Using handouts and visual supports introduce the students to Japanese ink painting/watercolors and photographs of cherry trees in blossom. If possible share in the classroom a real (or artificial) cherry blossom branch.
The paper is pre-cut students write their name small in the lower corner. Direct drawing techniques work well for younger students. Through a series of steps the main branch and side branches are painted with black watercolor. Blossoms are added with red watercolor. Some can be blowing in the wind giving the picture movement.