Sample Art Lesson Plans

Below are two sample lesson plans that are designed to be adaptable across grade levels to keep students engaged while encouraging self-discovery and connection to their community.

1. Emotion Through Color - Abstract Self-Portraits

Grade Level: TK–8
Length: 2–3 class periods (45–60 min each)
Theme/Concept: Emotional expression, abstract art, color theory

Objectives

Understand how color can represent mood or emotion
Create a non-literal self-portrait using abstract shapes, colors, and textures
Learn about artists like Kandinsky and Alma Thomas

Materials

Acrylic or tempera paints
Mixed-media paper or canvas board
Brushes, sponges, palette knives
Optional: collage scraps or textured materials

Process

Warm-Up Discussion (10 min)
Discuss: “What color do you associate with sadness? Joy? Confusion?”
Show samples of abstract artworks to illustrate emotional expression through color.
Sketch & Brainstorm (20 min)
Students identify three emotions they've felt recently, select one, and sketch ideas using color and shape to express it.
Studio Work (1–2 classes)
Students paint their abstract self-portraits, encouraging experimentation with layering and texture
Critique & Reflection
Conduct a gallery walk where peers view each artwork and write 1–2 sentences reflecting on someone else’s piece.

Assessment

Participation and effort during discussion and studio sessions
Effective use of color and texture to convey emotion
Quality of final artwork and thoughtfulness of reflection

2. Community Collage - Our Shared Story

Grade Level: TK–8
Length: 2 class periods
Theme/Concept: Identity, visual storytelling, collaborative art

Objectives

Explore identity and shared community experiences through visual storytelling
Learn collage as a communication medium
Collaborate to create a unified class mural

Materials

Old magazines, newspapers, recycled materials
Glue sticks, scissors
Poster board or canvas for display
Optional: student-provided printed photo

Process

Introduction & Discussion
Prompt: “What makes up a community?”
Show examples of public or community-based art installations.
Individual Collage Squares
Students create 6″×6″ collage pieces representing an aspect of their identity or experience.
Class Assembly
Place each student’s square on a large board or canvas. Connect them visually using paint, yarn, or text.
Reflection
Each student writes a short statement (e.g., “I bring ___ to this community”) displayed near their work.

Assessment

Participation in discussion
Intentional symbolic choices in collage
Collaboration during the assembly of the mural