Teach the Elements of Design with this complete Grade 1–3 Visual Arts resource! It includes an editable Google Slides™ presentation and a printable student workbook designed to introduce, practise and apply key concepts from the Ontario Visual Arts Curriculum.
The activities build progressively across the primary grades and can be completed directly on the workbook pages using pencils, pencil crayons or markers. The workbook gives students opportunities to identify, trace, draw, colour, shade and create using each element of design.
Each element of design can be covered using this resource in 1-2 days. They can be stretched longer or shorter, depending on if you use every workbook page or not. You can pick and choose as it suits your learners.
The editable Google Slides™ presentation provides clear explanations, visual examples and discussion prompts for whole-class instruction. Teachers can adjust the wording, reorder slides, remove content or add their own examples to meet the needs of their students.
This Art Resource Includes:
- 34-slide editable Google Slides™
- 52-page Workbook (Includes “Artist Challenges” for each element)
Covers all six Elements of Design:
- Line (12 pages, 6 slides)
- Shape and Form (11 pages, 5 slides)
- Space (6 pages, 5 slides)
- Colour (8 pages, 6 slides)
- Texture (4 pages, 4 slides)
- Value (7 pages, 5 slides)
A note about the workbook format:
This resource is intentionally workbook-based. It is designed to provide an accessible introduction to the elements of design, especially in classrooms with limited time, space or art supplies. The workbook is not intended to replace open-ended art making. Instead, it helps students build foundational vocabulary, practise specific techniques and develop confidence before applying their learning to larger art projects. Teachers can extend the concepts with painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, mixed-media projects or other creative activities whenever time and materials allow.
Ontario Curriculum Connections (Grade 1-3 Visual Arts)*
D1.1 create two- and three-dimensional works of art that express feelings and ideas inspired by their interests and experiences
D1.2 demonstrate an understanding of composition, using selected principles of design to create narrative art works or art works on a theme or topic
D1.3 use elements of design in art works to communicate ideas, messages, and understandings
D2.2 explain how elements and principles of design are used to communicate meaning or understanding in their own and others’ artwork
(*Expectation wording varies per grade)
