Back to School Art Project Alma Woodsey Thomas Apple Art Lesson First Week Art

This Alma Woodsey Thomas Apple Art Lesson blends color, creativity and artist study for elementary classrooms (grades 1 to 4), homeschool settings or sub plans. Students explore the vibrant, patterned style of Alma Woodsey Thomas while creating their own bold apple artwork.

Students make expressive marks inspired by her style with oil pastels, then finish the piece with a watercolor resist, experimenting with texture, mark-making and color layering. The reading, poem hook and discussion prompts bring literacy and critical thinking into your art block, and the lesson is simple enough for younger students while still building a real understanding of artistic style.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “This project was so much fun and all of my second graders were successful!” Second G.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Full lesson plan with a clear teaching flow
• Alma Woodsey Thomas artist reading for students
• Poem hook to introduce the lesson
• Step-by-step guided drawing and art process
• Think-Pair-Share discussion prompts
• Materials list (oil pastels, watercolor paint, paper and more)
• Learning objectives and standards

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students learn how to create artwork inspired by a famous artist, oil pastel techniques and expressive mark-making, watercolor resist, and the elements of art including color, texture and pattern. They also practice discussing and reflecting on artwork with art vocabulary and build confidence in their own creative decisions.

It is a good introduction to artist studies and to diverse, influential artists, and it works well for cross-curricular art and literacy.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Classroom teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers who need a structured, easy-to-follow art lesson.

How do I use it?

Follow the lesson plan, use the poem and reading as your hook, guide students through the step-by-step process, and let them explore their creativity while learning about Alma Woodsey Thomas.

How long will this lesson take?

Typically 2 to 3 class periods, depending on student age, skill level, pacing and how in-depth you go with discussion and reflection.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist and educator who has been featured on NBC LX News and was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine (October 2025). She creates art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers, homeschool families and art educators. 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 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