Winter Art Project Activity Penguin Art Writing Prompts Reading Comprehension

This Winter Penguin Art Project combines an art lesson with reading comprehension and a writing prompt. Students create a winter artwork of a penguin using oil pastels and paint, then read All About Penguins, answer comprehension questions and respond to a writing prompt connected to the theme.

It works for classrooms and homeschool families who want an art lesson with literacy built in. Students practice drawing, making art and writing about the art they created, and the step-by-step slides come both in the document and as a PowerPoint presentation to make the lesson easy to teach.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “My primary art class thoroughly enjoyed creating these penguins! Very easy to follow instructions. Love all of Ms. Artastic's products!” Desiree S.

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

• Lesson Plan (2 pages), already filled out
• Learning Standards Covered
• Lesson Hook, a ready-to-use picture puzzle
• About the Theme reading to read aloud or for students to read
• Rubric for assessment
• Artwork Reflection Pages for reflecting on the creative process and goals met
• Artwork Message and Artist Statement
• Example Artwork to show students
• Educator Step-by-Step Instructions and PowerPoint Step-by-Step Presentation, also handy to leave with a sub
• Step-by-Step How to Draw Page for students to reference
• Reading Comprehension with questions and answer key
• Writing Prompt activity connected to the theme

This resource uses American English and is not editable.

MATERIALS

Oil pastels, white card stock paper, and watercolor paint or tempera paint cakes.

HOW TO USE IT

Start with the picture puzzle hook, then project the PowerPoint or use the educator instructions to guide students through the penguin drawing, with the how-to-draw page at their tables. Finish with the reading, comprehension questions and writing prompt, and use the rubric, reflection pages and artist statement for assessment.

NATIONAL ART STANDARDS AND CCSS

• CCSSRL.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.
• CCSSRL.1.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
• CCSSRL.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.

Is there a PowerPoint?

Yes. The step-by-step slides are in the PDF and also included as a PowerPoint presentation.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable and uses American English.

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 in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. Any clip art may be used 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