Art Videos – Grades 4-6
School Year 2020.2021
Methow Arts has put together easy to use art videos made by our local and regional teaching artists. These videos are targeted at students in grades K-6 who are in remote learning situations. All videos have a suggested target grade, but depending on the child and the amount of parental support available, any given lesson is adaptable for younger or older grades. Click around, see what your child is drawn to, and then give those lessons a try! Let us know what you think.
Find more art activities, lessons and inspirations from us at Methow Arts by CLICKING HERE.
We’d love see your artwork! Please send us scans at info@methowartsalliance.org. Thank you.
PUBLIC ART TOURS (all ages/family)
CLICK HERE for our Public Art Tours (all ages/family)
Our public art tours feature artists in our partner communities (Brewster, Pateros, Omak, Okanogan, Methow Valley, Leavenworth) talking about familiar art pieces in public places.
FOUNDATIONS (all ages)
CLICK HERE for our Foundations Lessons (all ages)
Creating and understanding art relies on a familiarity with the “Elements & Principles of Art,” such as line, pattern, color, shape, and form. Our Foundations Lessons guide you through creating a piece of art while focusing on specific elements and principles of art.
PERFORMING ARTS (all ages)
CLICK HERE for our Performing Arts lessons (all ages)
The performing arts include dance, music and theater. Many performing artists use their bodies, voices and talents as a means of artistic expression. They include singers, actors, comedians and dancers.
LITERARY ARTS (all ages)
CLICK HERE for our Literary Arts Lessons (all ages)
Methow Arts teaching artists have created videos to help students build a foundation in the literary arts.
GRADES 4-6: MAKE ART
Intro to Breakdance Part 9: the Kickout (all ages/family)
Keep adding to your footwork by learning the kickout, a move that pairs with the CC (from Intro to Breakdance Part 8). Twisp B Boy gives you some fun moves to work on in this final lesson in the Intro to Breakdance series.
Veggie People (grades K-6)
Guided by the work of 16th century Italian artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo, artist Christa Culbert leads you through creating a portrait of a person comprised of fruits and vegetables. A fun lesson at this time of year, with gardens and orchards beginning to produce!
We’d like to thank artist Margaret Kingston for the inspiration for this video. She originally created the concept for this lesson, and continues to teach it in Okanogan area schools.
Materials: paper, pencil/eraser, coloring materials such as colored pencils/crayons/watercolors/oil pastels, optional–black marker
Nature Shadow Sketches (grades 2-4)
Trace shadow from nature to create unique abstract shapes with teaching artist Amber Zimmerman.
Materials: paper, pencil, hard surface like a clipboard or cookie tray, coloring tools (crayons/colored pencils/markers)
Memorial Day Remembrance Wreaths (all ages/family)
Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the US Military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Artist Bethany Wray will show you how to make a poppy wreath in remembrance of those who sacrificed their lives for the United States.
Early observances of Memorial Day took place during the Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865 and claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history. The Civil War death count required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries.
By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.
Materials: 8+ coffee filters of any size, paper plate, water, hole punch, watercolor paint set, scissors, yard, tape, waxed paper or plastic sheet or cookie tray–something to protect your desk or table from paint
Our Veteran’s Day Poppies video is another option for using art to remember and honor those in the US Military. That instructional video can be found here.
Exploring Space (grades 3-6)
Use outer space as a way to learn about the art element of SPACE. You’ll learn about perspective, overlapping, and value in this lesson with artist Bethany Wray.
Materials: black paper, white paper with circles of different sizes traced on it, glue, scissors, water, white acrylic paint, oil pastels or crayons, brush
Nature Mandalas (all ages/family)
Time to dive into outdoor art! Inspired by nature artist Andy Goldsworthy, teaching artist Amber Zimmerman leads this lesson in creating nature mandalas from found objects. Mandalas, Sanskrit for “circles,” have been used in Hindu and Buddhist meditation and spiritual practices for centuries, and have been adopted into many other traditions.
Materials: outdoor space, natural materials found on the ground (pine cones and needles, leaves, sticks, stones, shells, feathers, etc)
Patterned Background with Self-Portrait: a multi-step project for grades 2-6
CLICK HERE to view an instruction page for the “Patterned Background with Self-Portrait” lesson. It takes a couple of steps, so it is easiest to view the entire lesson on one page.
Intro to Breakdance Part VIII: the CC
(all ages/Performing Arts)
Continue to work on your footwork with Bboy Hero, Miguel Renteria, as he introduces another step in this foundational series.
This is part of a series. If you haven’t begun the Intro to Breakdancing series yet, start HERE and scroll down to the breakdancing lessons.
Materials: space around you, music, comfortable clothing
Landscape Collage (grades 3-6)
Artist Christa Culbert shows you how to make a landscape collage based on the artwork of artist Marty Avrett. You’ll learn about texture, shape, and perspective in this lesson, which can feature a scene from right outside your window if you want.
Materials: glue stick or tape, colored pencils, scissors, crayons or markers, 2 pieces of paper
Intro to Breakdance Part VII: the 6-Step (all ages/Performing Arts)
Continue to work on your toprock with Bboy Hero, Miguel Renteria, as he introduces another step in this foundational series.
This is part of a series. If you haven’t begun the Intro to Breakdancing series yet, start HERE and scroll down to the breakdancing lessons.
Materials: space around you, music, comfortable clothing
Land Acknowledgment (all ages/cultural resource)
Land acknowledgment refers to recognizing and respecting Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of the earth. Land acknowledgment is a timely and relevant topic and gives rise to varying perspectives. Dan Nanamkin, k’oup?lus enim kl’a (Thunder and Lightning), is from the Chief Joseph Band Of Wallowa, Nez Perce, and Colville Confederated Tribes of Washington State and has been an advocate/teacher for indigenous culture, community unity, youth empowerment, racial equality, and peace for several decades. In this video, Dan shares his perspective on land acknowledgment. Use this video as a resource for improving your understanding of Indigenous culture.
Bumblebee Sketch (grades 3-6)
Gentle bumblebees are an essential part of our ecosystem. Create a detailed drawing of one as you learn more about their anatomy with artist Jim Anderson.
Materials: paper, pencil, eraser
Thiebaud Ice Cream (grades 3-6)
American Artist Wayne Thiebaud (b. 1920) is best known for his simple and colorful paintings of desserts and other ordinary objects. Create an ice cream cone inspired by Thiebaud with Teaching Artist Bethany Wray, using the concepts of ‘tint’ and ‘shade’ to add depth to your painting.
Materials: paper, pencil, acrylic paint, crayons or oil pastels, brush, water, surface to mix paint (such as paper plate or plastic lid)
Intro to Breakdancing, TopRock Part 6 (all ages/Performing Arts)
Continue to work on your toprock with Bboy Hero, Miguel Renteria, as he introduces another step in this foundational series.
This is part of a series. If you haven’t begun the Intro to Breakdancing series yet, start HERE and scroll down to the breakdancing lessons.
Materials: space around you, comfortable clothing
The Frank Matsura Murals of Okanogan (all ages/public art tours)
Artist Dan Brown takes you on a tour of the public murals of Japanese photographer Frank Matsura. If you live in Okanogan you’re lucky enough to see these murals in person by walking around town. Otherwise, you can experience them through this video.
Golden Fish (grades K-6)
Artist Amber Zimmerman uses artist Paul Klee’s 1925 painting “The Goldfish” as inspiration for a lesson in drawing and painting a rainbow trout.
Materials: watercolor set, water, paper, crayons (optional)
Mountain Goats (grades 3-6)
Join teaching artist Bruce Morrison as he teaches you how to draw the iconic animals of the Cascades. The mountain goat is also the mascot of the Pateros School District!
Materials: paper, pencil, watercolor set, water
Intro to Breakdancing, TopRock Part 5 (all ages/Performing Arts)
Continue to work on your toprock with Bboy Hero, Miguel Renteria, as he introduces another step in this foundational series.
This is part of a series. If you haven’t begun the Intro to Breakdancing series yet, start HERE and scroll down to the breakdancing lessons.
Materials: space around you, comfortable clothing
Hot Air Balloons (all ages)
Inspired by the Winthrop Balloon Roundup, teaching artist Amber Zimmerman teaches you how to create colorful hot air balloons, applying the concepts of symmetry, sketching, and pattern.
Materials: paper, pencil, coloring materials
Coyote Pup Painting (grades 2-6)
Teaching artist Bruce Morrison guides you in capturing the energy of coyote pups at play through gesture drawing. This lesson will have more context if you watch naturalist David Lukas’s video of coyote pups at play (below) before starting the art project.
Materials: paper, watercolor set, water
Coyote Pups
Naturalist David Lukas captured amazing footage of feisty and adorable coyote pups in North Portland.
Intro to Breakdancing, TopRock Part 4 (all ages/Performing Arts)
Keep working on your toprock with Bboy Hero, Miguel Renteria, as he introduces another step in this intro to breaking dance series.
This is part of a series. If you haven’t begun the Intro to Breakdancing series yet, start HERE and scroll down to the breakdancing lessons.
Materials: space around you, comfortable clothing
Dance On! Intermediate/Advanced Choreography (all ages/Performing Arts)
Ready to try some harder choreography? Dancer and teaching artist Lyndsay Frady takes it up a notch in this dance that works with any song with an 8 count. This lesson is accessible to all ages, but is designed for those with a basic background in dance/movement. You can find less advanced dance lessons
HERE.
Materials: space around you, comfortable clothing
Georgia O’Keeffe Flowers (grades 3-6)
Artist Georgia O’Keeffe is known for her large paintings of flowers, which she painted to draw attention to the small things in life. Join teaching artist Bethany Wray to create your own flower inspired by the work of this iconic American artist. This lesson utilizes materials that some students will not have at home; however, crayons and white paper can be substituted.
Materials: oil pastels, black construction paper (or use crayons and white paper if you don’t have oil pastels and black paper)
Photosynthesis Sketch (grades 3-6)
Teaching artist Jim Anderson uses this detailed drawing of a pepper plant to explain photosynthesis, the process through which plants make their own food.
Materials: paper, pencil, eraser, black pen,
optional– colored pencils/crayons/watercolors
Let’s Dance! Part III (all ages/Performing Arts)
Teaching artist, dancer, and Merc Playhouse Executive Director Missi Smith introduces you to some dance steps that can be used with a wide range of music: musical theatre, jazz, hip hop…whatever you like to listen and move to, as long as it has an 8-count beat.
If you find this video too complicated, we encourage you to begin with Let’s Dance Part 1 HERE.
Materials: space around you, bare feet, sneakers, or jazz shoes, waterbottle (optional)
Bird Fest Poster Art (all ages)
Leavenworth’s annual Bird Fest celebrates the return of migratory birds in the midst of peak wildflower season. Participants enjoy the excitement of birding field trips and workshops, and take part in speaker events, music, visual arts, picnics, and activities for all ages and abilities. Students in grades K-8 are invited to submit bird art made with watercolors, pastels, colored pencils, markers, crayons, collage, or any other 2-dimensional materials. Deadline Wed. Mar. 31, 2020.
CLICK HERE for bird art instruction videos and contest details
Newsprint Birds (all ages)
Artist Amber Zimmerman uses a fun “canvas” as she walks you through painting a robin and a Mountain Bluebird on newsprint. Other fun canvases are old book pages or old sheet music, but make sure to ask an adult if it’s ok to use something before you rip it out of a book or start painting on it! (Shiny magazine pages won’t work–they don’t absorb paint.)
Materials: newsprint, watercolor set, black marker or crayon, water cup (optional–glue and construction paper)
P. Zonka Chicken (all ages)
Artist Christa Culbert uses Julie Paschkis’s book “P. Zonka Lays an Egg” as inspiration for this chicken-friendly art activity that uses a traditional Ukrainian folk art style. (Although chickens are technically birds, we suspect a chicken painting won’t win the Bird Fest contest. Use this lesson just for fun!)
Materials: paper, pencil, black marker or crayon, watercolor set, water cup, paper towel (optional)
Seed to Sprout (grades 4-6)
Teaching artist Jim Anderson takes you through the sprouting cycle of a pumpkin seed, illuminating this often mysterious process. This lesson complements school garden (or home garden) learning.
Materials: paper, pencil, eraser, seeds (optional), colored pencils (optional)
Intro to Breakdance III: Back Step (all ages/Performing Arts)
Teaching artist and breakdancer Miguel Renteria teaches you the back step–a fundamental component of breakdancing. (If you haven’t completed Parts I or II yet, click HERE).
You’ll need: open space and music you’d like to dance to
Upcycled Flowers (all ages)
Teaching artist Amber Zimmerman guides you in transforming recyclables into fun, unique flowers. A fun family activity to welcome spring!
Materials: aluminum foil, yarn or string, cardboard, markers, scissors, tape.
Caricatures (3rd-6th grade)
Caricatures aren’t just entertainment at state fairs—they’ve been used throughout history to make statements. Artist Amber Zimmerman explains what a caricature is and guides you through the basics of drawing these fun, exaggerated portraits.
Materials: paper, pencil, eraser
Intro to Breakdance II: Side Step (all ages/Performing Arts)
Teaching artist and breakdancer Miguel Renteria teaches you the side step–a fundamental component of breakdancing. (If you haven’t completed Part I yet, click HERE).
You’ll need: open space and music you’d like to dance to
Texture Relief (all ages/Fundamentals)
Artist Bethany Wray uses household materials to help you understand the concept of texture.
Materials: aluminum foil, yarn or string, cardboard, markers, scissors, tape.
Mule Deer Sketch & Paint (3rd-6th grade)
Artist Bruce Morrison takes a familiar figure in Central Washington–the mule deer–and shows you how to draw and paint one.
Material: paper, pencil, eraser, yellow/brown/black crayons, watercolors, water cup
Kid Like Me Collage (3rd-6th grade)
Artist Christa Culbert leads a collage lesson based on the book “A Girl Like Me” by Angela Johnson, illustrated by the artist Nina Crews.
To listen to Nina Crews reading “A Girl Like Me” click HERE.
Materials: paper, pencil, scissors, crayons/colored pencils/markers, watercolor set & water cup, glue or glue stick, materials that an adult says are ok to cut up: photographs, magazines, newspapers, etc.
Wiggly Worms and Itsy Bitsy Critters Part 2 (4th -6th grade)
Artist Jim Anderson takes you back under the soil with Part 2 of his underground garden series.
If you haven’t already completed Part 1, see the links below to do that lesson first.
Color as Time of Day (all ages/Fundamentals)
Artist Christa Culbert explores two different pieces of artwork that show you how color can be used to express time of day, and then guides you through creating a comic strip that conveys a sense of time.
You’ll focus on Chinami Nakajima’s “Weeping Cherry at Kozenji Temple” and “Miharu Takizakura Spring Night.”
Materials: paper, pencil, watercolor set, water cup, paper towel (optional)
Black Bears (3rd-6th grade)
Artist Bruce Morrison teaches you to sketch and paint the black bears you might see in the North Cascades.
Materials: paper, pencil, eraser, optional–watercolor paint set, water cup
Mysterious Life Underground Part 1: garlic & worms (4th-6th grade)
Artist and public school teacher Jim Anderson combines sketching with biology as you learn about the mysterious life underground. You’ll see some red wigglers, and then you’ll get to draw them.
Materials: pencil, pen or black marker, eraser, paper
Intro to Breakdance: Top Rock part 1 (all ages/performing arts)
Teaching artist and breakdancer “Bboy Hero” Miguel Renteria breaks down breakdance for you with a very basic step. You’ll learn the crossover, which is a foundation of breakdance. Miguel has been dancing since he was 12, he has competed in breakdance battles, and has taught breakdance at schools and Boys & Girls Clubs.
You’ll need: open space and music you’d like to dance to
I Can Fly (a writing lesson for grades 3-6)
Designed to accompany the Faith Ringgold art lesson we published recently
(on YouTube or Vimeo), “I Can Fly” is a writing lesson to be facilitated by teachers or homeschool leaders. Teaching artist and educational coach Anne Andersen takes you through the lesson plan.
First, watch Faith Ringgold reading “Tar Beach” HERE. You may also want to do the visual art lesson related to the book, on YouTube or Vimeo, before participating in the writing lesson.
Let’s Dance (all ages/performing arts)
Teaching artist, dancer, and Merc Playhouse Executive Director Missi Smith introduces you to some dance steps that can be used with a wide range of music: musical theatre, jazz, hip hop…whatever you like to listen and move to. Even those who consider themselves to have two left feet will find themselves a little more comfortable on the dance floor–or in the living room–with these moves in their repertoire.
You’ll learn steps like “step touch, “jazz box,” “out cross turn clap,” and “raise the roof.”
Let’s Dance Part 1: K-2nd grade
Once you master these steps you may want to move on to our Let’s Dance Part 2 video, below.
Let’s Dance Part 2: 3rd-6th grade
If you find this video too complicated, we encourage you to begin with Let’s Dance Part 1, above.
Materials: space around you, bare feet, sneakers, or jazz shoes, waterbottle (optional)
Faith Ringgold’s Story Quilts (3rd-6th grade)
Artist Bethany Wray uses Faith Ringgold’s “Tar Beach” book and one of her paintings as inspiration for these story quilts. Ringgold’s work focuses on her experience as an African-American woman, and often depicts themes of racial injustice and inequality.
We encourage you to listen to Faith Ringgold reading “Tar Beach” before you embark on this art lesson, to enhance and add historical context to the experience. Here’s the link.
Materials: paper, paint (any kind), pencil, scissors, items that can get paint on them (plastic utensils, bubble wrap, etc.), something to draw with (crayons/colored pencils/markers), glue
Learn more about Faith Ringgold HERE.
LOVE Cards for Valentine’s Day (3rd-6th grade)
Artist Bethany Wray helps you make a Valentine’s Day card while learning about the concepts of positive and negative space, as well as analogous colors.
Materials: paper, watercolor set, painters tape or masking tape, water cup, paper towel, crayons
Ice Sculptures (all ages/family)
Artist Amber Zimmerman shows you a fun way to create an outdoor art installation. This seasonal activity takes some preparation to create the ice blocks.
Materials: water, things to make ice in (like yogurt containers, deli containers, ice trays, silicon molds), food coloring or liquid watercolor–optional, warm water
Eagles (3rd-6th grade)
Artist Bruce Morrison teaches you how to draw and paint an eagle.
Materials: paper, pencil, watercolor set, water, paper towel, black/brown/yellow crayons
Mountain Landscape (3rd-6th grade)
Artist Amber Zimmerman teaches you to sketch and paint a stunning mountain scene using line, texture, and pattern.
Materials: paper, watercolor set, brush, water, paper towel, black marker, pencil, eraser, something round to trace (like a bowl or plate) or a protractor, salt
Having a Dream: Freedom Quilts (3rd-6th grade)
Artist Bethany Wray honors the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by helping you create painted quilt squares that express your dreams for a better world. This lesson references the legend of the Underground Railroad Quilts. See resources at the bottom of this description for more information. (visual arts)
Materials: square paper, watercolor set, water, paper towel, crayons/oil pastels, marker
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt
I have a dream speech recited by children
PBS Resources for How to talk about race and racism with your children
Learn to Juggle (all ages/family)
Juggling isn’t easy, but it can be learned in 3 steps and a lot of practice. Longtime juggler Rob Crandall walks you through the steps to becoming a juggler. (performing arts)
Materials: 3 things to juggle such as tennis balls or baseballs, bean bags, or small oranges (ask an adult if this is ok) or use snowballs outside!
Follow this link to create your own juggling balls out of rice and balloons.
Chickadee (3rd-6th grade)
Artist Bruce Morrison shows you how to sketch a bird often seen and heard in the North Cascades: the chickadee.
We suggest working with our “The Value of Value” (shading) video below, so that your chickadee sketch can incorporate more contrast. YouTube link or Vimeo link.
Materials: pencil, paper, eraser
The Value of Value (4th-6th grade)
Artist Amber Zimmerman explores the concept of VALUE–the lightness or darkness of
something. (visual art)
Materials:paper, pencil (or colored pencil)
Polar Bears in Sweaters (3rd-6th grade)
How do polar bears stay warm? They wear sweaters, of course! Artist Amber Zimmerman helps you learn about line and pattern as you create your own polar bear sweater designs using geometric shapes and bright colors. (visual art)
Materials: watercolor set, water cup, pencil, black marker, eraser
Radial Symmetry Snowflake (4th-6th grade)
Artist Bethany Way teaches you about the concept of “symmetry” and shows you how to create a watercolor resist painting of a snowflake. (visual arts)
Materials: paper, crayons or oil pastels, pencil, watercolor set with brush and water container, ruler, a round object like a plate, optional–salt (just regular table salt)
Drawing Motion (grades 4-6+)
Learn the basic elements of creating motion in drawings with teaching artist Christa Culbert. Starting with simple lines, Christa illuminates how small details can animate your figures. (visual arts)
Materials: 2 pieces scratch paper, pencil
Thankful Tree (grades 3-6/family)
Artist Amber Zimmerman helps you express your gratitude in a colorful way. This could be a Thanksgiving activity for your family–meaningful for all ages. (visual art)
Materials: paper, pen/pencil, watercolor paint set or colored pencils or crayons, marker or crayon
Holiday Heart Maps/Poems (all ages/family)
Teaching artist Anne Andersen shows you how to map the things you hold dear in your heart, using a lesson from poet Georgia Heard as inspiration. This could be a meaningful family activity during the holidays. (visual & literary art)
Materials: something to write on & something to write with (optional–markers, crayons, or colored pencils)
Red Poppies for Veterans Day (all ages)
Sculptor and painter Bruce Morrison guides you through painting red poppies in honor of war veterans. (visual art)
Materials: paper, blue or black crayon, watercolor paint set, brush, water cup
Nature Sketching Inside the Box (grades 4-6)
Author/illustrator Hannah Viano teaches you how to take a specimen from nature and create a nature journal entry using Harold the Horseshoe Crab.
Materials: paper, pen or pencil, colored pencil or watercolors or markers
Self Portrait (grades 4-6+) Part 2
If you haven’t already done Part 1 of the self-portrait lesson, please do that first. Watch on YouTube or Watch on Vimeo
Then, in this lesson, artist Bethany Wray takes you to the second phase of drawing your own face, creating a self-portrait, in the style of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. (visual art)
Materials: crayons/markers/colored pencils, black marker, pencil, eraser
Monster Drawing (grades 4-6)
Artist Amber Zimmerman shows you how to draw a monster–and later color it, if you wish. (visual art)
Materials: paper, pencil (optional–colored pencils, markers, crayons, or any other coloring materials)
Erasure Poem (grades 4-6+)
Poet Subhaga Crystal Bacon teaches you how to create an “erasure poem”–poetry created from words left behind. (literary arts)
Materials: pencil/pen/marker, newspaper and/or magazine
Draw a Self-Portrait (grades 4-6+) Part 1
Artist Bethany Wray teaches you how to draw your own face, creating a self-portrait. (visual art)
Materials: paper, pencil, eraser, mirror
The Important Thing (grades 4-6+)
Educator Anne Andersen guides you through an autobiographical writing exercise called The Important Thing (literary arts)
Materials: paper/journal, pen/pencil
Nature Bugs (4th-6th grade)
Artist Bethany Wray teaches you how to use objects found in nature to create 3D (3-dimensional) insects. (visual art, literacy)
Materials: piece of cardboard (or piece of cereal/cracker box), glue, sticks, leaves, small rocks, shells, seed pods, etc., a flat surface to work on