Name Art Lesson Back to School Art Project First Week of School Art Activity

In this Back to School Name Art Project, students in grades 3, 4 and 5 create expressive name artworks that reflect their likes and dislikes. It builds classroom community, encourages creativity and starts the art year with purpose.

Students plan, design and reflect on their choices of color, line and symbolism, using pencil crayons and felt markers to make bold, vibrant name artworks. A poem hook launches the lesson and adds a cross-curricular connection. It is fully planned and low-prep, for the classroom or at home.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• Full Lesson Plan with learning goals and materials list
• Lesson Hook, a poem to introduce the theme
• "About the Artist" reference
• Earth and Elements Templates for planning ideas
• Example of Completed Artwork
• Full Step-by-Step Art Tutorial
• Student Reference Handouts
• K.W.L. Chart
• Student Reflection and Artist Statement Templates
• Assessment Rubric
• Bulletin Board Display Sign

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students express identity through visual art, develop symbolic thinking by illustrating their likes and dislikes, practice craftsmanship with colored pencils and felt markers, and use planning and reflection to support self-expression. They follow step-by-step instructions while keeping their own voice.

HOW TO USE IT

Use it in the first week of school, for back to school displays, identity and getting-to-know-you activities, cross-curricular art and ELA, homeschool art enrichment, and substitute plans or art on a cart.

NATIONAL ART STANDARDS

• VA:Cr1.2.3a Apply knowledge of available resources, tools and technologies to investigate personal ideas through the art-making process.
• VA:Cr2.1.3a Create personally satisfying artwork using a variety of artistic processes and materials.
• 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:Cr2.3.4a Document, describe and represent regional constructed environments.
• 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:Cr2.3.5a Identify, describe and visually document places and/or objects of personal significance.
• VA:Cr2.1.6a Demonstrate openness in trying new ideas, materials, methods and approaches in making works of art and design.
• VA:Cr2.2.6a Explain environmental implications of conservation, care and clean-up of art materials, tools and equipment.

FAQ

What grades is this suitable for?

Grades 3, 4 and 5, and it can be adapted for grades 2 or 6 depending on your class.

How much class time does it take?

Typically 1 to 2 class sessions, depending on how much time is spent on planning, reflection and coloring.

What supplies do I need?

Pencil crayons, felt markers and paper. It is a low-prep, low-mess activity.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (3)

★★★★ “Awesome resource, students enjoyed and found engaging.” Leslie H.

★★★★ “I have used this with many grades. So cute for the beginning of the year!” C G.

★★★★ “This name artwork lesson is a fantastic way to combine creativity with back-to-school activities! The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and the project allows students to create personalized, vibrant artwork while expressing their individuality. It’s a great icebreaker for the first week of school, helping students feel welcome and building classroom community. The lesson is adaptable for various skill levels, making it perfect for 3rd to 5th graders. I highly recommend this resource for any teacher looking to make the start of the school year both fun and meaningful!” Linda R.

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 for personal or classroom instruction, print and distribute it to students in your own classroom, and purchase extra licenses for other teachers or colleagues.

YOU MAY NOT: upload it to shared drives or public websites, post it online for free access, or use it on Outschool or other commercial platforms.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic