Sunflower Art Project Summer Art Lesson Writing Prompts Reading Comprehension

This Sunflower Art Project is a complete art and literacy lesson about one of nature's most iconic flowers. It suits summer units, garden themes and pollinator studies, and works well in classrooms, homeschool programs, summer art camps or as a sub plan.

Students start with a reading comprehension passage and reflective writing prompts about sunflowers, their parts and their place in nature and art. Then they create a bold, colorful sunflower artwork with oil pastels and paint on paper, exploring blending, layering and texture.

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

• Lesson Plan (2 pages)
• Learning Standards, aligned with National Art Standards and CCSS
• Lesson Hook, a picture puzzle about sunflowers and their importance in nature and art
• About the Theme reading passage on sunflowers, their unique features and their connection to pollinators and the environment
• Rubric
• Reflection Pages
• Artist Statement Template
• Display Sign for finished student artwork
• 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 sunflowers, pollinators or the role of flowers in nature and art

HOW TO USE IT

The step-by-step instructions, PowerPoint slides and visual examples guide you through the lesson, even if you are new to teaching art. Teach it directly or leave it as a substitute lesson. The finished sunflowers make a bright bulletin board, hallway display or summer art exhibit.

Materials: oil pastels, thick white paper, and watercolor paints or tempera paint cakes.

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

FAQ

Who is this for?

Art teachers, classroom teachers and homeschool families teaching Grades 1 to 5.

How long does it take?

Most teachers find it takes 2 to 4 class periods, depending on student age, skill level and time spent on the literacy activities.

What skills do students practice?

Drawing, blending with oil pastels, layering paint for texture and expressive design, plus reading comprehension, vocabulary and reflective writing.

Can I leave it with a sub?

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

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 the clip art as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations, and use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. 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