Winter Penguin Art Lesson Penguin Art Project Winter Art Activity Reading Write

This Winter Penguin Art Lesson is a print-and-teach resource for Grades 1 to 4. Students create a bold, joyful penguin artwork using oil pastels, paint and collage, and complete reading comprehension, writing activities, reflections and assessment in the same lesson.

Every step is visually modeled, and the extensions are optional but ready when you need them. The penguin theme suits winter units, animal studies and January and February, when students need structure after the holidays. The art project fills more than one class period.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE, 60 PAGES)

• Lesson planning: cover pages and resource overview, lesson plan with materials list, lesson hook, participation strategies and assessment and reflection notes, critical thinking discussion questions, and standards and curricular connections
• Art instruction: nonfiction reading page About Penguins, How to Draw a Penguin directed drawing page, student art rubric, Penguins Artworks bulletin board sign, picture puzzle hook and KWL chart
• Photo-based step-by-step tutorial covering snowy backgrounds with oil pastel resist, painting winter skies and textures, drawing and painting penguin features, and cutting, assembling and gluing the final artwork, plus a finished artwork example
• Reading comprehension: fiction story “The Penguin Who Learned to Swim”, 2 pages of comprehension questions, answer key, sight word tracking list with teacher instructions, and tricky word vocabulary bank
• Writing and literacy: penguin spelling word list, spelling test, opinion writing prompt (penguins and swimming in cold water), narrative write and draw prompt, and compare and contrast penguin chick vs adult penguin (with answer key)
• Reflection: “Top 3 Things I Like About My Art”, creative process magazine cover, feelings reflection, draw-a-scene extension (penguin swimming for food), artwork reflection, 3 Stars and a Wish, artist statement pages, “Star It!” favorite part, and finish-the-picture extension
• Elements of Art extensions: Value (grayscale exploration) and Line (line-filled background design)

HOW TO USE IT

Start with the picture puzzle hook and KWL chart, read about penguins, then guide students through the art project with the photo tutorial. The art project usually takes 2 to 3 class periods, and the reading, writing and reflection pages extend the lesson as needed.

The predictable structure and visual supports make it a good fit for sub plans, homeschool and winter units, and you can reuse it every winter.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Classroom teachers, art teachers, homeschool families and substitute teachers working with Grades 1 to 4.

Do I need to be an art specialist?

No. The step-by-step photos and clear directions make it approachable for non-art teachers.

How long does it take?

The art project typically takes 2 to 3 class periods, with literacy and reflection pages extending the lesson as needed.

What materials do I need?

Common classroom supplies such as oil pastels, paper, watercolor or tempera paint, brushes and glue. A full materials list is included.

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 or homeschool, and purchase additional licenses for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: share, resell, post online, or use it on OutSchool.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic