Halloween Art Lesson Cute Ghost Kindergarten Art October Fall Artwork Autumn Art

This Cute Ghost Halloween Art Lesson is a mixed media October project for young artists in Kindergarten to grade 3. Students use oil pastel mark-making and tempera paint to create an adorable, not-too-scary ghost that makes a great classroom Halloween display.

It is a complete art lesson with visual and written step-by-step instructions, a lesson hook, a Halloween-themed reading, built-in assessment and reflection prompts. Use it as a core art lesson, a Halloween celebration activity or a substitute teacher plan.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• Lesson Plan with clear objectives, materials list and step-by-step teaching guidance
• About Halloween Reading to build context and seasonal connections
• Lesson Hook Activity to introduce the project
• Example of Finished Artwork
• Bulletin Board Display Sign
• Student Reflections and Artist Statement Templates
• Rubric for assessment
• K-W-L Chart for before, during and after learning
• Student Reference Handouts
• Full Step-by-Step Tutorial with images and text, for you or your students to follow

This resource uses American English and is not editable.

HOW TO USE IT

Start with the Halloween-themed reading and lesson hook to set the stage. Then project the step-by-step tutorial to guide the class, or use it for your own prep as you demo. Students layer oil pastels with paint, using a resist technique to make their ghosts stand out. Wrap up with student reflections, artist statements and the rubric.

The cute, non-scary ghost theme suits all students while still tying into Halloween. The resource gives choice and flexibility, so it is easy to adapt for different grades and ability levels.

NATIONAL ART STANDARDS

• VA:Cr1.1.Ka Engage in exploration and imaginative play with materials.
• VA:Cr2.1.Ka Through experimentation, build skills in various media and approaches to artmaking.
• VA:Cr2.1.1a Explore uses of materials and tools to create works of art or design.
• VA:Cr2.2.1a Demonstrate safe and proper procedures for using materials, tools and equipment while making art.
• VA:Cr2.1.2a Experiment with various materials and tools to explore personal interests in a work of art or design.
• VA:Cr2.2.2a Demonstrate safe procedures for using and cleaning art tools, equipment and studio spaces.
• VA:Cr1.1.3a Elaborate on an imaginative idea.
• VA:Cr1.2.3a Apply knowledge of available resources, tools and technologies to investigate personal ideas through the art-making process.
• VA:Cr2.1.3a Create personally satisfying artwork using a variety of artistic processes and materials.
• 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.

FAQ

Who is this lesson for?

Kindergarten through grade 3. It works for classroom teachers, art specialists, homeschool educators and substitute teachers who want a meaningful, fun Halloween activity.

What materials do students use?

Oil pastels and tempera paint.

How long will the project take?

Usually 2 to 3 class periods, depending on your students' age, ability, class behavior and the time you have. Adjust the pacing to suit your schedule.

Is it editable?

No. It is a non-editable PDF.

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