Back To School Art Pencil Line Art Lesson Elements Of Art Line Drawing Project

This Back to School Pencil Line Art Lesson is a first week of school art project built around a cheerful cartoon pencil. Students practice the Element of Art: Line with bold line work, a patterned background and a mixed-media finish using wax crayon, washable markers and water painting.

It suits elementary, upper elementary and many middle school students, as well as homeschool learners. The project is broken into clear visual stages, so students who need structure get support, while there is still room for their own pattern ideas and style. The finished pieces make a bright back to school bulletin board or hallway display.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “This was an excellent activity for my second grade students. The students displayed their work at our schools back to school night.” Heather B.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Detailed lesson plan pages
• Teacher guidance on how to prep and use the resource
• Step-by-step directed drawing support with visual and written instructions
• Poster or sample page to introduce the lesson
• Student handout pages
• Zen doodle or line pattern quick reference page
• Art rubric and art reflection sheet
• Example artwork page
• Coloring extension pages
• Feedback and licensing page

WHAT STUDENTS DO

Students draw a large pencil with an eraser, metal band, sharpened wood section and tip, then add a cartoon face and simple shading. They trace the drawing with black wax crayon, color the pencil body and eraser, and divide the background into sections. They fill the sections with line patterns, zen doodle-inspired designs and marker details, then paint over the washable marker with water for a soft painted effect.

Along the way they practice line, pattern, shape, texture, color, composition, directed drawing, fine motor control, following steps in sequence, mixed media and self-assessment. Younger students can focus on the guided drawing and color choices, while older students can push their patterns, line variation and composition further.

Materials: pencil, eraser, black felt pen or fine liner, washable felt markers, card stock or watercolor paper, wax crayons, paint brush and water.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers who want a guided back to school art lesson.

What grade levels work best?

Elementary, upper elementary and many middle school students. It can be adapted for homeschool depending on the child's age and confidence.

Does it include assessment tools?

Yes. There is an art rubric and an art reflection page.

Is it beginner-friendly?

Yes. The step-by-step visual and written directions give students clear modeling and structure.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist, art educator and curriculum designer who was the cover educator in OCO Magazine and has been featured on NBC LX News. She designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers, art teachers and homeschool families. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

YOU MAY: use this resource as a single teacher. Please purchase additional licenses if other teachers will be using it.

YOU MAY NOT: share, distribute, post online or copy the contents for multiple users without permission.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★★ “great” Camille B.

★★★★★ “Awesome” Debbie P.

★★★★ “Lots of fun for a beginning of the year art project!” Melissa S.

★★★★ “These are the helpful pre-made resources that make my job easier! Thank you so much! More time with the kids and less time and effort into the creation of things!” C B.

★★★★ “This was a hit! Very user-friendly and my kids loved it!” Breanna F.

★★★★ “Such a fun back to school project!” Stephanie B.

★★★★ “Fun project for students!” Becky H.

★★★★ “Great resource!” savannah g.

★★★★ “This was a great activity for each student to show their creativity at the beginning of the year” Kristin Z.

★★★★ “Looking forward to using this for my lessons this year. It is perfect for the beginning of the year.” Passionate P.

★★★★ “One of my favorite back to school art activities!” Kathy P.

★★★★ “Some really creative results with this activity. Thank you.” Kerrie H.