Poppy Art Lesson Remembrance Day Art Veterans Day Memorial Day Art Project

This Painting Poppies Visual Art Project is a meaningful Remembrance Day or Memorial Day art activity that helps students honor veterans and show their gratitude for those who have fought for freedom. It is designed for elementary and middle grade classrooms and homeschool settings, and it is accessible to all levels.

A step-by-step PowerPoint walks students through each stage of drawing and painting a vibrant poppy, so it is easy to teach even with no art teaching experience. Two poppy drawing styles with visual how-to guides give students options. I've taught this exact project to students from Grade 2 to Grade 7, and you often can't tell the youngest students' work from the oldest. Painting poppies also opens up conversations about history, gratitude and peace.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★★ “What a fantastic resource! I just did this artwork with my Grade 3 group, and it turned out beautifully! The step-by-step instructions were so helpful, and the students were amazed at how easily they were able to draw their poppies. This is definitely a lesson I will do again next year! Thanks so much!” Sabrina C.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• 17-Slide PowerPoint with demonstration visuals and text guides showing the painting techniques step by step
• Student Handouts with poppy visuals that match the slideshow
• Two Drawing Guides with step-by-step sheets for two styles of poppies
• Finished Example
• Lesson Plan, Rubric and Marking Sheet

HOW TO USE IT

Load the PowerPoint, photocopy the handouts, set out paint supplies and play it slide by slide. Students follow along at their own pace, and no artistic skills are needed. Adults can join in the painting too.

The project builds drawing, painting, fine motor and composition skills, and the fully guided visuals mean non-art teachers can teach it with confidence. It supports Remembrance Day discussions in a sensitive, creative way.

FAQ

What grade levels is this suitable for?

It has been used successfully with Grades 2 to 7, with beginner-friendly steps and options for more detailed poppy styles.

What supplies are needed?

Standard classroom supplies such as tempera or watercolor paint, brushes, pencils and paper.

Can non-art teachers teach this?

Yes. The PowerPoint guides you visually, so you simply follow it slide by slide.

TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★★ “My students loved this activity and were all able to be extremely successful with the step by step approach.” Amanda B.

★★★★★ “Such a beautiful display!!!!” Lynda A.

★★★★★ “Great resource for Remembrance Day. Very little prep but what beautiful art we created!” Kerri C.

★★★★★ “Wonderful product! Can't wait to use this with my kids next year!” LearningInLA

★★★★★ “Awesome resource. Very well laid out. Thank you.” Becky H.

★★★★★ “great” Amazing 1.

★★★★★ “My principal stood open mouthed when he saw I could draw this. He was very impressed.” Zoe F.

★★★★★ “Can't wait to use this with my class! Thank-you for creating!” Katherine L.

★★★★★ “This project worked great for my grade 5 class! The step by step instructions were very helpful” Moira M.

★★★★★ “This art looks fantastic. Perfect to do with my grade 5/6 class that is ready to go!” crystal O.

★★★★★ “Great techniques with examples.” Jennifer Y.

★★★★★ “Can't wait to use this unit!” Janell C.

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: print copies for your classroom and binder.

YOU MAY NOT: share this product publicly. It is for your classroom or homeschool only.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic