Summer Art Project Octopus Art Lesson Writing Prompts Reading Comprehension

This Octopus Art Lesson brings ocean life into your classroom for grades 1 to 5. Students explore bold color blending and textural oil pastel techniques while learning about one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. It fits summer art units, under-the-sea themes and ocean animal studies.

It works in the classroom, at home, at summer art camps or as sub plans. Built-in literacy activities help students learn more about octopuses through reading comprehension, vocabulary and reflective writing, and the finished artwork makes a colorful bulletin board, hallway display or summer ocean life art exhibit.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “This was such a fun end of the year craft! Thank you” Suzanne H

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

• Lesson Plan (2 pages) with materials, learning objectives and a "Teacher Does/Student Does" breakdown
• Learning Standards page (National Art Standards and CCSS)
• Lesson Hook Activity about octopuses and ocean life
• About the Theme Reading Passage introducing octopuses, their adaptations and their place in marine ecosystems
• Step-by-Step Teacher Instructions and PowerPoint Slides for direct teaching, projecting or leaving with a substitute
• Step-by-Step Student Drawing Handout
• Example Artwork
• Rubric for creativity, effort, craftsmanship and understanding of techniques
• Student Reflection Worksheet
• Artist Statement Template
• Reading Comprehension Activity with student questions and teacher answer key
• Sight Word and Tricky Word List for ocean animal and art process vocabulary
• Writing Prompt Activity about octopuses and their unique characteristics
• Display Sign

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students gain confidence drawing and coloring with oil pastels, and learn to blend and layer colors for vibrant, textured effects with depth. They build vocabulary and comprehension through reading and discussion, and reflect on their artistic process by describing their choices in writing.

Materials: oil pastels, and black construction paper or red, pink or purple construction or card stock paper.

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

FAQ

What grade levels is it designed for?

Grades 1 to 5.

How long does the project take?

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

Can it be used as a substitute lesson?

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

Is it a mixed media project?

No. It focuses on oil pastel techniques only, which keeps prep simple and suits classrooms with limited supplies.

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. 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