Doodle Art Activities that are Fun and Easy for Everyone

In my classroom on Fridays, we get to take a little time out and do some fun art activities. Our school doesn't have an art program, and I feel the kids should get some experience with art. The problem I found early on, was that my students were easily frustrated and discouraged if they couldn't do something "just right" or had problems. Sooner than later, they would give up. They did much better if their art activities were more "restricted". By this I mean that they needed more direction then I thought. They needed projects they were capable of doing and activities that they wouldn't be intimidated yet still have the creative freedom they need. That's why I came up with this list of Doodling Art Activities. They are all quite easy and require minimal preparation and special materials.

Shape Art

Assign each student a shape (rectangle, triangle, circle, etc.) Have the students draw an assigned object using only that shape. Depending on how dependent your students are, you can have them pick their own shape and their own object. But I found that if I give them too much freedom they will spend the entire art time picking which shape to use. This is one of those Art Activities that they tend to do better with when given a little more instruction. Check out my examples.

Instructional Modern Art

This is one of my favorite Art Activities. Give each student a blank piece of paper. Tell them they need to listen very carefully to the instructions they are to be given. They can't ask any questions and need not to worry about what their neighbor is doing. Their art piece may look different from others, which is good. It all depends on what they do with the instructions they are given.

You can create your own list of instructions (especially depending on what age children you are working with) or you can use my pre-made ones here and see what kind of art piece is created. When I was a substitute teacher I used this art activity all the time when I had a few extra minutes before the bell rang.

Circle Coloring Art

I learned this activity when I was in elementary school and just loved it. I like to set out a color scheme before I begin. I choose 4 or 5 colors to use, but of course that is totally up to you. You begin with a blank sheet of paper and start by coloring 4 or 5 tiny circles of the same color, randomly over the page. You then take the next color and color around all the circles, so it makes a larger circle. You continue this pattern until your entire paper is filled up. You have to have patience when completing this project. If you hurry (like a lot of kids tend to do) they have a lot of blank space. If they take their time, coloring dark and every blank space, it makes quite a difference.

Examples coming soon

Random Design Art

My mom taught this art activity to us when we were little. It's a good way to keep kids busy. Start with a white sheet of paper. Take a black marker and draw a line that curls all around the paper. Keep the marker on the paper, making loops and designs. When you feel you have finished connect the line to the start to enclose the loop. Then take bright colors and start coloring in the areas, using a different color for each area. Use your imagination to determine what your design looks like and give it a title. It's just like making pictures out of the clouds. Everyone's will come out differently and will all look very cool. Take a look!

These are just a few Art Activities I do. I plan on getting some more up soon.

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