Classroom Art Projects & Lesson Plans

Alongside my design work, I’ve spent the last several years volunteering in rural and underserved school districts, bringing hands-on art projects directly into classrooms. What began when my son was in kindergarten has grown into an ongoing passion as he’s now a fifth grader.

One thing I noticed very quickly when working with students is that many state-provided art curricula—while well intentioned—can feel dry and overly structured for young artists. Programs like Art in Action often rely on step-by-step templates that encourage every student’s artwork to look the same. In my experience, that approach can unintentionally limit creativity and make art feel more like following instructions than exploring ideas.

That’s not how I teach.

The projects and lesson plans shared here are based on my real classroom experiences working with students of different ages, backgrounds, and learning styles. Each activity is designed to encourage experimentation, imagination, and personal expression. Rather than focusing on copying a template, students are invited to explore scale, color, storytelling, and their own unique creative voice.

My goal is simple: help kids realize that art doesn’t have to look one way — it just has to be theirs.

Feel free to use these lessons in your own classroom, community program, or at home with young artists.

Pop Art: Draw Your Own Giant Object

Grade Level

4th–5th Grade

Time

45–60 minutes

Materials

  • Poster board

  • Pencil

  • Acrylic paint

  • Acrylic markers (Posca or similar)

  • Brushes

  • Water cups

  • Paper towels

Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students explore the playful world of Pop Art by transforming everyday objects into oversized works of art.

Pop artists often take ordinary items and change their scale, making small things giant. When an object becomes much larger than it normally is, it can feel surprising, humorous, and powerful.

Students will create their own giant object artwork inspired by famous oversized sculptures. Using acrylic paint and acrylic markers, they will draw bold outlines and vibrant colors to create a Pop Art–inspired piece.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Understand the concept of scale in art

  • Learn how Pop Artists use everyday objects as subjects

  • Practice bold color and line work using acrylic paint and acrylic markers

  • Create a unique artwork using imagination and personal expression

Artist Inspiration

Cupid’s Span – San Francisco

Balloon Dog – Jeff Koons

Giant Clothespin Sculpture

Artists: Claes Oldenburg & Coosje van Bruggen

Location: Rincon Park, San Francisco