Here is a round-up of 10+ line activities for kids. Build confidence and artistic skill by focusing on this element of art!
During my time as a teacher in the elementary art room, I discovered the importance of starting the year off by focusing on the element of line.
Regardless of whether my students were in kindergarten or fifth grade, I found that going back to basics was crucial in helping them develop confidence and improve their artistic abilities.
By prioritizing the element of line in the beginning of the school year, I was able to create a solid platform for my students to build upon for the rest of the year.
Keep reading for 10+ activities to teach the element of line.
Table of Contents
Line Paintings with Tape Resist
Element of Line Loose Parts Play Invitation
Line Sculptures with Pipe Cleaners
Line Prints Using Cardboard
Observational Squash Drawings with Contour Line
Leaf Mobile Sculptures
Line Art Canvases
Element of Line Play Dough Task Cards
Line Sculptures with Tooth Picks
Match the Line Card Game
Line Drawings Using Marker
Monoprints with Painted Line
Now, for more about these 10+ element of line activities for kids!
1. Line Paintings with Tape Resist
Tape resist is one of my favorite strategies to use with the youngest of artists. This art technique really draws attention to the painting process. We used this project to teach the element of line, and vocabulary such as horizontal, vertical, and diagonal. Check out the blog post on this project here.
2. Element of Line Loose Parts Play
This element of line loose parts play activity is a great way to not only introduce children to this element of art, but provides an opportunity to explore the lines that are used to write letters and numbers. For full instructions on this activity, check out this blog post.
3. Line Sculptures with Pipe Cleaners
There is something about sculpture work that just seems to draw kids in. This sculpture invitation for kids teaches the art element of line, all while developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and inquiry skills. Check out the tutorial here.
4. LinePrints Using Cardboard
This is hands-down the easiest printmaking project for kids. Don’t let the simplicity deceive you, though. Children will learn so much about the element of line! Check out the tutorial for the project here.
5. Observational Squash Drawings with Contour Line
This observational squash drawing for kids is the perfect opportunity to practice the skill of drawing, while also developing observation skills and paving the path for learning about plant growth process. Children will begin the project with a contour line drawing. Read the blog post tutorial for the activity here.
6. Leaf Mobile Sculptures Using Line
Feeling inspired by the beauty of fall? These Bohemian mobile sculptures are a fabulous way to introduce the element of line to elementary students and celebrate the beauty of autumn. Check out the lesson plan for this project here.
7. Line Art Canvases
The simplicity of the materials used for this process art piece helps the playful quality of children’s line drawings shine through. It may be tempting to add more supplies into the mix, but trust me on this one. Less is more. Read the blog post here.
8. Element of Line Play Dough Task Cards
This easy art activity is a low-prep way to introduce your child to line while nurturing their fine motor skill development. Purchase the set of task cards here.
9. Line Sculptures with Toothpicks
Children will use the element of line to create a sculpture in this process-based art activity. Plus, they will learn that there is more than one way to meet an artistic challenge! Check out the Element of Line Art Center Pack here.
10. Match the Line Card Game
This printable matching game for kids helps children identify different types of line, and note similarities and differences. Plus, matching games develop the critical thinking skills needed for decision making! Purchase the card game here.
11. Line Drawings Using Marker
The best projects are often open-ended. In this line drawing, children will use the ingredient of line to create a drawing. They can draw whatever they want as long as it is school appropriate, their best effort, and uses line. Purchase the lesson plan here.
12. Monoprints Using Line
If the thought of printmaking with children makes you nervous, give this technique a try! Mess is easily contained within a cake pan and is a breeze to clean up! Check out the blog post for this project here.
Enjoy these activities, as you teach the amazing element of line.
