Thanksgiving Art Lesson

Lesson Plan: Thanksgiving Art with Crayons and Paper Plates

Grade Level: K-3
Time Required: 30-45 minutes

Objectives:

• Students will explore their creativity by creating a Thanksgiving-themed art piece.
• Students will practice fine motor skills through drawing and coloring.

Materials:

• Paper plates (1 per student)
• Crayons (various colors)
• Optional: Glitter, stickers, or other embellishments
• Aprons or old shirts (to protect clothing)

Preparation:

1. Set up a clean workspace with enough room for each student.
2. Gather all materials and have them accessible.

Thanksgiving Art Lesson: Lesson Steps:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Briefly discuss the meaning of Thanksgiving and what it represents (gratitude, family, etc.).
   • Show examples of Thanksgiving imagery (turkeys, pumpkins, corn, etc.) to inspire students.
2. Demonstration (5 minutes):
   • Demonstrate how to use crayons on a paper plate. Suggest ideas like drawing a turkey or a cornucopia.
   • Explain how they can layer colors or mix colors to create new shades.
3. Creative Time (20-30 minutes):
   • Allow students to start creating their artwork on the paper plates.
   • Encourage them to express what Thanksgiving means to them through their drawings.
   • Walk around to offer encouragement and help as needed.
4. Clean-Up (5 minutes):
   • Have students put away their crayons and any other materials used.
   • Collect paper plates and ensure workspaces are tidy.
5. Sharing (Optional, 5-10 minutes):
   • If time allows, have students share their artwork with the group and explain their creations.

Assessment:

• Observe student engagement and creativity during the art-making process.
• Encourage reflection on what they enjoyed about the lesson and what they learned.

Extensions:

• Use the completed paper plates as table decorations for the Thanksgiving meal.
• Create a collage with all students’ artwork for display.

Notes:

• Adapt the lesson based on the age and skill level of your children.
• Encourage a positive atmosphere where all creative expressions are valued.