Spring Bird Nest Art Lesson Spring Art Project Baby Bird Nest Drawing Activity

This Spring Bird Nest Art Lesson is a cross-curricular spring art project for elementary students that blends drawing, painting, literacy and nature. Students learn about baby birds, nests and new life in spring, then draw a bird nest filled with baby birds using an oil pastel resist with watercolor or tempera paint.

It is made for classroom teachers, art teachers, homeschool families and substitute teachers. Step-by-step visual drawing instructions help students follow along while still adding their own creative details, and the reading, writing and reflection pages turn it into a multi-day lesson.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “This Spring Bird Nest resource combines art, reading, and writing for a hands-on, interdisciplinary lesson. Students create bird nest artworks using painting and drawing techniques, reflect on their work, and complete an artist statement. Literacy is integrated through a reading passage about baby birds and nests, comprehension questions, and a themed writing prompt. The resource includes a step-by-step lesson plan (PDF & PowerPoint), example artwork, a rubric, reflections, and drawing guides, making it easy to teach and assess while engaging students in both creativity and critical thinking.” Tattle T.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Spring Bird Nest lesson plan
• Step-by-step drawing tutorial pages with visual and written instructions
• Poster sample of the finished artwork
• Spring reading passage about baby birds and nests
• Reading comprehension worksheet and answer key
• Creative writing prompt about birds and nests
• Draw and write storytelling page
• KWL chart and picture puzzle lesson hook
• Student rubric
• Artist statement worksheet, art reflection worksheets and 3 Stars and a Wish self-reflection
• Art critique and discussion reflection pages
• Bulletin board display sign

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students learn how birds build nests and care for their babies, then draw textured nests with repeated shapes and lines, create expressive baby bird characters, and practice oil pastel resist, watercolor or tempera painting, and color layering and blending. They finish by reflecting on their artistic choices.

It fits spring art lessons, bird and nature units, science connections about animals and habitats, and art and literacy integration. Display the nests together with the artist statements for a spring hallway or classroom exhibit.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Classroom teachers, art teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers looking for an elementary spring art activity.

How do I teach it?

Demonstrate the step-by-step drawing tutorial, guide students through the painting techniques, and extend the lesson with the reading, writing and reflection pages.

How long does it take?

Usually 2 to 3 class periods, depending on student age, class length, teaching style and how many literacy extensions you use.

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 was the featured educator on the cover of OCO Magazine (October 2025), and through Ms Artastic she provides thousands of art lesson plans. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Copyright © Ms Artastic. All rights reserved. All artwork, lessons and materials in this resource are the intellectual property of Ms Artastic.

YOU MAY: use this resource in a single classroom. Purchase grants permission for one teacher to use the materials with their students. Please purchase additional licenses if multiple teachers wish to use it.

YOU MAY NOT: share this resource with other teachers, upload it to shared drives or online platforms, or resell or redistribute any part of it.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic