Hibernating Bear Art Lesson K-3

Bring cozy winter creativity into your classroom with this Hibernating Bear (or Bear's Big Sleep) art lesson designed especially for K–3 learners. In this playful mixed media project, students will explore how animals rest during the winter while creating their own snuggled-up bear using simple shapes, implied and actual texture and bold design.

Inspired by the artwork of Charley Harper, and playful illustrations of Freya Hartas, students will learn how to break down animals into basic shapes like circles and ovals to create a stylized, eye-catching bear. They’ll combine drawing and mixed media techniques to explore how to create different types of texture, and build a peaceful winter scene with a sleeping bear tucked into its den.

This lesson encourages young artists to:

• Practice shape-based drawing
  
• Explore seasonal themes like winter and hibernation
  
• Use a variety of art materials in creative ways
  
• Build confidence through guided, step-by-step instruction
  

Perfect for winter units, animal studies, or a cozy day in the art room, this project is both approachable and engaging for young learners. The result is a collection of adorable, expressive bears that are as unique as the students who create them.

This lesson is broken down into clear and simple steps complete with full color photos demonstrating and explaining each step of the project, specifically for grades K–3!

The digital 35 page slide PDF/ Google Slide/ PPT presentation for this lesson includes:

-Lesson Objectives
-Vocabulary List
-National Standards
-Supplies needed for the project
-Artist background info on Charley Harper and Freya Hartas
-Art History connection featuring Bear in the Birches

- 4 perfect picture book connections (with links)

- 2 different linked hibernation videos for kids
-Step-by-Step Photos of the lesson from beginning to end with detailed explanation for each step
-Helpful tips & tricks for teachers to share with students
- 3 different simple bear drawing guides
-Student examples for reference