This is a lesson that not only teaches portrait techniques but also engages the imagination. A perfect combination. Photocopy the “Imagination Portrait” handout and give one to each child. Discuss... Learn More

This project is pure magic. Children combine basic cutting and crafting skills with the fine art instruction of drawing and using watercolors. The project requires a little prep on your... Learn More

This lesson and the accompanying discussion page are intended to open a dialogue with students about diversity as well as exploring the significance of memories and external influences in shaping... Learn More

This type of project is great for the end of the school year. Because it uses mostly paper scraps, you can utilize your paper scrap boxes, finally use up the... Learn More

This lesson was inspired by the rich, vibrant, quilted portraits of contemporary artist Bisa Butler. This lesson features a unique art technique with stunning results! Rather than sewing, students will... Learn More

Portrait making is not always fun for kids in fifth or sixth grade. They become a bit self-conscience and sometimes sabotage their efforts in an effort to stay humble. Drawing a friend or the... Learn More

I once asked my daughter what her least favorite art project was and she said making portraits, especially self-portraits. Are you surprised? Truth is, as parents (and teachers) we adore... Learn More

Drawing elephants can get a little tricky but this drawing focuses on the contour shape. Add a trunk and chunky legs and Kinders will have no problem appreciating their efforts.... Learn More

Zebras, like giraffes – are great for children to draw because once they add stripes to whatever shape they create, the drawing will be instantly recognized. For the drawing, I... Learn More

Drawing a giraffe is a rewarding experience for a child as they are always successful. With a long neck, stubby horns and the famous spots, giraffes are easily identified by... Learn More

Giraffes truly are the most beautiful creatures. Eyes adorned with swooping lashes, graceful necks that bend and reach and those adorable knobby knees. No wonder giraffes are the animal of... Learn More

Wildebeests (or Gnu’s) are a strange looking animal that are quite noisy. They look like they are made from the spare parts of other animals with a tail like a... Learn More

My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me by Maya Angelou If you love hearing Maya Angelou speak, reading this book is the next best thing. Her lovely, poetic voice follows the... Learn More

folk art stylings, African art is colorful, dynamic and easily adaptable to most age levels. This lesson takes two 1⁄2 40-minute class sessions. For the first class, we painted the... Learn More

This is a great project to incorporate into an African or Mammal Unit. Hippos need to keep their eras and eyes above the water level so they can keep alert... Learn More

For this lesson, my goal was simple: create a line drawing, using thick and thin lines using an image associated with Senufo Mud Cloths. Because I expected the students to draw... Learn More

Imagine living in the African rainforest amongst chimpanzees? Studying, sleeping, watching. Jane Goodall’s story, beginning with her curious girlhood days to her travels throughout Africa, ignites the imagination of children.... Learn More

Some of my favorite lessons to teach in the art room originate from a book. Searching through old and recently published children’s books is both inspiring to me as a... Learn More