Classroom
No-prep art sub plan: shape monsters
A 40-minute art lesson any substitute can run: kids turn a simple shape into a monster, animal or robot, then name it and write one sentence about it.
- Time
- About 40 minutes
- Ages
- Grades K to 4
- You need
- Pencils, crayons, copies
How to run it
Print both pages
Page 1 is the lesson for the substitute. Page 2 is the student sheet. Make one copy per student plus a few spares.
Warm-up (5 minutes)
Draw a circle on the board and ask what it could become. Sketch three ideas fast.
Main activity (25 minutes)
Students pick one shape from the sheet and turn it into a character, then add a background.
Share (10 minutes)
Each student holds up the drawing and says its name and one fact about it.
Tip: Leave the plan in your emergency sub folder. It works any time of year.
Keep it going: books for this plan
Each book page on FirstArtBooks shows what’s inside. The Amazon button shows the current price.
Shape challenge · all agesShape Drawing Challenge
The idea behind this lesson, with many more shapes.
See it on Amazon
Step-by-step drawing · ages 5+How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Monsters
For a follow-up lesson when you’re back.
See it on Amazon
Step-by-step drawing · ages 5+How to Draw: Cool Stuff
Monsters, aliens and robots for a whole unit.
See it on Amazon
Questions parents ask
Does the substitute need art experience?
No. Every step is written out, and there are no right or wrong answers.