts educators in CMO-affiliated schools in New York City (NYC) was conducted to measure job satisfaction, attitudes and opinions of perceived levels of support from networks and schools, and needs for further support. In Phase 2 (qualitative data collection), interviews were conducted with six arts educators to further explore the perceptions of support held by arts educators at schools associated with NYC-based CMOs. Emerging from the qualitative results were the educators’ concepts of and needs for support across three categories: structural support, peer support, and support for teacher development (including both lesson planning and lesson delivery). The roles of network-level leadership and school-level leadership (as a team and as individuals) in providing support across these three categories while also preserving teacher autonomy created a complex web of influences on charter sector teacher satisfaction and retention within the field of arts education at schools affiliated with CMOs for the teachers in this study, which has implications for theory, practice, and policy alike.

Geographic Areas

• New York (State)--New York
• Arts in education
• Arts--Study and teaching
• Art teachers--Attitudes
• Teachers--Job satisfaction
• Teacher development
• Charter schools
• Charter schools--Administration

This item is currently under embargo. It will be available starting 2029-05-14.

More About This Work

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