Why First Week of School Art Activities?
First week of school art activities are good for several reasons:
- Not Intimidating: Often students come in the first week fearful they can’t draw and will disappoint. A simple art activity can reduce anxieties.
- Simple Win: Starting the school year with a simple activity that everyone can succeed in releases feel-good chemicals in the brain, leading to positive feelings and associations that last far beyond the first day.
- Self Expression: Art projects that allow students to express their own interests and ideas makes them feel important.
- Builds Foundational Skills: Students have the opportunity to cultivate essential skills that they can later leverage for larger projects.
- Builds Community in the Classroom: Projects that promote self-expression help everyone understand each other and foster trust in the art room.
Hey there, fellow art teachers! As we gear up for another school year, it’s always a thrill to start off with projects that not only spark creativity but also help students feel at ease in our art rooms. Here are my top five favorite first-week-of-school art activities for middle and high school students. Trust me, these activities are a hit and will set a fantastic tone for the year ahead!
1. Pop Art Name Design
Let’s kick things off with a splash of color! The Pop Art Name Design lesson is a perfect icebreaker for the first day of school. Students get to create a vibrant, pop art-inspired design featuring their names. It’s a great way for them to express their individuality while learning about the elements of pop art. Plus, the bold and colorful results make for an awesome classroom display.
Benefits for Teachers:
- Engaging and Fun: Captures students’ attention right away, making the first day exciting.
- Easy to Implement: Comes with a lesson slideshow, handouts with step-by-step instructions, and a video demonstration, saving you prep time.
- Classroom Décor: The final products make for a colorful and personalized classroom display, creating a welcoming environment.
Benefits for Students:
- Self-Expression: Encourages students to showcase their individuality through art.
- Artistic Confidence: Builds confidence as students see their names turned into art.
- Introduction to Pop Art: Engages students with pop art concepts in an enjoyable way.
Starting the year with this lesson helps students feel seen and valued because their names—their very identities—are being highlighted and celebrated in a creative manner. Displaying their artwork prominently in the classroom reinforces this feeling, making them feel important and recognized right from the start.
👉🏼Check out the full lesson here.👈🏼
2. Neurographic Art Composition
Next up, let’s bring some zen into the classroom with Neurographic Art. This lesson is fantastic for the first week because it’s super relaxing and requires no prior art skills. Students can explore their creativity in a calm, meditative way, which helps them settle in and feel comfortable.
Benefits for Teachers:
- No Preparation on Your End: This resource includes a 37-slide presentation, a step-by-step handout, and two video demonstrations. Super easy on your end!
- Calm Classroom Environment: Helps create a relaxed and focused atmosphere from the start.
- Inclusive: Suitable for all skill levels, making it accessible for every student.
Benefits for Students:
- Relaxation: Provides a stress-relieving, calming activity.
- Mindfulness: Encourages mindfulness and concentration.
- Creativity: Allows for freeform creativity without pressure.
Starting the week with Neurographic Art helps to establish a calm and focused atmosphere, making students feel at ease in their new environment. It promotes relaxation and mindfulness, which can ease first-week jitters and create a positive, stress-free start to the school year.
👉🏼Get the lesson here.👈🏼
😲Or check this alternate version.😲
3. Create Your Own Sketchbook
Giving students the chance to create their own sketchbooks is a win-win. Not only do they get a personalized art journal for the year, but it also gives them a sense of ownership over their materials. They can design and decorate the covers to reflect their personalities, making these sketchbooks a cherished item.
Benefits for Teachers:
- Long-Term Project: Provides a tool students will use throughout the year.
- Student Ownership: Encourages students to take ownership of their art supplies, leading to more care and responsibility.
- Variety in Instruction: Offers flexibility in teaching different art techniques throughout the year.
Benefits for Students:
- Self-Expression: Allows students to showcase their personality and creativity.
- Long-Term Use: Provides a personal art journal for the entire school year.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Fosters a sense of achievement as they create and use their own sketchbook.
Starting the year with this project helps students feel invested in their own learning and materials. It fosters a sense of ownership and pride, which can translate into more engaged and responsible learners throughout the year.
👉🏼Learn more about this lesson here.👈🏼
😲And here’s another take on it.😲
4. About Me First Day of School Get to Know You Worksheets
Getting to know your students is key, and these “About Me” worksheets are a fun and creative way to do it. These get-to-know-you worksheets prompt students to share fun facts about themselves through drawing and short writing prompts. It’s a fantastic icebreaker that helps build a sense of community in the classroom from day one.
Benefits for Teachers:
- Insightful: Provides insights into students’ interests and personalities.
- Community Building: Helps build a classroom community quickly.
- Easy to Implement: Simple and straightforward setup with engaging prompts.
Benefits for Students:
- Self-Expression: Allows for self-expression through both drawing and writing.
- Connection: Helps students get to know their classmates and feel part of the group.
- Comfort: Eases the first-day jitters by focusing on familiar topics.
Starting the year with these worksheets fosters a sense of community and helps students feel connected with their peers and teacher. It creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.
👉🏼Get the first day of school worksheet details here.👈🏼
5. First Day of School Doodle Drawings
Finally, let’s keep things light and fun with doodle drawings. This activity encourages students to express their thoughts and feelings about the first day of school through doodles. It’s a great way for them to relax and get creative. Plus, it can give you some insights into their initial impressions and feelings.
Benefits for Teachers:
- Quick Setup: Easy to set up with a Google Slides presentation outlining the assignment, PDFs on the benefits of doodling, and detailed handouts.
- Insightful: Offers a fun and informal way to assess students’ initial thoughts and feelings.
- Positive Environment: Encourages a relaxed and open classroom atmosphere.
Benefits for Students:
- Stress-Free: Provides a fun and stress-free creative outlet.
- Self-Expression: Helps students express themselves without the pressure of creating a “perfect” artwork.
- Engagement: Engages students right away with a light-hearted activity.
Starting the year with doodle drawings helps break the ice and allows students to express themselves in a fun and informal way. It sets a positive tone for the rest of the school year by fostering a relaxed and open environment.
👉🏼Check out the doodle lesson here.👈🏼
These activities not only foster creativity but also help students feel more comfortable and excited about the upcoming school year. Each of these lessons is designed to make the first days of school engaging and meaningful, setting a positive tone for the rest of the year. For more detailed lesson plans and materials, be sure to check out the provided links. Here’s to a fantastic start to the school year!
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