Paint a Family Mural: Teamwork on a Big Sheet
A family or classroom mural teaches teamwork, planning and sharing space. Here's how to plan and draw a big ocean mural together, step by step.
A shared mural teaches kids teamwork: planning together, dividing jobs, sharing space and making something bigger than anyone could make alone. An ocean scene is a perfect first mural, because there is room for every child to add their own creatures.
Murals are big, social and impressive. They also teach important collaboration skills: compromise, planning and respecting others' work.
Plan together
1. Pick a theme. Ocean, jungle, city, outer space.
2. Sketch a rough plan. Where will the big things go?
3. Assign areas or jobs. Who draws the background? Who draws fish?
4. Agree on rules. No drawing over someone else's part without asking.
An ocean mural
The ocean is perfect for group murals. The background is simple (blue water, sandy bottom), and everyone can add their own creatures. How to Draw: Fish, Sea Creatures, and More teaches kids to draw fish, crabs, octopuses and more, so every child can contribute something they are proud of.
Supplies
- A long roll of paper (butcher paper or the back of wrapping paper)
- Crayons, markers or paint
- Tape to hang it on a wall or lay it on the floor
Teamwork skills
- Planning. Deciding together before starting.
- Dividing work. Everyone has a job.
- Compromise. Not everyone gets their first choice.
- Respect. Protecting each other's work.
- Shared pride. "We made this!"
Display it
Hang the finished mural in a hallway, playroom or classroom. Take a group photo in front of it. For more team activities, see collaborative drawing games.
Questions parents ask
How do kids make a mural together?
Pick a theme, sketch a plan, assign areas or jobs, agree on rules and draw on a large roll of paper.
What is a good theme for a kids' mural?
An ocean is a great first mural because the background is simple and every child can add their own sea creatures.
What does a group mural teach kids?
Planning, cooperation, compromise, respecting others' work and shared pride.
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