Autumn Falling Leaves Art Project with Reading, Writing & Drawing Activities (Grades 1–4)

Autumn is one of the most magical and inspiring times of year for art—and now you can bring that beauty right into your classroom or homeschool! This Autumn Falling Leaves Art Project is more than just a seasonal craft—it’s a full art lesson plan that blends drawing, painting, reading comprehension, and writing prompts into one rich, engaging resource. Perfect for Grades 1–4, this interdisciplinary unit will have your students creating artwork they’re proud of while also meeting literacy and science standards.

If you’ve ever wanted an art project that’s both beautiful and easy to teach, this one is a must-have. With step-by-step drawing and painting instructions, built-in reflection activities, and cross-curricular literacy connections, you’ll guide your students through an autumn art experience that is meaningful, memorable, and packed with creative growth. This is not just another “cute fall craft”—this is an artwork project designed to build creative confidence, critical thinking, and subject connections your students will carry with them long after the leaves have fallen.

Flexible for classrooms, homeschoolers, or even cart teaching, this art lesson plan can be adapted to whatever supplies you already have. Students can work with wax crayon, oil pastel, marker, colored pencil, watercolor, or tempera paint, making it a resource you’ll reach for year after year. It’s also the perfect solution if you’re looking to integrate art with literacy and science without doubling your prep time.

By the end of this unit, students will have:

• Created a stunning autumn artwork filled with falling leaves

• Explored the leaf cycle and photosynthesis through reading passages and comprehension activities

• Strengthened literacy with opinion writing, narrative prompts, and word banks

• Reflected on their artmaking through artist statements, reflection sheets, and gallery walks

This resource turns autumn into a season of discovery, creativity, and connection.

This Resource Includes (Non-Editable):

• Full Lesson Plan with step-by-step teacher instructions

• Lesson Hook Puzzle to spark student curiosity

• Mediums & Materials Suggestions with flexible options

• Step-by-Step Drawing & Painting Tutorial (PowerPoint + PDF)

• Poster Sample of the completed artwork for display

• Teacher Demonstration Guide with modeling strategies

• KWL Chart to activate prior knowledge

• Reading Passages (two leveled versions) about autumn, the leaf cycle, photosynthesis, chlorophyll, and decomposition

• Reading Comprehension Questions + Answer Key

• Sight Word List & Activities for early readers

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

• Writing Prompts: opinion (Is autumn the best season?), narrative (Imagine you are a leaf), and journal extensions

• Compare & Contrast Activity (Summer vs. Autumn with answer key)

• Creative Extensions: line patterns, shape & form designs, postcard project

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

• Assessment Rubric (creativity, craftsmanship, responsibility)

• Bulletin Board Display Sign for finished work

• Gallery Walk Guide for structured reflection

This complete mini-unit weaves together art, literacy, and science in one cohesive package. Whether you’re looking for a fall art project, a cross-curricular lesson plan, or a flexible homeschool activity, this resource delivers everything you need to make autumn unforgettable for your students.