Looking for the perfect fall project that feels seasonal without being too Halloween-y? These Glowing Pattern Pumpkins are the MOST fun to create during the first weeks of autumn.

Students will explore line directions and line types while creating bold patterns, then use crayons and markers to layer color and achieve a magical glowing effect. Simple to set up, easy to teach, and deeply engaging — this project strengthens craftsmanship, builds patience, and shows kids just how powerful basic materials can be.

Seasonal, skill-building, and absolutely GLOW-rious (yes, I went there) — this is a project you’ll want to bring back year after year.

Ready to get your students super excited for art class?

I guarantee high engagement as soon as you say the words, “tie-dye.”

From line review and patterns, to symbolism and printing, this lesson hits every element and technique necessary to hook your students, hold focus, and prime fine motor skills for subsequent projects.

What’s included:

• Learning Objectives

• National Standards

• Materials List

• Whiteboard Notes

• Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos

• Birds-eye view Demonstration Video 

• Detailed Instructional Notes

• Printable Resources

This multi-media project features drawing, painting, and printing, and is an excellent opportunity to review knowledge of symmetry, lines and shapes, and explore the magic of printing!

What’s included:

• Step-by-Step Instructions with Photos

• Instructional Video

• Slideshow Presentation

• Materials List

• Learning Objectives

• National Standards

• Whiteboard Notes

• Handout: Building Lines and Window Idea Sheet

Color Monsters = The best fall project for young artists.

I could leave it at that. But there is SO much about this lesson that makes it more than an instant visual favorite.

Your youngest learners will learn to identify and share emotions through color and line type, assemble an expression that shows a feeling, AND supercharge their dexterity and fine motor strength through an extensive cutting experience.

Core art elements, social emotional learning, and physical skill-building. Win. Win. WIN.

This lesson starts with the story, The Color Monster by Anna Llenas, and continues with students using line and color to share a feeling of their choice. Then we cut and glue, and cut and glue some more until we have a monster with an expressive face that shows the emotion to match the color.

Enjoy the process. Enjoy the giggles of pride even more. And take as many pictures as you can of the hilariously creative monsters your students create. They’ll be better than any example you make.

I promise.