Do you need a winter art lesson that actually works with elementary students—without confusion, rushed prep, or unfinished projects? Are you looking for a penguin art project that fills more than one class period, integrates literacy, and keeps students calm, focused, and proud of their work?

This Winter Penguin Art Lesson is a fully planned, print-and-teach resource designed for Grades 1–4. Students create a bold, joyful penguin winter artwork using oil pastels, paint, and collage, while also completing reading comprehension, writing activities, reflections, and assessment tools—all in one cohesive lesson.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I need a winter art lesson that stretches over multiple days.”
  
• “I want art time to include reading and writing without feeling forced.”
  
• “I don’t want to explain every step a hundred times.”
  
• “I need something reliable for January and February.”

This resource was built for exactly that.

WHY TEACHERS KEEP COMING BACK TO THIS LESSON

This is not a single-page craft. It’s a complete winter art + literacy experience that supports students from the first hook to the final reflection.

Every step is visually modeled.
Every activity has a purpose.
Every extension is optional—but ready when you need it.

The penguin theme is familiar and engaging, making it perfect for winter units, animal studies, and post-holiday resets when students need structure and success.

WHAT THIS RESOURCE INCLUDES (NON-EDITABLE)

This 60-page Winter Penguin Art Lesson includes everything you need to teach confidently:

Lesson Planning & Teacher Support

• Cover pages and resource overview
• Clear lesson plan with:
  
  • Materials list
  • Lesson hook
  • Participation strategies
  • Assessment and reflection notes

• Critical thinking discussion questions
• Standards and curricular connections

Art Instruction & Visual Modeling

• Nonfiction reading: About Penguins
• Directed drawing page: How to Draw a Penguin
• Student-friendly art rubric
• Bulletin board display sign: Penguins Artworks
• Picture puzzle hook to activate curiosity and predictions
• KWL chart to access prior knowledge

Step-by-Step Art Creation

• Full photo-based tutorial showing:
  
  • Creating snowy backgrounds with oil pastel resist
  • Painting winter skies and textures
  • Drawing and painting penguin features
  • Cutting, assembling, and gluing the final artwork

• Finished artwork example for reference

Reading Comprehension

• Fiction story: “The Penguin Who Learned to Swim”
• Reading comprehension questions (2 pages)
• Complete answer key
• Sight word tracking list with teacher instructions
• Tricky word vocabulary bank

Writing & Literacy Extensions

• Penguin-themed spelling word list
• Spelling test
• Opinion writing prompt (penguins & swimming in cold water)
• Narrative write & draw prompt
• Compare & contrast: penguin chick vs adult penguin (with answer key)

Reflection & Art Thinking

• “Top 3 Things I Like About My Art”
• Creative process magazine cover activity
• Feelings reflection page
• Draw-a-scene extension (penguin swimming for food)
• Artwork reflection (hardest and most fun parts)
• 3 Stars & a Wish reflection
• Artist statement pages
• “Star It!” favorite part reflection
• Finish-the-picture creative extension

Elements of Art Extensions

• Element of Art: Value (grayscale exploration)
• Element of Art: Line (line-filled background design)

Everything is non-editable to protect layout, visuals, and instructional clarity.