how to draw a fish | native american art lesson for kids

I lived in Alaska for seven years and I loved the native art. If your looking for an art lesson that teaches about America's native art and culture than you'll love this simple art lesson. This art lesson teaches kids about Alaska native art. I made you a video to guide your kids /students on how to draw a fish and than I encourage kids to be creative as they design their fish inspired by Alaskan native art. 

Here are some really cool facts about Alaska natives to start your kids/students out with!

• People who study the history of the earth, called archaeologists, have found evidence that the first people in Alaska (called natives) arrived around 10,000 years ago. They believe they came from Asia to Siberia and eventually across a bridge of land that connected to Alaska called the Bering Land Bridge or they traveled across close to shores.  
• In southeast Alaska there are lush forests with edible plants, mushrooms, and berries that the natives and people in Alaska still eat. The natives survived because of the abundant animals like salmon, caribou, whale and moose that they ate and used for survival. These were important and that is why they are often included in past and present artwork. 
• Alaska is very cold in the winter, get's lots of snow, and the days are shorter. However in the spring the snow melts (what they call break up) and the sun is out longer because it is further from the equator. This makes the ice melt quickly and the plants grow fast with the long summer days. The summers are cool, but the sun feels hot when it's not covered by clouds. Alaska is a HUGE state, so the further you go north the colder it is. Some places in Alaska have snow all year long! The temperature is more stable the closer to the ocean! Most of the natives settled where the temperatures were more stable. Those that lived in the colder regions often traveled and traded with other natives to survive.  
• The natives create art that often tells a story with symbols. These stories are past down to each generation. This is how the native people hold onto their culture still today. They love to create totem poles, ceremonial costumes, colorful quilts, bone carvings and exquisite jewelry.

The Raven is an Alaska native story that introduces the art "style" of the Alaska natives. I love to read this to my students/kids before I start the following art project. ​

watch the video and start creating!

All you need for this project is paper and markers. Simple is great!

I hope you enjoyed this art lesson for kids! Let me know if you enjoyed it in the comments. Thanks for watching!

get more art lessons

This art project is part of the Woodland Art Activity Book that teaches kids to get outdoors and enjoy nature while they create and learn about art. You can also enjoy a variety of art lessons for kids below. 

Downloadable- Woodland Art Activity Book

$12.95