Valentines Day Art Project PB & J Art Lesson Valentine Art Activity V Day Craft
This Valentine's Day PB & J Art Project is a complete, print-and-teach elementary art lesson for Grades 1 to 4. Students create a Peanut Butter & Jelly friends artwork using wax crayon and paint techniques, then extend the lesson with reading comprehension, writing activities, art reflections and critical thinking discussions.
It is made for classroom teachers, art teachers and homeschool families who want a Valentine's lesson that is inclusive and not candy-focused. The PB & J theme is playful and familiar, and the focus on friendship and kindness makes it work for all students. Every step is clearly modeled, so students know what to do.
WHAT'S INCLUDED (40 PAGES, NON-EDITABLE)
- Complete Lesson Plan with materials list, lesson overview and objectives, participation strategies, and assessment and reflection guidance
- Critical Thinking Questions to guide class discussion
- Standards and Curricular Connections
- How to Draw PB & J Bread Slices directed drawing page
- Step-by-Step Visual and Text-Based Art Tutorial: drawing bread slices, adding facial expressions, creating peanut butter and jelly textures, using wax crayon resist, and painting backgrounds and Valentine symbols
- Finished Artwork Example
- Student-Friendly Art Rubric
- Bulletin Board Artwork Design
- Valentine Warm-Up Art Challenge
- KWL Chart about Valentine's Day
- Nonfiction Reading: History of Valentine's Day (friendship-focused)
- Fiction Reading: Peanut Butter & Jelly Best Friends
- Reading Comprehension Questions with complete answer key
- Creative Writing Prompt: a food-themed Valentine story
- Kindness and Empathy Writing Reflection
- Narrative Writing Pages
- Art Reflection Pages: "Art World Magazine Cover" creative process reflection, message and meaning, questions and wonders, materials, techniques and elements, learning goals, peer feedback, and 3 Stars & a Wish
- Artist Statement Pages
- Artwork Postcard Activity
HOW TO USE IT
Use it as a Valentine's Day art lesson, for February art and literacy integration, as a friendship-focused Valentine activity, for sub plans during holiday weeks, in a homeschool Valentine's unit, or for a bulletin board or hallway display.
It is a multi-day lesson you can reuse every year. The art project usually takes 2 to 3 class periods, and the reading, writing and reflection pages extend the lesson if you want more.
FAQ
Who can use this resource?
Classroom teachers, art teachers, homeschool families and substitute teachers working with elementary students.
What grades is this best for?
It works best for Grades 1 to 4, and can be adapted slightly younger or older depending on your students.
Do I need to be an art teacher to use this?
No. The step-by-step visuals and clear directions make it easy to teach, even for non-art teachers.
How long does this project take?
The art project typically takes 2 to 3 class periods, with the reading, writing and reflection pages extending the lesson if desired.
What materials are needed?
Simple classroom supplies such as wax crayons, watercolor or tempera paint, cardstock or paper, and brushes. A full materials list is included.
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 resource in your classroom or homeschool setting. Additional licenses are available for school use.
YOU MAY NOT: use this on OutSchool, post it on blogs or websites, share it with other teachers or districts, or resell, redistribute or photocopy it.
Sincerely,
Ms Artastic