Summer Art Lesson Desert Art Activity Armadillo Art Project Soft Pastels

Transform your classroom into a creative desert oasis with this Desert Armadillo Art Lesson! Students will explore the Element of Art: Value while learning how to use soft pastels/chalk pastels to create a striking armadillo artwork inspired by desert landscapes.

This lesson is designed to help students develop artistic skills through engaging techniques while fostering their imagination and creativity. Perfect for teachers and homeschool families, this resource is a must-have for integrating desert-themed art into your curriculum.

VIDEO ART LESSON

This is a video art lesson. Your download includes the lesson plan and printable pages, plus a "Watch the Video" page with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial, so you can watch it anytime and show your class again later.

WHY CHOOSE THIS LESSON?

• Engages Students in Creative Exploration: Introduces the desert ecosystem while fostering artistic skills.
• Teaches Core Art Concepts: Focuses on the Element of Art: Value, teaching shading, texture, and layering.
• Flexible for Any Setting: Perfect for classroom or homeschool use with clear, easy-to-follow steps.
• Fun and Hands-On: Encourages experimentation with soft pastels and mixed media techniques.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS RESOURCE?

This comprehensive resource is packed with everything you need to make your lesson a success:

Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

A complete video guide breaks the lesson into manageable steps for both teachers and students. Simply play the video or follow it to demonstrate techniques yourself.

Lesson Plan

A detailed 2-page plan includes materials, learning objectives, and step-by-step teaching instructions (“Teacher Does/Student Does”).

Step-by-Step Drawing Handouts

Visual guides ensure students stay on track and feel confident in their abilities.

Rubric for Marking

Easily assess student work with a clear and detailed rubric aligned with the lesson’s objectives.

Art Making Reflection Worksheets

Encourage deeper thinking with reflection worksheets where students evaluate their work and process.

Artist Statement Template

Help students articulate their creative choices with a structured artist statement.

Bulletin Board Display Sign

Showcase your students’ artwork with a themed bulletin board sign that highlights their efforts!

Finished Artwork Example

Provide inspiration and a clear goal for students with a finished example to guide their creativity.

WHO IS THIS RESOURCE FOR?

This art project is perfect for:

-Art Teachers in Grades 3-8, seeking engaging and thematic lessons for their curriculum.

-Homeschool Families, looking for structured yet creative art activities.

-Classroom Teachers, integrating art with science or geography lessons about desert ecosystems.

-Creative Individuals, wanting a fun and educational project for children.

How to Prepare and Use

PREPARATION

1. Gather materials listed in the lesson plan, including soft pastels, paper, scissors, and glue.
2. Watch the tutorial to familiarize yourself with the steps and techniques.
3. Print and photocopy the step-by-step drawing handouts and rubric for your students.
4. Set up a creative workspace with ample materials for each student.

TEACHING THE LESSON

1. Engage Students: Begin with a discussion about desert habitats, focusing on armadillos and their unique features.
2. Introduce Techniques: Demonstrate pastel shading and blending techniques using the video or handout.
3. Create Together: Guide students step-by-step as they design and assemble their armadillo artwork.
4. Reflect and Share: Have students complete their reflection worksheets and artist statements. Display their work on a classroom bulletin board!

Materials Needed

-Soft Pastels/Chalk Pastels

- White Paper and Bright Construction Paper

- Pencil and Eraser

-Black Felt Markers

- Scissors and Glue

Learning Objectives

Students will:

-Understand and apply the Element of Art: Value in their work.

-Develop pastel blending and shading techniques.

-Explore the concept of mixed media by combining pastels with cut paper.

-Connect art to real-world themes by learning about desert ecosystems and animals.

Why Teachers and Homeschool Families Love This Lesson

Saves Time: Ready-to-use materials eliminate prep work, leaving you free to focus on teaching.

Encourages Creativity: Students explore techniques and make artistic decisions independently.

Cross-Curricular Learning: Links art to science and geography for a well-rounded educational experience.

Confidence Building: Handouts and examples help students achieve success, boosting self-esteem.

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS RESOURCE?

• Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
• Detailed Lesson Plan (Materials, Goals, and “Teacher Does/Student Does”)
• Handouts for Students (Step-by-Step Drawing and Reflection Worksheets)
• Assessment Rubric
• Bulletin Board Sign for Display
• Artist Statement Template

MEMBERSHIP PERKS

• Unlimited access to a library of art lessons with videos, handouts, and assessments.
• New lessons added monthly to keep your curriculum fresh and exciting.
• Designed to save you time and stress while inspiring creativity in your classroom.

Copyright Information

This is a non-editable resource.

YOU MAY

• Use this in your own classroom or homeschool setting for years.
• Purchase additional licenses for wider school use.

YOU MAY NOT

• Share, resell, or distribute this resource digitally or in print.
• Post on blogs or third-party platforms like Outschool.

Inspire creativity while exploring desert ecosystems with this Desert Armadillo Art Project! Perfect for both teachers and homeschool families, it’s a fun and educational way to bring art to life.

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.

Images and Lessons are Copyright Products

YOU MAY

For clip art, you may use them as clip art, website graphics, binder covers, or even bulletin board decorations.

Use this in creative ways! Explore and have as much fun with it as you would like

By additional licensing for school use.

YOU MAY NOT

Use this on OutSchool

Put on your Blog

Share this product with other teachers, administration or districts. Admin can buy additional licensing.

Sell this product or give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic

FILES YOU WILL DOWNLOAD

• Armadillo Desert Art Lesson - Video Lesson + Lesson Plan - Ms Artastic.zip: the lesson plan and printable pages (PDF), plus a "Watch the Video" page (PDF) with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial

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