Back to School Art Project Apple Drawing Lesson BTS First Week Art Activity

This Back to School Apple Oil Pastel Art Project introduces students to the Element of Art: Value. Students learn how shading, blending and light sources bring depth and realism to an artwork as they draw a bright apple in oil pastels on thick paper.

It is written for art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families teaching Grades 1 to 5, and it can be used as a no-prep sub plan. The lesson starts with a reading passage and writing prompts about apples, their place in art history and their symbolism in education, then moves into step-by-step drawing where students create highlights, midtones and shadows so their apples look three-dimensional.

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

• 2-Page Lesson Plan
• Learning Standards Covered (National Art Standards and CCSS)
• Lesson Hook, a picture puzzle about apples and their connection to learning and art
• About the Theme Reading on apples, their role in art and back-to-school traditions
• Rubric
• Reflection Pages
• Artist Statement Template about how students used value to create depth
• Display Sign for finished apple artworks
• Example Artwork
• Step-by-Step Teacher Instructions and PowerPoint Slides
• Step-by-Step Drawing Guide for students
• Reading Comprehension with student questions and a teacher answer key
• Sight Word and Tricky Word List related to apples, shading and value
• Writing Prompt Activity about how artists use light and shadow

Materials: oil pastels, thick white paper, and watercolor paints or tempera paint cakes. This resource uses American English.

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students practice drawing, oil pastel blending, shading to create highlights and shadows, and controlling pressure to explore light and dark values. They see how value adds contrast and depth to art, and they strengthen reading comprehension, vocabulary and reflective writing through the literacy pages.

Use it as a first week icebreaker, an introduction to the Elements of Art, a cross-curricular art and literacy lesson or a stand-alone drawing project. The finished apples make a colorful display for bulletin boards, hallways, Meet the Teacher Night or Open House.

NATIONAL ART STANDARDS AND CCSS

• CCSS RL.K.1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
• CCSS RL.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
• CCSS RL.2.3 Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
• VA:Re8.1.Ka Interpret art by identifying subject matter and describing relevant details.
• VA:Cr2.2.3a Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and proficient use of materials, tools, and equipment for a variety of artistic processes.
• VA:Cr2.1.4a Explore and invent art-making techniques and approaches.
• VA:Cr2.2.4a When making works of art, utilize and care for materials, tools, and equipment in a manner that prevents danger to oneself and others.
• VA:Cr2.1.5a Experiment and develop skills in multiple art-making techniques and approaches through practice.
• VA:Cr2.2.5a Demonstrate quality craftsmanship through care for and use of materials, tools, and equipment.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families teaching Grades 1 to 5 who want to introduce the Element of Art: Value.

How long will it take?

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

Can I leave it with a sub?

Yes. The clear visuals, step-by-step directions and PowerPoint slides make it easy to leave with a sub.

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. 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