Art Lesson Summer Art Project Dragonfly Writing Prompts Reading Comprehension

This Dragonfly Art Project is a mixed media art and literacy lesson for summer units or insect themes. Students read about dragonflies, respond to writing prompts, and then design their own dragonfly artwork using drawing skills and paint, exploring resist painting, layering and bold color blending. You can also do the art first and the literacy second.

It is made for art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families teaching Grades 1 to 5, and it also suits art sub lessons and summer art camps. The finished dragonflies look great on bulletin boards, in hallways or as part of a Summer Nature Art Showcase.

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

• Lesson Plan (2 pages)
• Learning Standards: National Art Standards and CCSS
• Lesson Hook: a Picture Puzzle about dragonflies, pond life and wetland ecosystems
• About the Theme: a reading passage on dragonflies, their life cycle and ecological importance
• Rubric
• Reflection Pages for analyzing the creative process and setting artistic goals
• Artist Statement Template
• Example Artwork
• Step-by-Step Teacher Instructions and PowerPoint Slides
• 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 dragonflies and nature

HOW TO USE IT

Use the step-by-step instructions and PowerPoint slides for direct teaching, or leave them as a sub lesson. Start with the Picture Puzzle hook, move through the reading and writing, and finish with the artwork, reflection pages and artist statement. Students practice drawing and painting techniques along with reading comprehension, vocabulary and reflective writing.

Materials: oil pastels, white card stock paper (or thick paper), construction paper, and watercolor paint or tempera paint cakes.

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

FAQ

Who is this for?

Art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families teaching Grades 1 to 5 who want a summer art project with built-in literacy.

How long will this project take?

Most teachers find it takes 2 to 4 class periods, depending on student age, skill level and how much time goes to the literacy extensions.

What skills will students practice?

Drawing and painting techniques, reading comprehension, vocabulary development and reflective writing.

Is it editable?

No. It comes in 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. 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