Unit Plan 18 (Grade 1 Art): Choose Art to Display
First graders select artwork for display using simple criteria like effort, neatness, clear picture, and favorite choice, then explain why they chose their piece to share.
Focus: Select artwork to share with others based on effort, favorite choice, and simple classroom criteria.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Presenting)
Total Unit Duration: 1–2 weeks, 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, first graders learn how to choose artwork for display like real artists do. They look through several of their own pieces and think about which ones show their best effort, neatness, and favorite ideas. Students practice using simple criteria—such as effort, neatness, and clear picture—to help them make a choice, instead of picking “just because.” They also learn that different students may choose different favorites, and that is okay. By the end, each student selects one artwork to share in a classroom or hallway display and can explain why they chose it.
Essential Questions
- How do artists decide which artwork to share with others?
- What does best effort look like in my artwork?
- How can I use simple criteria (effort, neatness, clear picture, favorite) to choose art for display?
- How does it feel to see my artwork hanging up where others can see it?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Look through several of their own artworks and compare them using simple criteria.
- Use ideas like effort, neatness, clear picture, and favorite to talk about their work.
- Choose one artwork to display, based on effort or favorite choice, and explain their decision in simple language.
- Help prepare their chosen artwork for display (e.g., sign name, add simple label).
- Show respect and encouragement when viewing classmates’ displayed artwork.
Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Pr4.1a — Select artwork to share based on effort or favorite choice.
- Example: Students choose one artwork for a classroom display.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can look at more than one artwork and think about which one shows my best effort.
- I can use words like neat, clear picture, and favorite to talk about my art.
- I can choose one artwork I want to share and say why I picked it.
- I can help get my artwork ready to hang up (sign it or label it).
- I can look at my classmates’ art and show that I am proud of them too.