Autumn Leaf Line Art Project with Literacy & Reflection Activities (Grades 1–4)

Celebrate the beauty of fall with this Autumn Leaf Line Art Project, an engaging art lesson plan for Grades 1–4 that combines the element of art: line with seasonal autumn themes. Students will draw, design, and create vibrant leaf artwork that looks like watercolor—using nothing more than washable markers, a brush, and water! Along the way, they’ll explore line types and patterns, strengthen literacy through reading and writing, and reflect on their creative process.

This is not just a craft—it’s a complete, standards-aligned art project that integrates art, literacy, and science. Students will practice line types (zigzag, curved, spiral, dotted), explore rhythm and pattern, and learn how artists use line to express emotions. Literacy connections include a fall reading passage with comprehension activities, sight word practice, vocabulary support, and writing prompts (opinion + narrative). Reflection worksheets and gallery walks encourage students to think deeply about their work and share it meaningfully.

Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, from a cart, or homeschooling, this resource saves prep time and provides everything in one package. With step-by-step visuals, differentiated worksheets, and cross-curricular connections, you’ll feel confident teaching a lesson that balances creativity, literacy, and critical thinking. By the end, students will have display-ready autumn artwork and a stronger understanding of both line in art and seasonal change in nature.

This Resource Includes (Non-Editable):

• Full Lesson Plan with objectives, standards, and teacher instructions

• Lesson Hook Puzzle to spark curiosity

• Materials Guide (washable felt markers, brush, water, card stock)

• Step-by-Step Drawing & Painting Tutorial (illustrated + text)

• Poster Sample of finished artwork for display

• About Line in Art Reading (line types, patterns, expression)

• How-to-Draw Pages for leaf composition

• KWL Chart: Autumn for prior knowledge activation

• Reading Passage on autumn leaves, chlorophyll, and seasonal cycles

• Reading Comprehension Questions with answer key

• Sight Word List & Activities (tracking, games, extensions)

• Word Bank of Tricky Words (autumn, chlorophyll, nutrients, cycle)

• Writing Prompts: opinion + narrative

• Compare & Contrast Activity (summer vs. autumn leaves)

• Reflection Worksheets: Artist’s Statement, 3 Stars & a Wish, The Message, SEASONS magazine cover, Questions & Wonders, Feelings page

• Creative Extensions: symmetry practice, Draw It! prompt, postcard activity, line doodle leaf design

• Assessment Rubric (creativity, craftsmanship, responsibility)

• Bulletin Board Display Sign for showcasing artwork

• Gallery Walk Guide for peer reflection and discussion