Poppy Art Lesson Remembrance Day Art Veterans Day Art Project Poppies Activity

This Poppy Art Project is a mixed media art lesson for Remembrance Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day classroom displays. Students use watercolor or tempera paint, oil pastels and newspaper collage to build a layered poppy artwork that combines color blending, texture and symbolism.

It is designed for elementary and middle school students and works in a general classroom, art room or homeschool program. Along the way, students build confidence in their art skills and talk about how art can honor sacrifice and remembrance.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “This resources was amazing! My students created beautiful artwork. They were so proud of their final product. My school holds a large Veteran's Day celebration. The student's artwork brought many to tears.” Heather B.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• About This Resource, an overview of the lesson, objectives and implementation tips
• 2 Lesson Plan Pages with materials, learning outcomes, goals and "Teacher Does/Student Does" instructions
• Bulletin Board Display Sign for showing finished student artwork
• Example of Art Piece, a finished sample for visual reference
• Poppy Step-by-Step Draw Handout
• Art Piece Demonstration Step-by-Step (13 slides) with visual and written directions for the full project
• Rubric for Assessment focusing on creativity, craftsmanship and concept development
• Student/Teacher Art Project Assessment
• Student Project Reflection
• Artist Statement Template

HOW TO USE IT

Review the lesson plan, gather your materials and photocopy the student handouts you need (step-by-steps, rubrics, reflection sheets and artist statements). Project the step-by-step slides from the PDF for students to follow, or use them as your guide during the demonstration.

Introduce the topic with the poster sample to start a discussion, then guide students through the visual and written steps. Afterward, students reflect on their process with the reflection sheets and artist statement template. The finished poppies make a respectful bulletin board or hallway display, and the lesson also works for sub plans.

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Pencil and eraser
• Black felt-tip pen
• Watercolor or tempera paint cakes
• Cardstock or watercolor paper
• Oil pastels
• Newspapers for collage
• Paintbrush and water
• Step-by-step handouts (30 copies)
• Rubric and assessment forms (30 copies)

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Art teachers, general classroom teachers and homeschool educators teaching Grades 3 to 8. It also works for substitute teachers who need a ready-to-go art lesson for commemorative days.

How can I use it?

As part of a Remembrance Day or Veterans Day unit, to create a classroom bulletin board, or as a standalone Memorial Day art activity. It also fits homeschool programs that combine art and history.

How long will this take?

Usually 2 to 3 class periods, depending on student age, skill level and available class time.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (12)

★★★★ “Poppy art for Remembrance Day fun art lesson for middle primary” Krystle N.

★★★★ “I used this resource to create a Remembrance Day bulletin Board and the result was stunning! My students really enjoyed creating this piece, and were so very proud of their accomplishments!” Patricia W.

★★★★ “My 6th grade gifted students loved this project. We brainstormed words other than "remember" (sacrifice, warrior, etc.) to add variety because we plan to display them at a Veteran's Day breakfast our school is hosting next week.” Katelyn T.

★★★★ “Thank you for the step by step directions. This was a great meaningful project!” Jennifer D.

★★★★ “This was a great resource for Veteran's Day. My students loved using the different media to create poppies to hang in the hallway!” Learning in Lou

★★★★ “I liked the mixed media aspect of this project. It was simple and unique! Great for Remembrance Day!” AppleChks

★★★★ “In the past I've dreaded art as I love it but am not talented in teaching it. This (and other lessons I bought) help me feel much more confident in creating art with my students. Thank you!” Tanya P.

★★★★★ “thank you!” Lauren S.

★★★★★ “Great resource! Thank you!” Lyndsay N.

★★★★★ “Great resource” Vicki C.

★★★★★ “What a great way to add art to instruction. Thank you” Kathryn J.

★★★★★ “Great resource, thanks!” Tasha M.

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: use this resource in your classroom and make photocopies for your students, use any clip art as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations, and explore creative uses in your teaching. Additional licenses are available for school-wide use.

YOU MAY NOT: share this resource with other teachers, administration or districts (administrators must purchase additional licenses for school or district use), sell it or give it away for free, post it on blogs, websites or online platforms, or upload it to OutSchool or other teaching platforms.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic