Autumn Squirrel Art Project Fall Animal Art Lesson Mixed Media Activity

This Autumn Squirrel Art Project is a cozy fall mixed media lesson where students create a squirrel holding an acorn in front of a pumpkin, with a grassy foreground and warm autumn background colors.

It is designed for Grades 1 to 4 and works for art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool families and sub plans. Students use oil pastel and paint and explore layering, paint resist, texture, shape, color and composition, and the finished pieces make a cheerful primary or junior hallway display.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• 1 Full Lesson Plan Page with overview, materials, big ideas, learning target, inquiry question and competencies
• 1 Teacher and Student Steps Page
• 1 Art Rubric Page
• 1 Art Project Reflection Page
• 1 Example Artwork Page
• 1 How to Draw a Squirrel Page
• 1 Art Reflection Writing Page
• 1 Artist’s Statement Page
• 1 Autumn Squirrel Art Piece Poster Page
• 21 Step-by-Step Instruction Pages

HOW TO USE IT

Use it as an autumn art lesson, fall or woodland animal project, pumpkin art activity, homeschool art, sub plan or fall bulletin board. The step-by-step pages guide students through the process: they draw with oil pastel, color large areas, paint over sections, then cut and layer the squirrel onto the background.

Students in Grades 1 to 4 enjoy animals, fall themes and hands-on steps that build into one finished piece. Building a full scene with a pumpkin, grass, an acorn and warm colors makes the artwork feel complete, and the multiple processes keep it active without being overwhelming for younger artists.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers working with Grades 1 to 4.

How long does this art lesson take?

Often 2 to 3 classes, depending on student age, pace, class behavior, drying time and how many of the reflection pages you use.

What concepts are taught?

Layering, paint resist, texture, shape, color, composition and seasonal imagery.

Does it include reflection and assessment pages?

Yes. It includes an art rubric, an art project reflection page, an art reflection writing page and an artist’s statement page.

Is it editable?

No. It is a non-editable PDF.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (1)

★★★★ “Great resource! Thanks!” Naseem C.

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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. For clip art, you may use the images as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. 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