Visual and Performing Arts Lesson Plans for K–12
Explore free visual and performing arts lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school classrooms. This Share My Lesson collection includes drawing activities, music lessons, dance instruction and theater resources, along with materials on graphic novels and comic books.
Arts instruction gives students opportunities to develop their own ideas and examine how others communicate through images, sound and performance. These resources invite students to study artists’ choices and experiment with their own creative work, with connections to literature, history and other subjects.
What You’ll Find in This Collection
- Visual arts: Drawing, design and art analysis lessons exploring artistic techniques, identity and visual expression.
- Music: Resources on rhythm, musical traditions and influential performers, including Learning Rhythm Through Gospel.
- Dance: Movement activities and performance resources, including KQED Education’s Breakdancing with Rashidi Omari.
- Drama and theater: Drama games, acting activities and lessons on plays for students at different grade levels.
- Graphic novels and comic books: Educator guides and videos exploring how artists combine images and words to tell stories.
Bringing Arts Learning Into Your Classroom
Start with the skill you want students to practice, then choose a resource that fits their experience and your available time. An elementary drawing activity can introduce students to following visual directions. Older students might examine artistic choices in an album cover or explore a character through a drama activity.
Use the collection throughout the school year or when planning for National Arts and Humanities Month. For additional music resources, browse Music in Our Schools Month lesson plans and activities.
Explore the sections below to find an activity that gives your students something to create or a work of art to discuss.
