Winter Art Project Activity Polar Bear Art Writing Prompts Reading Comprehension

This winter polar bear art project combines an art lesson with reading comprehension and a writing prompt for your classroom or homeschool program. Students create a winter artwork of a polar bear while exploring oil pastel techniques.

An About Polar Bears reading, comprehension questions and a writing activity bring literacy into the art lesson, so students practice drawing, creating art and writing that reflects the art they made. Step-by-step slides come both in the document and as a PowerPoint presentation.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF AND PPT VERSION)

• Lesson Plan (2 pages), already filled out
• Learning Standards Covered
• Lesson Hook: a warm-up drawing challenge
• About the Theme Reading to read aloud or for students to read
• Rubric for assessment
• Artwork Reflection Pages about the creative process and individual goals
• Artwork Message and Artist Statement
• Example of Artwork to show students
• Educator Step-by-Step Instructions and PowerPoint Step-by-Step Presentation
• Step-by-Step How to Draw Page for students
• Reading Comprehension with questions and answer key
• Writing Prompt connected to the theme

HOW TO USE IT

Start with the warm-up drawing challenge, then teach the polar bear from the educator step-by-step pages or the PowerPoint. The presentation is also handy to leave with a sub. Students can follow the how-to-draw page as they work.

Materials: oil pastels and black construction or card stock paper. The resource uses American English.

NATIONAL ART STANDARDS AND CCSS

• CCSS RL.K.1: With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
• VA:Re8.1.Ka: Interpret art by identifying subject matter and describing relevant details.
• CCSS RL.1.1: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
• CCSS RL.2.3: Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.
• VA:Cr2.2.3a: Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and proficient use of materials, tools, and equipment for a variety of artistic processes.
• VA:Cr2.2.4a: When making works of art, utilize and care for materials, tools, and equipment in a manner that prevents danger to oneself and others.
• VA:Cr2.1.5a: Experiment and develop skills in multiple art-making techniques and approaches through practice.
• VA:Cr2.2.5a: Demonstrate quality craftsmanship through care for and use of materials, tools, and equipment.
• VA:Cr2.1.4a: Explore and invent art-making techniques and approaches.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Classroom teachers and homeschool families who want an art lesson integrated with reading and writing.

What file formats are included?

A non-editable PDF and a PowerPoint version of the step-by-step presentation.

What materials do students need?

Oil pastels and black construction or card stock paper.

Is there an answer key?

Yes. The reading comprehension includes questions and an answer key.

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 the clip art as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations, and use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. 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