10 Easy Art Projects for Primary School Students
Whether you’re an art specialist or a classroom teacher fitting art into a busy schedule, having a go-to list of easy art projects for primary school is essential. These ideas are simple to set up, affordable to resource and loved by students from Kindergarten through to Year 6.
All supplies mentioned in this post are available from EdArt Supplies — Perth’s trusted art and craft supplier for Australian schools since 1984.
1. Colour wheel paintings
Teaching colour theory doesn’t have to be complicated. Give each student a sheet of cartridge paper, a set of primary colour paints and a brush, and let them mix and paint their own colour wheel. It’s hands-on, educational and produces beautiful results every time.
What you need: Poster paint in red, yellow and blue, cartridge paper, brushes, paint palettes.
2. Scratch art designs
Students scratch away a black surface to reveal vibrant colours underneath — the results are always spectacular and students of all abilities can achieve great outcomes. Perfect for any theme from animals to Aboriginal art patterns.
What you need: Scratch art paper or boards, wooden scratch tools.
3. Collage self-portraits
A classic for good reason. Students create self-portraits using cut paper, fabric scraps, wool and collage materials. It’s a wonderful activity for exploring identity and self-expression while building fine motor skills.
What you need: Cartridge paper, coloured paper, scissors, PVA glue, fabric scraps, wool.
4. Painted calico aprons
One of the most popular wearable art projects for primary school — students decorate their own calico apron using fabric paint, stamps or markers. The finished aprons make wonderful keepsakes and gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or end of year.
What you need: Calico aprons, fabric paint or markers, Sun Colour Paint.
5. Clay thumb pots
Working with modelling clay is one of the most tactile and satisfying experiences for primary school students. Thumb pots are simple to make — students press their thumb into a ball of clay and pinch it into shape — and can be painted once dry.
What you need: Modelling clay or air-dry clay, Das Clay, acrylic paint, brushes.
6. Watercolour resist art
Wax crayon drawings revealed by a wash of watercolour paint — a technique that never gets old. Students draw a design in white or coloured wax crayon, then paint over it with watercolour to reveal their hidden artwork.
What you need: Wax crayons, watercolour paint, watercolour paper or cartridge paper, brushes.
7. Printmaking with found objects
Introduce students to printmaking using everyday objects — leaves, sponges, bubble wrap, cardboard tubes. Dip into paint and press onto paper to create patterns and compositions. Easy to set up, easy to clean up.
What you need: Paint & adhesives, Gel Plates(not essential), printing paper, found objects for printing.
8. Cardboard frame artwork
Give students a pre-cut cardboard frame and ask them to create an artwork to fill it. Having the frame first gives students a clear boundary to work within and the finished pieces look instantly professional displayed on classroom walls. Use frames to display featured artwork for the term.
What you need: Pre-cut cardboard frames, drawing or painting materials of your choice.
9. Pastel landscapes
Soft pastels are forgiving, vibrant and incredibly satisfying to blend. Simple landscape compositions — a horizon line, sky, ground, maybe a tree — are perfect for introducing students to this medium. Finger blending adds a sensory element students love.
What you need: Soft pastels, cartridge or pastel paper, fixative spray for finishing.
10. Weaving with cardboard looms
Weaving is a wonderfully calming and tactile art project that primary school students of all ages can enjoy. Simply cut notches along the top and bottom of a piece of cardboard to create a loom, thread wool through to create the warp, then let students weave coloured wool, fabric strips or ribbon back and forth to create their own unique textile.
Weaving builds fine motor skills, pattern recognition and patience — and the finished pieces make beautiful classroom displays or take-home gifts.
What you need: Cardboard pieces, wool in assorted colours, fabric strips or ribbon, scissors.
Stock up for your next art session
All of the supplies mentioned in this post are available online at EdArt Supplies with fast delivery to schools and childcare centres across Australia. We’ve been supplying Australian teachers since 1984 and we offer a price match guarantee on all products.
Browse our full range of school art supplies or call us on 1800 991 142 — we’re always happy to help you find the right materials for your next project.
