Element of Texture Lesson Ideas for K–5

Teaching the Element of Texture is one of the most engaging ways to help elementary students slow down, observe closely, and connect with their artwork. Texture helps students understand how things feel and how artists can show those textures using marks, materials, and patterns. This six-lesson elementary art bundle introduces texture in a clear, hands-on way for grades K–5, progressing from playful mark-making to detailed observational drawing and implied texture.

Quick Answer: What Is the Element of Texture in Art?

The element of texture refers to how a surface feels (real or tactile texture) or how it looks like it feels (implied or visual texture). In elementary art, students explore texture using materials they can touch as well as lines, patterns, and marks that suggest texture in drawings.

Why Teach the Element of Texture in Elementary Art?

The Element of Texture supports both creativity and skill development in the art room. Texture lessons help students:

Strengthen fine motor skills
Practice careful observation
Explore mark-making and line variety
Understand the difference between real and implied texture
Add depth and interest to their artwork

Because texture is sensory and hands-on, these lessons are especially engaging for elementary students and work well across grade levels.

Element of Texture Lesson Ideas for K–5

These elementary art texture lessons are developmentally sequenced, making them easy to teach and effective for building skills over time.

Furry Faced Baboons (Grades K–1)

In this kindergarten and first-grade art lesson, students explore texture by using short and long lines to draw a baboon’s furry face. This project introduces implied texture through playful mark-making while building confidence with drawing tools and line variety. It’s an approachable way to help young artists see how simple marks can suggest fur and softness.

Feathered Friends (Grades K–2)

This hands-on lesson helps students compare real (tactile) texture and implied (visual) texture by combining drawing and collage. Using real feathers alongside drawn marks makes the difference between textures students can touch and textures they can see very clear. This lesson supports early art vocabulary and sensory learning in a meaningful way.

Digging Deep Ant Colony (Grades 2–3)

In this engaging second- and third-grade lesson, students design an underground ant colony using crumpled and torn paper to create tunnels and pathways. This project explores real texture through paper manipulation while reinforcing how implied texture can show movement, space, and environment. It’s highly interactive and encourages creative problem-solving.

Cozy Socks (Grades 3–4)

Students design a cozy sock using yarn and glue applied along contour lines, helping them understand how texture and line work together. This lesson strengthens fine motor skills while introducing real texture in a controlled, classroom-friendly way. Students also begin to see how texture can suggest softness and form.

Underground Garden (Grades 4–5)

In this upper elementary art lesson, students illustrate vegetables growing above and below the ground using layered marks, patterns, and detailed lines. The focus is on implied texture, with connections to science and nutrition through observational drawing. This lesson encourages careful looking and thoughtful mark-making.

Hibernating Under the Tree (Grades 4–5)

In this storytelling-based lesson, students create a cross-section winter scene showing animals hibernating beneath a tree. Line and pattern are used to differentiate textures such as fur, soil, roots, and underground spaces. This project strengthens observation, composition, and implied texture skills while encouraging creativity.

What’s Included in the Element of Texture Bundle

Each lesson is classroom ready and designed to support teachers at every step:

PDF presentation with step-by-step instructions
Full video demonstration for modeling or guided instruction
Printable student handouts
Exit tickets for assessment and reflection
High-quality display examples
Teacher overview with National Visual Arts Standards
Clear “I can” statements and lesson objectives

Why Teachers Love These Texture Lessons

This elementary art texture lesson bundle is designed for homeschool parents or classrooms:

Reinforce the Elements of Art curriculum
Use simple, accessible materials
Support hands-on learning and art vocabulary development
Work well for sub plans, art centers, or homeschool instruction
Encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and observation

Through animal-themed, nature-inspired, and imaginative projects, students learn to identify, compare, and create both real (tactile) texture and implied (visual) texture. Each lesson is designed for success in the elementary art room and produces artwork students are proud to display.