Art Lesson Plan - How to Draw a Desert Landscape

The Perfect Art Sub Plan for Desert Landscapes

Are you an art teacher in need of a reliable sub plan that anyone can teach? Look no further! This lesson plan is perfect for those days when you need a break or have an unexpected absence. It’s also ideal if your students are learning about the desert, cacti, landforms, or the western United States.

Why This Lesson Plan is a Must-Have

Engaging and Educational: Students will learn about visual perspective and use it to create their own desert landscapes. This lesson not only teaches art techniques but also integrates geography and environmental studies, making it a cross-curricular gem.

Step-by-Step Instructions: The lesson is complete with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions and visuals. Whether you’re an art teacher, a classroom teacher, or a substitute, you’ll find this plan straightforward and effective.

No Prep Needed: All you need are simple materials: copy paper, crayons, and pencils. This makes it incredibly convenient to keep in your Emergency Sub Folder. No need for special supplies or extensive preparation.

What Students Will Learn

This lesson explains several ways that artists depict depth, such as overlapping, size variation, and placement on the page. Students will use these techniques to create their own vibrant desert landscapes, complete with traditional desert buildings, cacti, and other elements.

Flexible Presentation

The lesson can be presented as a projected PowerPoint or a printed PDF shown close up. All the sub or teacher has to do is read the slides or pages and follow the directions. This 18-page lesson is designed to be completed in one 30 to 55-minute class, though some teachers prefer to extend it. If time is short, the coloring portion can be done another day or omitted altogether.

Perfect for Any Situation

This activity is perfect for short or long-term absences and maternity leave. The PowerPoint or PDF lesson plan can be printed out and handed to a substitute teacher. You can even email it from home if needed! It also works great for distance learning on platforms like Google Meet or Zoom.

Versatile and Easy to Teach

Written specifically for substitutes, this lesson can also be taught by classroom teachers, art teachers, and homeschool teachers. It’s a versatile and easy-to-teach plan that ensures your students stay engaged and productive, even in your absence.

Don’t let an unexpected absence disrupt your students’ learning. Keep this lesson plan in your Emergency Sub Folder and rest easy knowing your students will have a fun, educational, and creative experience. 

You may find the lesson, "Desert Landscape Drawing," here, in my TpT shop.

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Update

I just created another desert cactus Art lesson. The first part of the lesson directs Kindergarteners and first graders how to draw a patterned, potted cactus. Second, third and fourth graders do the first part of the lesson too, but then they add on a desert landscape to the background. 2 art sub lessons for the price of 1!

Potted Cactus w Desert Landscape

Fun and Easy Early Finisher Lessons for Halloween | Art Sub Lessons

Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos with Engaging Art Activities!

Engage your students with fun Halloween-themed art lessons. Explore sugar skulls, sombreros, and piñatas using crayons. Templates and visuals included!

Are you looking for a creative and educational way to celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos with your students? Look no further! This TeachersPayTeachers  resource, from Centers and Early Finishers, offers a collection of three exciting art activities perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month.

This would be a good addition to your sub binder. Since it  is ready to be taught and uses simple materials, it works well for an emergency sub plan.

What’s Included?

This comprehensive resource includes everything you need to guide your students through fun and culturally enriching art projects. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• 1 page of directions outlining various ways to use this product.
• 1 editable sheet of directions for substitute teachers or classroom use, ensuring a seamless lesson plan.
• 3 sheets with photos of iconic Mexican symbols: a Calavera (sugar skull), a piñata, and a sombrero, along with descriptions of their cultural significance.
• 3 sheets of editable directions for center activities, detailing what students need to do for each project.
• 3 sheets of templates for each picture (sugar skull, piñata, and sombrero), ready for students to add their own patterns and colors.
• 6 sheets of finished artwork examples to inspire your students.
• 1 sheet of sample designs from Mexican folk art.
• 1 sheet of sample patterns to help students get started.
• 2 formats included in the file: .pdf and .pptx

Why You’ll Love This Resource

These activities are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, allowing students to explore Mexican culture while expressing their creativity. Whether you’re focusing on Halloween or Día de los Muertos, these projects are a fantastic way to bring cultural awareness into your classroom.

Supplies Needed: Pens, crayons, or markers.

Versatile and Easy to Use

One of the best features of this resource is its versatility. It can be used in various educational settings and adapted to fit your specific needs. The editable directions make it easy for substitute teachers to step in and deliver a seamless lesson, while the center activity sheets provide clear instructions for students working independently.

What Teachers Are Saying

Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what one satisfied buyer had to say:

“Great resource for our Hispanic Heritage thematic unit. I just needed the sombrero pictures but ended up using all of it!”

This feedback highlights the flexibility and value of this resource, making it a must-have for any classroom celebrating Hispanic Heritage, Halloween, or Día de los Muertos.

Get Started Today!

Bring the vibrant traditions of Mexican culture into your classroom with these engaging art activities. Your students will love the opportunity to create their own colorful Calaveras, piñatas, and sombreros while learning about the rich cultural heritage behind these symbols.

Head over to TeachersPayTeachers now to download this fantastic resource and start planning your next art lesson!