Teaching art in elementary school is so much more than passing out crayons and paintbrushes. It’s about nurturing creativity, building confidence, and helping young learners see the world in new ways. Whether you’re planning your next project, searching for standards-aligned content, or looking for ways to integrate art history and cultural awareness, the right resources can make a big difference.
To help you spend more time creating and less time searching, we’ve rounded up 10 websites every elementary art teacher should know. These platforms are free (or low-cost), classroom-tested, and full of engaging ideas and tools for K–5 learners.
Each entry includes:
- ✅ Why it’s worth knowing
- ✅ What it’s best for
- ✅ A tip or feature to help you get the most from it
Let’s dive into your next favorite art teaching tools.
List of 10 Great Websites that Elementary School Art Teachers Should Explore
Inspiring creativity, saving planning time, and bringing color to the classroom.
1. Art for Kids Hub
Why it’s worth knowing:
Run by a creative family, this site is full of easy-to-follow drawing tutorials for kids, with new videos posted regularly.
Best for:
Step-by-step drawing activities, early finishers, and brain breaks that reinforce fine motor skills.
Notes:
Perfect for distance learning or sub plans, just hit play and let students follow along with the hosts!
2. Deep Space Sparkle
Why it’s worth knowing:
Created by former art teacher Patty Palmer, this site offers art lessons, classroom management tips, and standards-aligned projects designed specifically for K–6.
Best for:
Ready-made lessons that connect art to literature, history, and core curriculum standards.
Notes:
Check out the free lesson library, and consider the paid membership if you’re building a yearlong curriculum.
3. Crayola for Educators
Why it’s worth knowing:
Crayola’s education site includes lesson plans, professional development, and creative activities that go beyond just coloring.
Best for:
Integrating art into Social Emotional Learning (SEL), literacy, and cross-curricular learning.
Notes:
Don’t miss the free PDF downloads that align with National Visual Arts Standards.
4. Tate Kids
Why it’s worth knowing:
From the UK’s Tate Museum, this site helps students explore modern and contemporary art through games, quizzes, and artist profiles.
Best for:
Introducing famous artists and movements in a kid-friendly, interactive format.
Notes:
The “Make” section is a treasure trove of creative Do-it-yourself (DIY) art projects using everyday household materials.
5. The Artful Parent
Why it’s worth knowing:
Focused on process art and open-ended creativity, this site is packed with simple, beautiful projects you can adapt to any elementary school grade.
Best for:
Low-prep, high-engagement activities that emphasize creativity over perfection.
Notes:
Great for early childhood or calming creative centers that encourage self-expression.
6. National Gallery of Art – NGAkids
Why it’s worth knowing:
NGAkids offers interactive art-making tools and art history games tailored for young learners.
Best for:
Digital art activities and virtual field trips to introduce kids to classical and modern art.
Notes:
Use the “Art Zone” to let students create on-screen collages, paintings, and animations.
7. KinderArt
Why it’s worth knowing:
One of the longest-running art ed sites online, KinderArt includes thousands of free lesson plans and teaching tips.
Best for:
Finding step-by-step projects by grade level, season, or material type.
Notes:
The “Printables” section is a lifesaver when you need a quick, structured activity.
8. The MetKids
Why it’s worth knowing:
Created by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this vibrant site gives kids a fun and interactive way to explore art, objects, and cultures.
Best for:
Bringing museum-quality content to your classroom in a kid-centered way.
Notes:
Use the time-travel feature to link art projects to historical periods or world cultures.
9. Cassie Stephens
Why it’s worth knowing:
Cassie is a nationally recognized elementary art teacher who shares creative, classroom-tested ideas with humor and heart.
Best for:
Themed art weeks, collaborative school-wide projects, and artsy teacher inspiration.
Notes:
Follow her on Instagram for even more visual ideas and costume-driven fun!
10. Teaching Artist Podcast + Blog
Why it’s worth knowing:
This community-driven site connects working artists with educators through interviews, blog posts, and curriculum shares.
Best for:
Inspiration, advocacy, and hearing how real art educators make it work.
Notes:
Great Professional Development (PD) resource for newer teachers or those working alone as the only art teacher in their school.
In Closing
Art class is where many students discover their voice, their confidence, and their love of learning. As an elementary art teacher, you’re not just teaching projects, you’re cultivating imagination, problem-solving, and joy.
These 10 must-know websites can help you save planning time, find new inspiration, and keep your classroom vibrant all year long. Try one out this week, bookmark your favorites, and keep creating magic, one crayon, brushstroke, or collage at a time.
Are you looking for more classroom-ready ideas like this one? Head back to our main resource hub to keep exploring resources for teachers.
