Easy Color Theory Art Lesson

Color Theory in a Fun Art Lesson

In this blog post by Laura Spector, Art Lessons for Kids: Color Theory Made Easy, there's everything a sub needs to teach this easy art lesson.

The concepts taught in this lesson are primary colors, complementary colors, warm colors, cool colors, complementary colors, pop art and shadows. Surprisingly, this lesson, that hits on so many ideas, is relatively easy for students to do. 

You can check this lesson out at Hub Pages. 

If you are interested in more op art posts in this blog, check out these:

Easy Optical Illusion Lesson

Line Design

Stacked Shapes: Op Art - Middle School

Art Sub Plans: Op Art Lines

Op Art with Holiday Color Schemes

If you are interested in fully formed lessons, complete with scripts and visuals, check out this one in my TpT Shop: Art Sub Lessons.

The Colorful Art of Bruce Gray

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!

Optical Illusion Lesson

Art Lesson with Simple Materials

I have seen this lesson before but didn't know that it would be one for fifth graders.  

Here, Mrs. Fillmore, shows you step by step how to create this optical illusion drawing. And not only that, students learn about the artists, Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley, in the process.

Her students took 5 sessions of 40 minute classes to complete this. I'm thinking that not just any sub could teach this well, but if you know your sub has the skills, this might be the lesson for you.

If you need a lesson that uses simple materials and has all the visuals you need, check out the blog post by Art by Mrs. Fillmore.

STEAM Sub Plan - Symmetry in Nature: Bugs Edition

Exploring Symmetry Through Creative Insect Drawings

This lesson, from Cool Classroom Stuff, is both versatile and engaging. It may be used as a STEAM activity; art sub lesson; or learning center activity. 

Symmetry in Nature: Bug Edition

Students look at illustrations of symmetrical insects from art history as the teacher reads the script. Examples of student work and templates of bug shapes are provided. Print out the templates you wish to use, along with simple materials, and you have it covered.

This lesson plan is fully scripted, making it easy to implement in any setting.  Whether you're a seasoned teacher or a substitute, you'll find this lesson plan straightforward and effective.

This lesson plan is not just about drawing; it's about understanding the beauty and importance of symmetry in both nature and art.  By engaging in these activities, students will develop their artistic skills, enhance their understanding of symmetry and enjoy a hands-on learning experience.

You can find this lesson at the TPT Shop: Cool Classroom Stuff.

Elementary Art Sub Plan - Landscapes

Landscapes with Visual Depth

Art sub lessons can be a lifesaver for teachers needing to prepare for their absence. They ensure that students continue to learn and create, even without their regular instructor. 

This no prep lesson will teach the secrets of creating the illusion of depth on a flat surface, all with the simple use of crayons. Watch as landscapes come to life and scenes pop off the page, as young artists learn to layer, shade, and blend colors in fun and easy ways.  

This lesson uses the most simple materials: pencil, paper, and crayon. 

It contains 20 pages, fully scripted so that anyone can teach it. All someone has to do is read the script and show the images.  

Keep your students learning while you are out.

Find this lesson at TeachersPayTeachers shop: Art Sub Lessons.

Back to School Name Design Lesson

Art Lesson Plan for Back to School

Whether or not you use this as an elementary art sub plan, kids will enjoy drawing this doodle monster name art. They are given 20 pages of visuals and directions for how to draw these fun creatures around their own name.

The name art could be used as portfolio covers or hung as a bulletin board display.

Check out this complete lesson at: TPT Shop: Art Sub Lessons.

30 Minute Art Lesson - Desert Landscape

Art Sub Plan - 30 to 60 Minutes

My initial thought when creating this lesson, was that I would focus on landscape drawing and visual perspective. I also wanted to use a desert theme as this would be a perfect tie in to science lessons on landforms. 

It occurred to me that so many art teachers have been saying lately that their class times are getting shorter and shorter. For a sub, trying to teach a lesson and get art from students in a short art class is not an easy task. They really need a lesson plan that is direct and easy to teach in a limited amount of time. 

In this lesson, I created a scripted series of directed drawings, enabling the sub to have the exact words and visuals. In 30 minutes, the class should be able to learn about visual depth, and sketch a desert landscape with cacti. If the class is longer, or students finish early, they will then color in the picture. 

Here's a sample slide.

This lesson is called, "Art Sub Lessons: Desert Landscape Drawing." Check out this lesson in my TPT shop: Art Sub Lessons.

Art Sub Lesson Spring Flowers Doodle

Neurographic Spring Flowers 

Crayon drawing of spring flowers by TPT Shop: Cool Classroom Stuff.

Neurographic Spring Doodle Drawing

 Spring Flower Doodle as Art Sub Lesson

Neurographic drawings seem to be very popular these days. They can be very calming and satisfying to work on. 

Here is one by the TPT Shop: Cool Classroom Stuff, that uses the theme of spring flowers. It is an easy and fun drawing activity that can be completed with 8 1/2" x 11" white paper and crayons. 

It is a lesson that can be taught by anyone including subs, gen. ed. teachers, art teachers, or parents. The set up is simple and the slides are fully scripted with plenty of visuals.

This lesson includes:

-10 scripted slides that may be projected during a lesson; printed out and shown to students sitting close by; or printed out and made into a center activity.

-Three slides (slides 12 - 14) with examples that may be printed and hung in the room during the lesson

-One sheet with a line drawing (slide 15) that may be printed out and used as a coloring sheet for students needing extra assistance.

The designs may be drawn with regular Sharpies (not fine line) or black crayon. This particular lesson is intended to be colored in with crayon.

You may find this lesson at TpT Shop: Cool Classroom Stuff

Neurographic Art for Middle and High School

Valentine Neurographic  Art Lesson - Perfect for Subs

I have been intrigued by the neurographic art I have been seeing lately. Looking around for information, I found that the Inside Out Art Teacher has created a video and instructions on how to do it. A sub should be able to handle this one!

Check this out for instructions and video:

Inside Out Art Teacher - SIMPLE MINDFUL ART PROJECT INSPIRED BY NEUROGRAPHIC ART LESSON

No Prep Ready to Go Neurographic Art Lesson

If you would like a lesson plan that is all ready to print out and use, check out this lesson by TPT Shop: Cool Classroom Stuff.  All the things you need to say are there along with visuals.

Their lesson is written with simple supplies in mind; crayons and paper. 

Valentine Radial Symmetry Lesson

Valentine Radial Symmetry Lesson

Creating a design using radial symmetry can feel very satisfying. Radial symmetry is a great crossover concept for the math, art, STEAM, or general classroom.

"Cool Classroom Stuff" has created a lesson on radial symmetry that ties into Valentines Day.

Four drawing templates are provided. Three have heart designs and spacing guidelines to assist the students in starting their designs. One template has spacing guidelines only. This is in case you want the students to create the entire design themselves. There are also two slides with sample drawings.

The lesson requires a simple set up and students may use crayons, markers, pens, or colored pencils.

If you'd like to check out this lesson, visit Cool Classroom Stuff's shop at TpT. The lesson is only $3.00 right now.

Robots in Winter - Art Lesson

 

Robots in Winter 

Here is a fun art lesson plan that you can use as a center activity; art sub lesson; or regular art lesson. The resulting student art would be perfect for hanging on a bulletin board.

Your students use the most simple materials. Crayon, pencil, or marker.

This is an easy lesson to teach and anyone can teach it. Great for when you are in a pinch and need something in a hurry.

This lesson is over at the TPT Shop: Centers and Early Finishers. It's a complete lesson with visuals and is only $3.00.

Art Sub Plan - Secret Rooms

Favorite Lesson

I really don't understand it, but kids from elementary to high school, LOVE dreaming about hidden spaces. Whether it is a secret container to hide your money or jewels from robbers to secret rooms in pyramids or mansions, kids seem to love dreaming up secret spaces.

There is an illustration of the hidden space under the Lincoln Memorial in DC at Atlas Obscura.  I have been to the Lincoln Memorial many times and had no idea there was anything beneath the memorial!

         
You can use that illustration and website to inspire a lesson about secret rooms or do an internet search and you can find plenty of examples. (Photo is in the Public Domain. National Park Service)

Kids are also intrigued by the pyramids of Egypt and the maps of the inner corridors. Hidden passageways drawings are a great art connection to the study of Ancient Egypt.

Prepared Art Sub Lessons: Secret Rooms/Hidden Passageways                                 

If you don't want to create your own lesson, I have one in my TPT shop you might like. It is complete with  historic references, student samples, and a complete script for what to say to teach the lesson.

Here are some reviews of the lesson.

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My students loved this project! The slide show with all of the interesting examples of hidden spaces was excellent and motivating. The students produced very detailed ideas after the slide show. I used it as a sub plan with a few classes when I had to be gone, and then I taught it in another class because the ones who had it from the sub loved it so much! " Used in 4th, 5th and 6th grades

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My students loved this project! The slide show with all of the interesting examples of hidden spaces was excellent and motivating. The students produced very detailed ideas after the slide show. I used it as a sub plan with a few classes when I had to be gone, and then I taught it in another class because the ones who had it from the sub loved it so much! " Used in 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My students loved this project! The slide show with all of the interesting examples of hidden spaces was excellent and motivating. The students produced very detailed ideas after the slide show. I used it as a sub plan with a few classes when I had to be gone, and then I taught it in another class because the ones who had it from the sub loved it so much! "

For less than $5, your sub lesson is completely prepared. Don't waste your time doing more!!!  I have already taken care of that for you. 

You can find that lesson here:  Art Sub Lesson: Secret Rooms and Hidden Passageways

Unique Creature Art Lesson for Subs

 Collaborative Drawings

This post is from 2011 at Briargrove Elementary Art Page. One of the things I love about this lesson is that every drawing is different from every other drawing. Students are inspired to create their own unique creatures. 

Katie Gonzales gives directions for how to teach this lesson. A sub could easily follow along. You can get this lesson here:  http://katieweymouth.blogspot.com/2011/11/first-lesson-of-year-collaborative.html

Not Your Average Gingerbread Man

  

Art Sub Lesson - Beyond the Gingerbread Man

The other day I wrote about one of my art activities where kids create gingerbread characters or objects that were not gingerbread people. This morning, for fun, I doodled an example for that lesson. Here's a link to that blog post: Art Sub Lesson: Beyond the Gingerbread Man

Doodle Monsters for Winter

 

 Art Sub Lesson - Doodle Monsters 

I’m still playing around with doodling monsters. They’re fun for me to draw and kids seem to have as much fun doodling them as I do. 

Simple Monster Drawing Characters for Winter

Here's a new drawing, that I have added to my art sub lesson. It is doodle monster gingerbread people. One is rather Santa-like. One looks like Mrs. Claus. (Does she have a first name?) There's an elfin one; a kid one; one with a top hat; and a couple with beanies....tuques?...knit caps.

Monster Doodles Worksheet for Early Finishers

I have added a blank template of this drawing to the lesson on TPT in case you want an early finishers coloring activity. It is an add on at the end of the lesson and won’t change the lesson at all. So, if you have already bought this lesson from my TPT shop, you can just download it with changes, for free. (Yippee!) I’ve added this finished drawing to the sample drawings too. 

Click here to see or buy the monster doodle lesson at my Art Sub Lessons shop:  Art Sub Lesson - Doodle Monsters in Winter

More Blog Posts about Doodling Monsters

If you are interested in seeing other blog posts about these doodle monsters, check them out here:

Doodle Monsters in Winter

Doodle Monsters in Winter

Halloween Art Sub Plans

9 Halloween Art Lesson Plans Easy Enough for a Sub

Here are some fun lessons for October. I’ll add some that can be adapted for those kids who cannot use Halloween imagery for religious or personal reasons.

First, here’s one I just created. Kids love drawing “doodle monsters.” They are easy shapes to draw and there are so many options for adding fun details. 

In this art lesson, I gave examples of doodle monster drawings that are either Halloween focused, with mummies, ghosts, witches, and the likes plus an example of one with none of that. It has footballs, fall trees, hot cocoa, and warm clothes. Kids will appreciate that options are given for either direction.

You can find that lesson in my TpT shop:  Doodle Monsters at Halloween.

At the Mrs Art Teacher Lady blog. you can find a directed drawing. "Halloween Bats and Frankenstein Monsters" is a lesson that both upper and lower elementary kids will have fun drawing. It uses simple materials, so would be great for a substitute teacher.

The TpT shop, "Cool Classroom Stuff" has an activity that would be super easy for your sub to teach. This one is focused on Mexican Sugar Skulls. Your kids will be engaged and happy to work on this one.

Here's another one at "Cool Classroom Stuff." This is a fall themed one and would be good for fourth grade through middle school. 

This radial symmetry lesson has templates and sample templates to help kids out.

Amy, at Makes and Takes, gives step-by-step instructions and many visuals for this lesson. She used black paper and oil pastel, but this could easily be done with crayons on lighter paper.

***

At Panicked Teacher, Susie gives you step by step instructions on how to make this patterned pumpkin.  I believe she is a classroom teacher who has to supplement art instruction in her class for most of the school year.

***

This lesson, at ArtfulNest, was written for middle school.  You could write it up as a fifth-grade lesson or a sixth-grade one.  You could also bring it down to the upper primary grades with a change of media.  Leave your subs some good visuals.  They could teach this!           

 

This Halloween art lesson is fun for students and easy to teach. The prep for this is minimal. Students will need paper; one black crayon per student; and assorted other crayon colors. I call it a “print and go” lesson as that is all you need to do.

It includes full instructions and visuals. You could even post it as an art learning center in the classroom.

“Creating Silly Monsters” is a fun lesson about monsters that you could use in an art center; as a regular art lesson; or for an art sub. It is super easy to teach and kids will love it. Check it out at TPT Shop: Centers and Early Finishers  It would be timely around Halloween but could be taught any time.

This lesson was posted on a blog called, “Clown and Poodle.” It appears that it no longer exists. However, I had written a blog post inspired by the original, and that still exists. You can see that complete lesson in my blog post here: Purple People Eater

Art Sub Plan - Zen Doodles with Initials

Sub Lesson with Patterns and Initials

Mrs. Danno at Grande Park Elementary in Chicago posted this fourth and fifth grade lesson. She intended it as a two part lesson that she would teach. The first lesson was when she introduced the idea of zen doodles and they practiced creating designs. In the second lesson, they created the design with a letter and patterns. I think a sub could teach a version of this in one class by just doing what was intended for lesson 2, but certainly you can do the lesson as she suggested. 

This blog post includes multiple visuals and instructions.   You may find this lesson at the her blog:  4th and 5th Grade Zentangle Letters. 

Ready to Teach

If you are looking for similar lessons, check out this blog post: Five Name Design Lessons

You can also buy one that is ready to hand to a sub at my TpT Shop.

Art Sub Lesson: Name Design