Laying the foundations for a new school year.
Art is THE most important class a child can have in school. Almost everything students learn in elementary school can be taught through art, and much of middle and high school can be strengthened through art. Don’t let anyone let you feel that art is less important than any other program in your school. THIS is a good post if you feel you need to justify the importance of art to anyone (even jaded middle-schoolers). If this is your first year teaching art, go to this link HERE.
The excitement of your students and your own enthusiasm may tempt you to jump right into a project before setting a good foundation. My 30+ years of experience inform me that a solid start sets the tone for a whole year.
Though students might be more excited to dive into painting or sculpting with clay, you'll be left with a nightmare to clean up. There is a whole year to explore, so don't rush. Each exploration should build on the last. Check for understanding, see if they clean up well, and put away supplies properly. If they can’t even put away their colored pencils, why would you allow them to dive into acrylics?
Let students know, their studio habits will show you what they can handle. If we have a very bad day, I have no problem using crayons and copy paper to do a project. I did not go to college and get my national certification to become a maid.
Here are links to 6 of my introductory lessons that will allow diverse results and students seem to enjoy. I always have them sketch first, get me to sign off on their sketch, then draw on "good" paper. This video may be helpful: bit.ly/AmIDone
1. First Day Survey
While not a drawing project in itself, a quick first-day survey is invaluable. Asking about students’ prior experiences, interests, and goals gives you essential context for the months ahead. Pair this with a simple sketch-based activity—such as “draw three objects that represent you”—to make the survey more personal and visually engaging.
2. Interactive Introduction Art Game
This lesson is perfect for the very first week of school. Students work in pairs, with one blindfolded while the other describes an artwork or image for them to sketch. The results are often hilarious, lowering anxiety and setting a playful tone for your classroom. More importantly, it teaches students to listen carefully, collaborate, and support one another. You’ll quickly see who enjoys taking risks, who prefers structure, and who shines as a leader.
3. International Names Project
Names carry personal and cultural identity, and this lesson leverages that power. Students illustrate their names using images, symbols, or decorative motifs tied to their heritage or interests. The finished works become excellent display pieces and conversation starters. As a teacher, you gain insight into family backgrounds and passions, helping you pronounce and honor names correctly while learning what matters to each child.
4. Cell Phone Artwork
In this project, students design artwork that could function as their cell phone’s lock screen. It’s a clever way to connect with their digital world while tapping into personal identity. They incorporate proportion and measurement to create authentic-looking screens, which doubles as a math integration. When students share their designs, you gain an immediate glimpse into their personalities, hobbies, and creative instincts.
5. Comic Book Covers
Superheroes and graphic novels have a universal appeal. In this lesson, students design a parody of a famous comic cover or invent one featuring themselves as a character. This format is not only engaging but also reveals how students view themselves and the stories they want to tell. Some may lean humorous, while others may share deeper themes of identity.
6. Symbolic Self Portrait
Self-portraiture is a classic intro activity, but the symbolic approach adds layers of meaning. Instead of focusing on likeness, students create images where objects represent different aspects of their lives. A soccer ball might stand for teamwork, a book for curiosity, or a sunrise for hope. You’ll learn far more about your students than a traditional portrait would reveal.
If you have a ceramics class, beginning with art elements and principles is still helpful. Below is a good first exploration. I would have them sketch first. Share sketches for feedback, complete a new drawing based on feedback and begin to work in clay only after that. artedguru.com/home/first-time-for-clay-hs
All of these lessons require little "help" from the teacher but students find them engaging. While students work, you can review curriculum, organize storage, order supplies, and do what you need to do to get your program up-and-running. It is quite likely that IF you have a curriculum, these lessons will dovetail nicely into some unit.
If you need a resource for starting out the new year, I can recommend this edition of Art Education Magazine HERE. If you are a new teacher and would like a deeper dive into the pedagogy of art education, you can read my book for free on Amazon with a Prime account or buy a paper copy HERE.
The excitement of your students and your own enthusiasm may tempt you to jump right into a project before setting a good foundation. My 30+ years of experience inform me that a solid start sets the tone for a whole year.
- Go over rules and expectations
- Cover important vocabulary early
- Always assign seats and create groups (Video)
- Do a first-day survey (LINK)
- NEVER start with paint or clay – Always a drawing project.
Though students might be more excited to dive into painting or sculpting with clay, you'll be left with a nightmare to clean up. There is a whole year to explore, so don't rush. Each exploration should build on the last. Check for understanding, see if they clean up well, and put away supplies properly. If they can’t even put away their colored pencils, why would you allow them to dive into acrylics?
Let students know, their studio habits will show you what they can handle. If we have a very bad day, I have no problem using crayons and copy paper to do a project. I did not go to college and get my national certification to become a maid.
Here are links to 6 of my introductory lessons that will allow diverse results and students seem to enjoy. I always have them sketch first, get me to sign off on their sketch, then draw on "good" paper. This video may be helpful: bit.ly/AmIDone
1. First Day Survey
While not a drawing project in itself, a quick first-day survey is invaluable. Asking about students’ prior experiences, interests, and goals gives you essential context for the months ahead. Pair this with a simple sketch-based activity—such as “draw three objects that represent you”—to make the survey more personal and visually engaging.
2. Interactive Introduction Art Game
This lesson is perfect for the very first week of school. Students work in pairs, with one blindfolded while the other describes an artwork or image for them to sketch. The results are often hilarious, lowering anxiety and setting a playful tone for your classroom. More importantly, it teaches students to listen carefully, collaborate, and support one another. You’ll quickly see who enjoys taking risks, who prefers structure, and who shines as a leader.
3. International Names Project
Names carry personal and cultural identity, and this lesson leverages that power. Students illustrate their names using images, symbols, or decorative motifs tied to their heritage or interests. The finished works become excellent display pieces and conversation starters. As a teacher, you gain insight into family backgrounds and passions, helping you pronounce and honor names correctly while learning what matters to each child.
4. Cell Phone Artwork
In this project, students design artwork that could function as their cell phone’s lock screen. It’s a clever way to connect with their digital world while tapping into personal identity. They incorporate proportion and measurement to create authentic-looking screens, which doubles as a math integration. When students share their designs, you gain an immediate glimpse into their personalities, hobbies, and creative instincts.
5. Comic Book Covers
Superheroes and graphic novels have a universal appeal. In this lesson, students design a parody of a famous comic cover or invent one featuring themselves as a character. This format is not only engaging but also reveals how students view themselves and the stories they want to tell. Some may lean humorous, while others may share deeper themes of identity.
6. Symbolic Self Portrait
Self-portraiture is a classic intro activity, but the symbolic approach adds layers of meaning. Instead of focusing on likeness, students create images where objects represent different aspects of their lives. A soccer ball might stand for teamwork, a book for curiosity, or a sunrise for hope. You’ll learn far more about your students than a traditional portrait would reveal.
If you have a ceramics class, beginning with art elements and principles is still helpful. Below is a good first exploration. I would have them sketch first. Share sketches for feedback, complete a new drawing based on feedback and begin to work in clay only after that. artedguru.com/home/first-time-for-clay-hs
All of these lessons require little "help" from the teacher but students find them engaging. While students work, you can review curriculum, organize storage, order supplies, and do what you need to do to get your program up-and-running. It is quite likely that IF you have a curriculum, these lessons will dovetail nicely into some unit.
If you need a resource for starting out the new year, I can recommend this edition of Art Education Magazine HERE. If you are a new teacher and would like a deeper dive into the pedagogy of art education, you can read my book for free on Amazon with a Prime account or buy a paper copy HERE.
RSS Feed