Summer Follow Directions Activity

If you’re searching for a simple, engaging end of year activity that requires little prep but keeps students focused and having fun, this Summer Follow Directions Activity is a must-try.

In this lesson, students follow a series of 25 timed directions using a summer-themed worksheet filled with fun images like palm trees, beach items, and summer treats. Each direction is read one time only, encouraging students to listen carefully, think quickly, and stay focused.

This activity is not subject-specific, making it perfect for any classroom—whether you teach math, reading, art, or need a quick filler lesson during a busy end-of-year schedule.

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⭐ Why Teachers Love This Activity

• No prep required
• Uses simple classroom materials (just a 10-count set of markers and printed worksheets)
• Keeps students engaged and on-task
• Encourages independence and listening skills
• Easy to follow and sub-friendly

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⭐ What’s Included

• Google Slides presentation with built-in timers
• PDF version of the slides
• Teacher directions with step-by-step guidance
• Student worksheet
• Teacher direction checklist (optional for reading directions aloud)
• Answer key for easy checking

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⭐ How Long Does It Take?

• Activity time: about 15 minutes
• Full lesson (including introduction, checking, and additional coloring): 30–35 minutes

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⭐ When to Use This Activity

• End of the school year
• Summer school
• Sub plans
• Morning work or centers
• Brain breaks or fast finisher time
• Homeschool or small group activities

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⭐ Final Thoughts

This Summer Follow Directions Activity is a fun and effective way to wrap up the school year while reinforcing important listening and focus skills. Students stay engaged, teachers stay stress-free, and everyone enjoys a little summer-themed fun in the classroom!

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Bubble Gum Machine Art Lesson

 Looking for a fun, engaging art lesson that works perfectly at the beginning OR end of the school year? This bubble gum machine art project is a student favorite and a great way to combine creativity, color, and simple drawing skills into one exciting lesson.

It’s the kind of project that keeps students motivated while still reinforcing important art concepts.

 

🎉 Why This is the Perfect Beginning OR End of Year Lesson

Some lessons are great for teaching deep concepts—but others are perfect for building excitement, confidence, and classroom energy.

This project is ideal because it:

• Feels fun and low-pressure
• Keeps students highly engaged
• Produces colorful, display-ready artwork
• Works well with mixed skill levels

Projects like gumball machines are especially popular because they use repetition and simple shapes, making them accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of students.

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🎨 What Students Learn

Even though this lesson feels fun and relaxed, students are still practicing key skills:

• Drawing using basic shapes
• Understanding repetition and pattern
• Building confidence with step-by-step drawing
• Exploring color choices and composition

Each artwork turns out unique depending on how students design their gumballs and backgrounds.

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🖍️ Supplies Needed

• White construction paper (12” x 18”)
• Pencil and eraser
• Black marker or Sharpie
• Crayons or markers

Optional:

• Paint or dot markers for gumballs
• Circle tracers (plates work great!)

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✏️ Lesson Overview (Simple Steps)

1. Draw the Gumball Machine
   Use simple shapes to build the structure.
2. Fill with Gumballs
   Add circles inside the machine using repetition.
3. Outline the Drawing
   Trace with a black marker for bold definition.
4. Add Color
   Use bright colors to make the gumballs stand out.
5. Optional Background
   Students can add patterns or designs to complete their artwork.

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💡 Teacher Tips

• Use a plate or circle tracer for easy success
• Encourage students to fill the space completely
• Let students get creative with color patterns
• Keep it relaxed—this is a “fun energy” lesson

This works great as a 1–2 day project depending on how detailed students get.

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⭐ Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• Low Prep
• Great for Grades 2–7
• High engagement
• Easy to manage
• Perfect for beginning OR end of year

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🎯 Get the Full Lesson

This blog post gives you a quick overview, but the full resource includes everything you need to teach this lesson smoothly:

• Step-by-step guided Google Slides
• Teacher directions and notes
• Visual examples for students
• Easy-to-follow drawing instructions
• Grading rubric

👉 Get the full Bubble Gum Machine Art Lesson here:  Bubble Gum Machine Lesson

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🎨 Final Thoughts

This bubble gum machine lesson is one of those go-to projects that students absolutely love. It’s colorful, creative, and flexible—making it perfect for those times of year when you want something engaging without adding stress.

Whether you’re starting the year or wrapping it up, this lesson is a guaranteed win.

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Turtle Directed Drawing Lesson

 Looking for a simple and successful drawing lesson for younger students? This turtle directed drawing lesson is a great way to introduce basic shapes, lines, and guided drawing skills in a fun and approachable way.

Perfect for early elementary, this lesson helps students build confidence while creating an artwork they’re proud of.

🐢 Why Directed Drawing Works So Well

Directed drawing is one of the best ways to help students feel successful in the art room—especially younger learners.

This lesson:

• Breaks drawing into simple, manageable steps
• Builds confidence for beginner artists
• Reinforces basic shapes and lines
• Keeps students engaged from start to finish

Step-by-step drawing lessons are widely used in elementary art because they help develop fine motor skills and confidence while allowing for creativity.

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🎨 What Students Learn

In this lesson, students will:

• Use basic shapes to build a turtle
• Practice line control and drawing skills
• Follow step-by-step directions
• Add personal details and creativity

Even though the drawing is guided, each turtle still turns out unique.

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🖍️ Supplies Needed

• White drawing paper
• Pencil and eraser
• Black crayon, marker, or Sharpie
• Crayons or markers

Optional:

• Pattern ideas for shells
• Background additions (ocean, sand, plants)

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✏️ Lesson Overview (Simple Steps)

1. Draw the Basic Shapes
   Start with simple shapes to form the turtle’s body and shell.
2. Add Details
   Draw legs, head, and shell patterns using lines and shapes.
3. Outline the Drawing
   Trace with a black marker or crayon for bold definition.
4. Add Color
   Use crayons or markers to bring the turtle to life.
5. Optional Background
   Students can add water, sand, or plants for a finished look.

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💡 Teacher Tips

• Model each step slowly and clearly
• Pause between steps to let students catch up
• Encourage creativity in shell patterns
• Keep expectations simple for younger grades

This lesson works well as a 1-day project.

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⭐ Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• No Prep
• Great for Grades K–3
• Builds confidence in drawing
• Easy to follow
• Perfect for sub plans

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🎯 Get the Full Lesson

This blog post gives you a quick overview, but the full resource includes everything you need to teach this lesson smoothly:

• Step-by-step guided Google Slides
• Teacher directions and notes
• Visual examples for students
• Simple, clear drawing instructions
• Grading rubric

👉 Get the full Turtle Directed Drawing Lesson here: Turtle Drawing Lesson

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🎨 Final Thoughts

This turtle directed drawing lesson is a great go-to project for building foundational drawing skills. Students feel successful, teachers get smooth classroom flow, and the final artwork is always colorful and display-ready.

It’s a perfect lesson to revisit each year with new groups of students.

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Pop Art Dog Drawing Lesson

Looking for a fun and engaging way to teach Pop Art, pattern, and design? This Pop Art dog drawing lesson is a student favorite and a great way to combine bold outlines, bright colors, and creative patterns into one eye-catching project.

Students follow a simple step-by-step drawing process while still having plenty of freedom to make their artwork unique.

🎨 What is Pop Art? (Kid-Friendly Explanation)

Pop Art is an art style that uses:

• Bright, bold colors
• Thick black outlines
• Repeating patterns and shapes

It was inspired by everyday life, pop culture, and media, and became popular in the 1950s and 1960s.

For students, it’s all about making art that is fun, colorful, and expressive.

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🐶 Why This Lesson Works So Well

Animal drawings are always a hit—and combining them with Pop Art makes this lesson even more engaging.

This project:

• Uses simple shapes for easy success
• Encourages creativity through patterns
• Produces bold, colorful results
• Keeps students highly engaged

Pop Art projects are especially effective for elementary students because they combine creativity with pattern and design concepts.

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🎨 What Students Learn

In this lesson, students will:

• Draw a dog using simple shapes
• Divide their artwork into sections
• Fill each section with unique patterns
• Use bright colors to create contrast

Each artwork turns out completely different, even with the same steps.

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🖍️ Supplies Needed

• White drawing paper
• Pencil and eraser
• Black marker or Sharpie
• Markers or crayons

Optional:

• Pattern examples for inspiration

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✏️ Lesson Overview (Simple Steps)

1. Draw the Dog
   Start with basic shapes to form the head and body.
2. Divide the Space
   Add lines to break the dog into sections.
3. Create Patterns
   Fill each section with designs such as:
   • Dots
   • Stripes
   • Shapes
   • Lines
4. Outline with Marker
   Trace all lines with bold black marker.
5. Add Color
   Use bright, contrasting colors to complete the artwork.

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💡 Teacher Tips

• Model a few pattern ideas before starting
• Encourage students to fill all spaces
• Remind them to vary patterns for interest
• Keep outlines bold for that Pop Art look

This lesson works well as a 1–2 day project.

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⭐ Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• No Prep
• Great for Grades 1–5
• High engagement
• Strong visual results
• Perfect for bulletin boards or displays

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🎯 Get the Full Lesson

This blog post gives you a quick overview, but the full resource includes everything you need to teach this lesson with confidence:

• Step-by-step guided Google Slides
• Teacher directions and notes
• Visual examples for students
• Pattern reference ideas
• Grading rubric

👉 Get the full Pop Art Dog Drawing Lesson here: Pop ART Dog Lesson

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🎨 Final Thoughts

This Pop Art dog lesson is a classroom favorite because it combines structure with creativity. Students love seeing how their patterns and colors transform a simple drawing into something bold and expressive.

It’s an easy, go-to lesson that works year after year.

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🔑 Keyword Search

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Cherry Blossom Art Lesson

Spring Symmetry & Pattern Project for Elementary Students

Looking for a beautiful and engaging spring art lesson? This cherry blossom art project is a student favorite and a perfect way to combine symmetry, pattern, and cultural connections into one meaningful activity.

Students will create a detailed composition inspired by cherry blossoms while exploring balance, design, and creative expression.

🌸 Why Cherry Blossom Art Works So Well

Cherry blossom projects are always a hit in the art room because they are:

• Visually beautiful and seasonal
• Easy to adapt for multiple grade levels
• Perfect for teaching symmetry and pattern
• A great connection to art history and culture

Flower-based lessons are especially engaging because they are familiar, colorful, and naturally connect to important art concepts like symmetry and design.

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🎨 What Students Learn

In this lesson, students will:

• Explore symmetry and pattern design
• Create a balanced composition
• Use line and shape to build detailed designs
• Experiment with color and texture

Each artwork turns out unique while still reinforcing key concepts.

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🖍️ Supplies Needed

• White construction paper
• Pencil and eraser
• Black marker or Sharpie
• Blue markers or colored pencils
• Tissue paper (pink and white)
• Glue

Optional:

• Pre-made templates for added support

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✏️ Lesson Overview (Simple Steps)

1. Create the Base Design
   Students begin with a central form (such as a vase or composition layout).
2. Add Symmetrical Details
   Designs are built using repeating patterns and balanced shapes.
3. Outline with Marker
   Bold lines help define the structure and create contrast.
4. Add Cherry Blossoms
   Tissue paper or paint is used to create soft, textured blossoms.
5. Finish the Composition
   Students refine their design and complete the background.

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💡 Teacher Tips

• Model symmetry clearly before students begin
• Encourage repetition to reinforce patterns
• Pre-cut tissue paper for smoother classroom management
• Connect the lesson to spring themes or cultural discussions

This lesson works well as a 2-day project.

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⭐ Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• Low Prep (with included templates)
• Great for multiple grade levels
• Combines art + culture
• Strong visual results
• Perfect for spring displays

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🎯 Get the Full Lesson

This blog post gives you an overview, but the full resource includes everything you need to teach this lesson with confidence:

• Step-by-step guided Google Slides
• Teacher directions and notes
• Multiple vase templates for student choice
• Visual examples
• Grading rubric

👉 Get the full Cherry Blossom Art Lesson here: Cherry Blossom ART Project

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🎨 Final Thoughts

Cherry blossom art lessons are a perfect mix of structure and creativity. Students love the soft textures and bright colors, while teachers love how naturally this project reinforces symmetry and design concepts.

It’s a great go-to lesson for spring that produces beautiful, display-worthy results every time.

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🔑 Keyword Search

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Pop Art Bear Drawing Project

Looking for a fun and engaging way to introduce students to Pop Art and pattern design? This Pop Art bear drawing lesson is a student favorite and a great way to combine bold lines, bright colors, and creative patterns into one eye-catching project.

Students will follow a step-by-step drawing process while still having plenty of room to make their artwork unique.

🎨 What is Pop Art? (Simple Explanation for Students)

Pop Art is an art style that uses:

• Bold outlines
• Bright, vibrant colors
• Repeating patterns and shapes

Artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Romero Britto are known for turning everyday subjects into colorful, graphic-style artwork.

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🧠 What Students Learn

In this lesson, students will:

• Draw a bear using simple shapes
• Divide their artwork into sections
• Fill each section with unique patterns
• Use bright colors to create contrast

Even though students follow the same steps, each final bear turns out completely different.

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✏️ Why This Lesson Works So Well

This project is a great balance of structure and creativity.

• Students feel successful with guided drawing
• Patterns allow for creative freedom
• The bold outline makes everything pop
• Results are colorful and display-ready

Pattern-based lessons also reinforce repetition and visual organization, which are key design skills.

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🖍️ Supplies Needed

• White drawing paper
• Pencil and eraser
• Black marker or Sharpie
• Markers or crayons

Optional:

• Pattern examples for inspiration

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✏️ Lesson Overview (Simple Steps)

1. Draw the Bear
   Start with basic shapes to form the head and body.
2. Divide the Space
   Add lines to break the bear into sections.
3. Create Patterns
   Fill each section with different designs like:
   • Dots
   • Stripes
   • Shapes
   • Lines
4. Outline with Marker
   Trace all lines to create bold definition.
5. Add Color
   Use bright, contrasting colors to bring the design to life.

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💡 Teacher Tips

• Model a few simple patterns before students begin
• Encourage students to fill every space
• Remind them to vary patterns for interest
• Keep lines bold and clear

This lesson works well for 1–2 class periods.

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⭐ Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• No Prep
• Great for Grades 1–5
• High engagement
• Strong visual results
• Perfect for bulletin boards or displays

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🎯 Get the Full Lesson

This blog post gives you a general overview, but the full resource includes everything you need to teach this lesson smoothly:

• Step-by-step guided Google Slides
• Teacher directions and notes
• Visual examples for students
• Pattern reference ideas
• Grading rubric

👉 Get the full Pop Art Bear Drawing Lesson here: Pop ART Bear Lesson

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Heart in Hand Positive Words Art Project

Looking for a meaningful art lesson that goes beyond just creating artwork? This Heart in Hand Positive Words project is a powerful way to combine art and social-emotional learning (SEL) while helping students reflect on kindness and positive thinking.

This lesson encourages students to think about the words they use and how those words can impact themselves and others—all while creating a bold, visual piece of art.

❤️ Why This Lesson is So Powerful

Kindness and positive language are essential parts of building a strong classroom community.

This project helps students:

• Reflect on positive words and self-talk
• Build empathy and kindness toward others
• Express emotions through art
• Create a meaningful connection to their work

SEL-focused activities like this are widely used to support emotional awareness, empathy, and positive classroom behavior.

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🎨 What Students Create

Students will create a “heart in hand” design that visually represents kindness and positivity.

Their artwork includes:

• A traced or drawn hand
• A heart placed inside the hand
• Positive words written within the heart

Each piece becomes a personal reflection of how students can spread kindness.

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🧠 What Students Learn

In this lesson, students will:

• Explore positive self-talk and kindness
• Connect words with emotions and actions
• Practice thoughtful word choice
• Create a meaningful, personal art piece

This makes it a great cross-curricular lesson that can tie into:

• SEL
• Writing
• Classroom community building

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🖍️ Supplies Needed

• White construction paper
• Colored construction paper (red/pink for hearts)
• Pencil and eraser
• Black crayon or marker
• Markers or colored pencils
• Scissors and glue

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✏️ Lesson Overview (2-Day Structure)

Day 1:

• Discuss kindness and positive words
• Trace or draw the hand
• Begin planning and writing positive words

Day 2:

• Create and attach the heart
• Finalize positive words inside the design
• Outline and add color

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💡 Teacher Tips

• Brainstorm positive words as a class first
• Encourage students to choose words that are meaningful to them
• Model examples of kind and encouraging language
• Focus on the message, not perfection

This lesson works beautifully for classroom discussions and reflection time.

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⭐ Why Teachers Love This Lesson

• Low Prep
• Great for Grades 1–4
• Combines art + SEL
• Encourages positive classroom culture
• Perfect for February, kindness units, or anytime

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🎯 Get the Full Lesson

This blog post gives you an overview, but the full resource includes everything you need to teach this lesson with confidence:

• Step-by-step guided Google Slides
• Teacher directions and slide notes
• Visual examples
• Student-friendly instructions
• Grading rubric

👉 Get the full Heart in Hand Positive Words Lesson here:  Heart in Hand with Positive Words

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🎨 Final Thoughts

This Heart in Hand project is more than just an art lesson—it’s an opportunity to build a positive classroom environment while helping students reflect on kindness and the power of words.

It’s a meaningful activity that students remember long after the project is complete.

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