10 End of the Year Art Projects for Elementary School Students

Children and an adult engaging in a craft activity at a table covered with colorful paper, scissors, pencils, and other craft materials. The children are working on an end of the year art project. The scene is vibrant and busy, with children focused on creating various art pieces.
Kids working on an art project.

Table of Contents

Classroom filled with elementary school children engaged in various art projects. They are smiling and enjoying activities like drawing and painting. The classroom is colorful and lively with artwork on the walls and a teacher assisting in the background. Text on the image reads '10 Art Project Ideas for Elementary School' and 'EdThings.com.
Help Us Grow! Pin This Image to Your Board.
As the school year ends, it’s time to celebrate our young artists’ talent and imagination! End of the year art projects are a fantastic way for elementary school students to express themselves, reflect on their learning, and have fun before summer break. Here are ten ideas for fun and creative art projects that teachers and parents can use to help young artists have a fun and satisfying time making art.

Collage of Memories

By making a memory collage, students can think back on their favorite parts of the school year. Provide them with various materials like magazine cutouts, stickers, photos, and colored paper. Encourage them to assemble these pieces and glue them together to create a collage of their favorite memories. For more tips on collage-making, check out this guide.

Dream Catchers

Encourage kids to think about their dreams and goals by making dream catchers. Let them decorate paper plates or embroidery hoops with feathers, beads, and ribbons. As they create, they can discuss their hopes and dreams, fostering both imagination and critical thinking.

Self-Portraits of Superheroes

Ask kids to envision themselves as superheroes! Give a creative twist to self-portraits by having them add superhero capes, masks, and symbols. They can also write about their superhero alter egos and the traits they would embody.

My Summer Adventure Booklet

Help kids create a unique booklet titled “My Summer Adventure” where they can draw and write about their summer plans, dream destinations, and anticipated fun activities. This project is an excellent way for kids to articulate and remember their summer aspirations.

Collaborative Mural Painting

Encourage teamwork and cooperation by having the entire class work together on a large mural. Divide the mural into sections and assign each student a portion to design and paint. Once completed, display the mural in a prominent location to showcase their collective achievement. For more ideas and resources on collaborative art projects, visit the National Gallery of Art’s education resources page.

Elementary school students engaged in end of the year art projects in a bright, cheerful classroom.

3D Paper Sculptures

Introduce kids to three-dimensional art with paper sculptures. Provide them with construction paper in various colors and instructions on folding and cutting techniques to create 3D flowers, animals, or abstract shapes.

Illustrations for Books

Allow students to unleash their inner illustrators by drawing scenes from their favorite stories or fairytales. Provide art supplies and encourage them to bring the characters and scenes to life through their drawings.

Recycled Art Projects

Teach kids about sustainability and the importance of recycling through art projects using found objects. Encourage them to create sculptures, masks, or collages using recycled paper, cardboard, and other household items.

Chalk Art

Take art outside with chalk art. Give the kids a large section of pavement or the playground and let them create vibrant chalk drawings. They can work on individual pieces or collaborate on a larger mural.

“Me as an Artist” Portfolio

Create a “Me as an Artist” portfolio to help students reflect on their growth as artists throughout the school year. The portfolio can include their best artworks, photos of their creative process, and written reflections on their artistic development.

Clay Creations

Introduce students to the tactile and imaginative world of clay. Provide them with clay and basic sculpting tools to create their own unique sculptures. Whether they make animals, abstract forms, or practical items, working with clay helps develop fine motor skills and three-dimensional thinking.

Conclusion

These end of the year art projects for elementary school kids are a great way for them to be creative, express themselves, and have fun. Before going on their summer trips, kids can celebrate their accomplishments, grow their love of art, and make memories with these fun activities. So, let’s use these fun art projects to encourage our young artists to use their ideas and find their own voices.

FAQs

What are some simple end of the year art projects for elementary students?

Simple projects include memory collages, dream catchers, and self-portraits of superheroes. These projects use basic materials and encourage creativity.

How can art projects help students reflect on their school year?

Art projects like memory collages and “Me as an Artist” portfolios allow students to visually and creatively reflect on their experiences and growth throughout the year.

What materials are needed for a collaborative mural project?

For a mural project, you’ll need a large canvas or paper, paints, brushes, and any additional decorative materials like stickers or glitter. Assigning sections to each student promotes teamwork.

How can recycled art projects teach kids about sustainability?

Recycled art projects use everyday household items that would otherwise be discarded. This teaches kids to see the creative potential in reused materials and understand the importance of recycling.

What are the benefits of outdoor chalk art?

Outdoor chalk art allows kids to enjoy fresh air while expressing their creativity. It also provides a large canvas for collaborative projects and can be easily washed away, making it a temporary but impactful medium.

How can teachers integrate art projects into the curriculum?

Teachers can integrate art projects by aligning them with themes from the curriculum, such as creating illustrations for books read in class or making projects that reflect historical or scientific topics.

Picture of Jeremy Sayers
Jeremy Sayers

My first blog was meant to connect with and provide resources for students and parents in the 2nd-grade class I was teaching.

EdThings.com is an extension of that first site.  There are many math resources and worksheets on this site, along with articles related to the field of education.

I have been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years. In 2023 I was honored to be named as an LAUSD Teacher of the Year. Thank you for visiting. I hope this site is helpful to you.

Children and an adult engaging in a craft activity at a table covered with colorful paper, scissors, pencils, and other craft materials. The children are working on an end of the year art project. The scene is vibrant and busy, with children focused on creating various art pieces.

Table of Contents

Technology

AI in Education 2025: What Teachers Need to Know

AI is revolutionizing education by 2025, enabling personalized learning experiences and redefining classroom dynamics. Teachers must understand AI technologies, seek continuous training, and address ethical challenges. The future demands students skilled for an AI-driven world, and a collaborative

Read More »
Blog

How Parent-Teacher Collaboration Boosts Student Achievement

Explore how parent-teacher collaboration can boost student achievement. From understanding the current academic crisis to strategizing effective communication methods and leveraging technology, this blog provides a comprehensive guide to fostering a collaborative culture for improved educational outcomes.

Read More »
Image showing different top side jobs for teachers
Blog

Top Side Jobs for Teachers: Boost Your Income Today

Explore the financial reality of teaching and how side jobs can provide extra income and financial security. From seasonal work at amusement parks to flexible driving gigs, retail roles, and online tutoring, there are diverse opportunities available. Teachers can also leverage their skills in creative

Read More »
Excited students in a classroom playing an educational game using a game generator, with a leaderboard displayed on the screen. Displayed on the image are the words: 7 Best Game Generators for Teachers
Blog

7 Best Game Generators for Teachers

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these fun and free coloring pages! Perfect for home, school, or parties, these printable coloring pages feature leprechauns, shamrocks, rainbows, and pots of gold. Coloring helps kids develop creativity and fine motor skills while enjoying the holiday spirit. Download and print these festive designs today!

Read More »
Download Free St. Patrick’s Day Coloring Pages PDF - Black and white festive coloring pages featuring leprechauns, rainbows, pots of gold, and shamrocks.
Blog

Free St. Patrick’s Day Pages for Kids

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these fun and free coloring pages! Perfect for home, school, or parties, these printable coloring pages feature leprechauns, shamrocks, rainbows, and pots of gold. Coloring helps kids develop creativity and fine motor skills while enjoying the holiday spirit. Download and print these festive designs today!

Read More »
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Reddit