Grades K-2 Art Assignments
Below, you will find an Artist of the Week, Sketchbook Challenge, Project of the Week, and a Bonus Project for each week. These will be updated with new materials weekly. Please have your child complete at least one of the sections listed per week. For example, if your child would like to research the artist of the week by visiting the link, then answering questions, that would count as one section completed for art. If s/he would like to complete more than one section or all sections, that is welcomed! Feel free to adapt lessons as you see fit for your child, or materials you have available in your home. I encourage you to send pictures, videos, or messages while creating to ktompkins@sau56.org. Also, feel free to ask questions or say, "hi!" using the chat button below (please make sure to include your name in your message). I can't wait to see all that you've been up to creatively!
Week 1: Week of March 23-27
Artist of the Week!
Yayoi Kusama
Known as the "Princess of Polka Dots" Kusama loves to fill entire rooms full of patterns and polka dots! This was inspired by her fear of patterns and wanting to conquer that fear using art.
Follow this link to see more of her art:
https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/explore/who-is/who-yayoi-kusama
Answer the following questions on a piece of paper, or tell someone with you your answers:
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What is one of your fears?
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How have you conquered that fear? Or, how do you plan to conquer it?
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What do you like about Yayoi Kusama's art?
Sketchbook Challenge
How many polka dots can you fit on one piece of paper? Use any material to draw them! Which drawing material can fit more dots? A pencil or a marker? Write down or tell someone near you how many polka dots you were able to draw!
Project of the Week:
Make your own sketchbook!
(It is strongly recommended that you create this project for use in future sketchbook prompts.)
Materials needed:
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1 piece of construction paper
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10 sheets of copier paper
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Stapler or glue
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Drawing materials (markers, pens, pencils, etc.)
Directions:
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Match copier paper up with a piece of construction paper.
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Fold all paper together in half.
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Staple spine of sketchbook in 3 places.
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Decorate the cover!
Bonus Project:
Make Your Mark
Follow the link posted to the right for the "Make Your Mark" lesson plan inspired by artist Bruce Naumen.
Week 2: Week of March 30 - April 3
Artist of the Week!
Can robots be artists?
Did you know that there are robot art competitions that happen every year? The picture above is a HUGE drawing created by a robot that covers a whole room! (The robot was programmed by Peter Kogler.)
To watch a robot paint, watch the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ3e3yCyyd4
Answer the following questions on a piece of paper, tell a family member, or email Ms. Tompkins (ktompkins@sau56.org):
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Do you think robots can be artists? Why or why not?
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What would you tell a robot draw or paint?
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Draw a picture of a robot creating art!
Sketchbook Challenge
Draw a machine that you could invent! What would that machine do? What would you call it? Where could someone buy the machine that you invented?
Project of the Week:
Marker Robots
Materials needed:
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1 piece of paper
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(or your sketchbook)
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Washable markers
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Container of water
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Paintbrush
Directions:
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Click on the link posted below, and watch the video "Marker Robots" by Cassie Stephens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC7pCZTvXX0
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Draw your robot along with the steps she shows you (but make your robot your own).
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"Wake up" the markers by painting water on top!
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Name your robot!
Bonus Projects!
Robot Week!
Did you love the Marker Robot project? There are a lot more projects like it. Click on the links to the right for projects with a similar theme also by Cassie Stephens!
Art Parts Game
Click the picture for the game.
Week 3: Week of April 6 - 10
Artist of the Week!
Aelita Andre
Aelita Andre is a young artist from Australia who is now 12 years old. She had her first art show when she was only 2 years old! She loves to make abstract art and gets very messy when making her work!
To watch Aelita Andre make her abstract paintings, click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9S0r27ylKc
Answer the following questions on a piece of paper, tell a family member, or email Ms. Tompkins (ktompkins@sau56.org):
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How do you think Aelita Andre feels when she's making her art?
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After watching the video, what do you think abstract art means?
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Draw a picture of Aelita Andre making art in her messy art studio!
Sketchbook Challenge
Listen to a song with no lyrics and draw lines, shapes, and use colors (if you have colors) that remind you of that song. Here's the challenge: don't draw anything specific that's recognizable - just lines, shapes, and colors!
Need song options? Click the links below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1prweT95Mo0
Project of the Week
Marbled Prints
Materials needed:
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shaving cream
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baking tray or dish
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wooden skewers
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washable ink, paint, or food dye
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paper
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spatula
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plastic ruler
Directions:
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Click on the link for the visual directions: https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/make/paint-draw/make-marbled-paper-foam
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Spray shaving cream in a pan, drop colors in, mix around with skewer or stick.
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Place paper on top of marbled shaving cream.
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Lift and scrape shaving cream off with ruler.
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Let dry.
Painting by Gerhard Richter
Did you know, this painting was sold for $34 million?
Bonus Project
Click this link for more directions & tips: https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/make/paint-draw/make-chocolate-painting
Chocolate Painting
Get inspired by artist Jackson Pollock, abstract expressionist, who loved to drip and splatter paint on his canvas. Create your very own Jackson Pollock painting with melted chocolate!
Spin Game!
Click picture for game.
Week 4: Week of April 13 - 17
Artist of the Week!
Jeff Koons
Jeff Koons is an artist that makes HUGE sculptures of objects that would usually be small in real life. A lot of the objects are playful items, like toys! He is very famous for creating a giant inflatable balloon dog and an enormous mound of play-doh.
Watch this video of Jeff Koons talking about his Play-Doh sculpture:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTSyKwXTxz8
Answer the following questions on a piece of paper, tell a family member, or email Ms. Tompkins (ktompkins@sau56.org):
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What is something you like about Jeff Koons' sculptures?
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What is a question you would ask Jeff Koons about his art if you met him?
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Draw a picture of a toy or everyday object that you would make a giant sculpture of! Why would you choose that object?
Sketchbook Challenge
What is something that is really important to you? Maybe you have a special stuffed animal that a family member gave you, a favorite toy, or an object that means a lot to you. Make a drawing of that object as best as you can! If you have trouble drawing it, think about the shapes you see on that object and start there.
Project of the Week
Junky Funky Sculptures
Materials needed:
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disposable, usable, or recyclable objects around your home
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tape and/or glue
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scissors
Directions:
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Click on the link for visual directions: https://www.tate.org.uk/kids/make/sculpture/make-junky-funky-sculpture
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After you collect materials, think of ways that you can arrange and build your sculpture into an interesting shape.
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Secure your sculpture with glue, tape, or another adhesive.
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Come up with a title or name for your sculpture
Bonus Project
Click the Play-Doh picture for directions on how to create your own play-doh at home!
Make and Create with Homemade Play-Doh
After seeing the sculpture of Play-Doh by Jeff Koons, the artist of the week, create your own homemade play-doh and turn it into a sculpture of your own!
Week 5: Week of April 20 - 24
Please choose ONE of the options from below. Choose an option that works best for the time you have available, as well as the materials you have at home. If you'd like to do more than one option, that's great, too! Feel free to adapt lessons as you see fit. The most important thing is that you are taking time to be creative!
Artist of the Week!
Andy Goldsworthy
Andy Goldsworthy is an artist who uses unique materials to create sculptures in nature. He collects things he finds outside in nature and puts them together in really interesting ways!
Click the link below to see examples of Andy Goldsworthy's art:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I59Ar1s4ZZE
Answer the following questions on a piece of paper, tell a family member, or email Ms. Tompkins (ktompkins@sau56.org):
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What do you notice about the way Andy Goldsworthy uses color in his art?
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What do you find interesting about Andy Goldsworthy's art?
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If you were to create a sculpture inspired by this artist, what materials from nature would you use? If possible, create a drawing that shows how you would arrange them!
Sketchbook Challenge
Take a moment to observe something outside in nature. Maybe you're looking at a flower, a rock, some grass, a tree, or an insect. What do you notice about that object? Does it make a sound? What shapes do you see in the object? How do you feel when looking at that object? Notice the colors you see. In your sketchbook or on a piece of paper, make a drawing of the object that you found outside.
Project of the Week
Found Object Creation
Materials needed:
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Objects found in nature, or
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Small objects found around your house
Directions:
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Watch THIS VIDEO to see examples of Andy Goldsworthy's art created by arranging things found in nature.
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Go outside and collect some objects in nature (like rocks, sticks, leaves, plants, etc.) OR find small objects around your house (like blocks, small toys, legos, paper clips, etc).
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Arrange the objects you collected in an interesting, thoughtful way. This could be any way that makes sense to you.
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Take a picture of your arrangement so you can remember it forever!
Bonus Project
Draw a Tulip
Watch the video posted to learn how to draw a tulip from Art for Kids Hub! Remember, you can use any material to draw (I suggest a pencil instead of a Sharpie, then trace with a Sharpie if you'd like). The most important thing is to try your best and just have fun!
If the video isn't working, click the link below:
Week 6: Week of April 27 - May 1
Hello Idlehurst Artists!
Happy Thoughtful Thursday! I hope you have been having fun with all of the different Spirit Week activities you've gotten to do this week. For Thoughtful Thursday today, you will be creating a Gallery of Gratitude. Check out the link below to see the directions!
Click here for the Gallery of Gratitude activity!
Week 7: Week of May 4 - 8
Please choose ONE of the options from below. Choose an option that works best for the time you have available, as well as the materials you have at home. If you'd like to do more than one option, that's great, too! Feel free to adapt lessons as you see fit. The most important thing is that you are taking time to be creative!
Option 1: Sketchbook Challenge
Draw a picture of an animal! This could be a pet that you have in your house, or an animal that you find outside. You can even look up an animal online and draw it! If you have the time, you can color it in and put it in an environment.
Option 2: Project of the Week
Pop Up Landscapes
Materials needed:
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paper
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glue
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drawing materials (like crayons or markers)
Directions:
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Watch the pop up landscape video by Cassie Stephens. If the video isn't working, click the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9GLHGt7OQ4
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Create your pop up landscape by following the directions in the video. If the video goes too fast, you can pause the video, or even watch it a few times!
Option 3: Artist of the Week
Claude Monet
Claude Monet was an artist that was known as an Impressionist. His art showed light, bold brush strokes, and scenes from nature - landscapes! His painting called The Water Lily Pond was one of Ms. Tompkins' favorite paintings when she was in elementary school, just like you! Check out some of his most famous paintings, then answer the following questions by telling someone near you, writing it on a piece of paper, or emailing Ms. Tompkins at ktompkins@sau56.org:
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What is similar between Claude Monet's paintings shown below?
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How do you feel when looking at Claude Monet's paintings?
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Which painting is your favorite? Why?
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The Water Lily Pond
Water Lilies in Bloom
Impression, Sunrise
Week 8: Week of May 11 - 15
Please choose ONE of the options from below. Choose an option that works best for the time you have available, as well as the materials you have at home. If you'd like to do more than one option, that's great, too! Feel free to adapt lessons as you see fit. The most important thing is that you are taking time to be creative!
Option 1: Sketchbook Challenge
Make a drawing of your dream home! If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? What cool things would your house have? Would you want a pool? Maybe you'd have your whole house decorated like a cat theme! Use your imagination to design your own dream home!
Option 2: Project of the Week
Stay-At-Home Origami House
Materials needed:
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paper
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drawing & coloring materials
Directions:
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Watch the Origami House video by Cassie Stephens. If the video isn't working, click the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYY0z-GkRQY
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Create your origami house by following the directions in the video. Be sure to add your own designs and your own details to your house. Make your artwork your own by making your house unique.
Option 3: Featured Read Aloud
If I Built a House
by Chris Van Dusen
Answer the questions below by telling someone near you, writing it down, or emailing Ms. Tompkins at ktompkins@sau56.org:
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Of all of the rooms in the house that the boy designed, which one would you want in your house?
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If you could design a new room, what kind of room would you design? Think of things you love to do and design a room based on that!
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Make a drawing of your new room that you'd design for your home!
Week 9: Week of May 18 - 22
Please choose ONE of the options from below. Choose an option that works best for the time you have available, as well as the materials you have at home. If you'd like to do more than one option, that's great, too! Feel free to adapt lessons as you see fit. The most important thing is that you are taking time to be creative!
Option 1: Sketchbook Challenge
If you could invent your own new color, what color would you invent? Try mixing some markers, colored pencils, crayons, or even paint to make that new color! What things would be your new color? Make sure to give your new color a name!
Option 2: Project of the Week
Marker Monoprints
Materials needed:
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washable markers (like Crayola)
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paper
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Ziploc bags, plastic grocery bags, and/or aluminum foil
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spray bottle filled with water
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optional: permanent marker (like Sharpie)
Directions:
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Watch the Marker Monoprints video by The Art of Education University. If the video doesn't work, click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k-68nhTtGA
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Color with markers on the plastic bag or aluminum foil sheet.
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Spray marker drawing with water.
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Place paper on top of marker drawing and rub firmly with your hands so that the marker transfers.
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Peel off paper and reveal your beautiful masterpiece!
Option 3: Featured Read Aloud
Sky Color
By Peter H. Reynolds
Answer the questions below by telling someone near you, writing it down, or emailing Ms. Tompkins at ktompkins@sau56.org:
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What problem did Marisol have during the middle of the book?
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What were some of the different colors that Marisol noticed in the sky as she went about her day?
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What does the sky look like right now where you live? Has the color changed throughout the day? If you'd like, create a drawing of what you see when you look up into the sky right now!
THIS WEEK!
Week 10: Week of May 26 - 29
Please choose ONE of the options from below. Choose an option that works best for the time you have available, as well as the materials you have at home. If you'd like to do more than one option, that's great, too! Feel free to adapt lessons as you see fit. The most important thing is that you are taking time to be creative! This week, please also make sure to scroll down to the end of the year message from Ms. Tompkins.
Sketchbook Challenge
Think back to all of the memories that we have made in our art classes this year! If you could think of your favorite memory in art class, what would it be? This could be a memory of our time in school together, or during remote learning. Maybe there was a certain project that was your favorite, or something about the art room, or memories with friends that you had in our art classes. Make a drawing of that memory!
Project Choices of the Week!
Choose one of the following art experiments to create from below! Remember, if you start to feel bored or need screen free activities at some point over the summer, you can always come back to the resources on this website to keep growing your creative brain!
Potato Prints
Mud Painting
Homemade Paintbrushes
A Message from Ms. Tompkins...
Let's stay in touch! Send me an email at Ms.Tompkins56@gmail.com
Dear Somersworth Artists,
Wow! Can you believe we made it to the end of the year? This will be a year that we never forget. I am so proud of how hard you have worked during this year - especially in being flexible and staying positive for remote learning!
I wanted to share some news with you all about art classes in the future. Next year, I am going to be moving and will be the art teacher at a different elementary school. When you come back to school again, you are going to have a different art teacher who will be so wonderful! You will learn so much from her!
Please know that you will always be in my heart, I am so proud of you, and I will always remember the fun memories we made together. I will miss you so much! I would love to stay in touch with you and if you'd like to send me any messages or pictures, I made a special email just for that reason! If you ever want to reach out, you can send a message to Ms.Tompkins56@gmail.com.
Lots of love,
Ms. Tompkins
