Silly Soup Drawing: A Fun and Easy Lower Elementary Art Sub Plan
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. I earn a small commission at no cost to you if you decide to make a purchase from one of my links.
Next up in my elementary art sub plan series: Silly Soup Drawing Activity: Lower Elementary Art Sub Plan
Looking for a quick and engaging lower elementary art sub plan that requires little prep and guarantees lots of giggles? Try the Silly Soup Drawing Activity! This project works perfectly for substitute teachers, last-minute lesson plans, or an easy day in the art room. Students love the freedom to be creative while filling their “soup bowls” with the silliest ingredients they can imagine.
Why Choose the Silly Soup Drawing Activity for a Lower Elementary Art Sub Plan?
- Low Prep – just paper, pencils, and coloring supplies (I suggest crayons).
- Perfect for subs – simple step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.
- Kid-approved – the silly theme sparks imagination and laughter.
- Flexible time frame – can fill 30–50 minutes depending on your schedule.
This lesson is great for grades K–2, but can easily be adapted for older students too (larger, more elaborate drawings, colored pencils, etc.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Introduction (5 minutes)
Introduce the project by saying:
“Today we’re going to make a Silly Soup! This isn’t normal soup—it’s filled with silly, magical, and wacky ingredients you invent.”
Brainstorm a few ideas as a class and write them on the board. Examples: lollipops, sneakers, goldfish, eyeballs, or unicorn horns.
2. Draw the Soup Bowl (5 minutes)
Have students draw a big bowl or pot in the center of the paper. Encourage them to make it large so there’s plenty of space to add ingredients.
*Depending on your class time and student needs, providing a template is also an option.
3. Add Silly Ingredients (15 minutes)
Students fill their bowls with all kinds of silly objects and creatures. I often leave idea-starter handouts with images related to the lesson theme. This is a great way to jump start student ideas. Encourage creativity by asking questions like:
- “What would it look like if your favorite toy was floating in soup?”
- “What’s the silliest food you can think of?”
- “Could an animal or a magical creature swim in your soup?”
4. Outline and Color (10–15 minutes)
Students can outline with a black marker and then color in their drawings using crayons, markers, or colored pencils. Bright, bold colors make their soups even more fun!
5. Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
Ask students to give their silly soup a funny name and write it at the top of the page. Some favorites include: Dragon Tail Stew, Pickle Marshmallow Soup, or Rainbow Unicorn Chowder.
If time allows, let students share their work with a partner or hang them together as a “Silly Soup Menu” display.
Early Finisher Ideas
- Add a background (kitchen, restaurant, or table).
- Draw themselves as the chef serving the soup.
- Decorate the border of the paper with extra silly ingredients.
Why This Makes a Great Sub Plan
The Silly Soup Drawing lesson is a lifesaver for art teachers who need a ready-to-go sub plan. With clear steps and endless creative possibilities, substitutes can easily guide students through the activity without prior art experience. Kids stay engaged, use their imaginations, and have fun creating.
Whether you’re planning ahead for your sub folder or need a last-minute activity, this lower elementary art project is sure to be a hit!
Full lesson with step by step handout, optional template and food idea handouts available in my TPT Store.
If you enjoyed this post, read more about my elementary art sub plan article from last week: Easy Art Sub Plan: Bullseye Op Art for Kids
Interested in using this easy lower elementary art sub plan? Add your email below to get a free copy of the soup bowl blank template if you need an even easier approach for your sub. You will also get a reminder when my weekly article drops. Keep up with all things elementary art!