Summer Art Project Crab Art Lesson Writing Prompts Reading Comprehension Camp

This Summer Crab Art Project is a complete mixed media art lesson that combines art and literacy. Students read a passage and write about crabs, tide pools and the importance of ocean conservation, then create their own crab artwork using oil pastels and watercolor paints.

It is made for art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families teaching grades 1 to 5, and fits summer units, beach themes, ocean animal studies, art sub plans and art summer camp. Students practice resist painting, layering and color blending, and the finished crabs make a cheerful bulletin board or summer art display.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “This was such a fun end of the year craft! Thank you” Suzanne H

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF AND PPT VERSIONS)

• Lesson Plan (2 pages), pre-filled for quick teacher prep
• Learning Standards Covered (National Art Standards and CCSS)
• Lesson Hook, a picture puzzle about ocean animals and tide pool ecosystems
• About the Theme reading passage on crabs, their habitats and their role in marine ecosystems
• Rubric for assessing student artwork
• Reflection Pages
• Artist Statement Template
• Example Artwork
• Step-by-Step Teacher Instructions and PowerPoint Slides for direct teaching or a substitute lesson
• Step-by-Step Drawing Guide for Students
• Reading Comprehension Activity with student questions and a teacher answer key
• Sight Word and Tricky Word List
• Writing Prompt Activity about ocean life or protecting marine habitats

MATERIALS

Oil pastels, white card stock (or thick paper), construction paper or card stock in red, pink or purple, and watercolor paint or tempera paint cakes.

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students practice resist painting, oil pastel blending and layering techniques while building reading comprehension, vocabulary and reflective writing skills. The lesson suits summer art lessons, ocean-themed units, cross-curricular art and literacy projects, elementary and middle school sub plans, homeschool seasonal art and summer art showcases.

STANDARDS

• CCSS RL.K.1, RL.1.1, RL.2.3
• VA:Re8.1.Ka
• VA:Cr2.1.4a, VA:Cr2.1.5a
• VA:Cr2.2.3a, VA:Cr2.2.4a, VA:Cr2.2.5a

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families teaching grades 1 to 5.

How long will this project take?

Usually 2 to 4 class periods, depending on student age, skill level and how much time you spend on the literacy activities.

What skills will students practice?

Resist painting, oil pastel blending and layering, along with reading comprehension, vocabulary and reflective writing.

Is it editable?

No. It comes as non-editable PDF and PPT versions.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. Any clip art may be used as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: use this on OutSchool, put it on your blog, share it with other teachers, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic