Thanksgiving Art Lesson Thanksgiving Turkey Line Art Project Turkey Art Activity
In this mixed-media Turkey Zen Doodle Art Project, students draw a Thanksgiving turkey and fill the background with intricate Zentangle patterns. Along the way they explore oil pastels, painting techniques and the Element of Art: Line.
It is a low-prep Thanksgiving art activity for teachers and homeschoolers that has students experimenting with line, texture and color. The finished turkeys work well for bulletin board displays, classroom décor or festive keepsakes.
WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING
★★★★ “We loved this lesson! The kids produced such cute turkeys and the zentangles kept them engaged.” Alexandra G.
WHAT'S INCLUDED (35 PAGES, NON-EDITABLE)
- About the Resource with learning objectives, materials and suggested uses
- Lesson Plan (2 pages) with materials, learning outcomes, goals and a Teacher Does / Student Does breakdown
- Turkey Step-by-Step Drawing Handout for students to follow along
- Art Piece Demonstration Step-by-Step, 23 slides with text and images
- Example of Completed Art Piece to show students before they begin
- Bulletin Board Display Sign
- Rubric for craftsmanship, technique, creativity and effort
HOW TO USE IT
Look over the lesson plan for the steps and materials, and gather the materials in advance. Read through the visual and text step-by-steps, and consider making a sample yourself so you are ready to help students. Photocopy the handouts students need, such as the step-by-step drawing sheet and rubric.
Print the example artwork in color and show it before the lesson as your hook. Then project the PDF, show it under a document camera, or use it as your guide while you demonstrate. Every step has both a visual and a text description, so the lesson stays clear for you and your students.
FAQ
What materials are needed?
Pencil, eraser, permanent black felt, 30 step-by-step draw handouts, 30 art rubrics, card stock paper, oil pastels, watercolor paint or paint cakes, a paintbrush and water.
Can I project it for students to follow?
Yes. Project the step-by-step pages from the PDF, or use them as a guideline while you demonstrate the art project yourself.
Is there a rubric?
Yes. A rubric for assessing craftsmanship, technique, creativity and effort is included.
ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (22)
★★★★★ “Great for an independent art or extension activity.” Ms.B's C.
★★★★★ “My students LOVE to draw! It was a great opportunity to give them a chance to draw with purpose!” Sarah J.
★★★★★ “My students really enjoyed this.” Esperanza J.
★★★★★ “These turned out wonderfully! The kids really enjoyed this project!” Tina T.
★★★★★ “Love the step by step drawing lesson included with this art project. Very helpful.” Sherry H.
★★★★★ “Absolutely Fabulous! GREAT for the older kids!” Susan V.
★★★★★ “Great for older kids too!” Heather K.
★★★★★ “Great steps!” Janetta B.
★★★★★ “Great!” Emily W.
★★★★★ “This turned out so cute. Thanks!” Jaime C.
★★★★★ “These turned out so cute, and the kids really enjoyed doing them.” AZteacher49
★★★★★ “turned out great!” Hallie F.
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. For clip art, you may use the images as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. Additional licenses are available for school use.
YOU MAY NOT: 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