Unit Plan 21 (Grade 1 Art): Cutting & Gluing Carefully
Grade 1 Art: Students build craftsmanship and control by practicing careful cutting and gluing, creating neat collages with safe scissor and glue techniques.
Focus: Improve craftsmanship and control by practicing careful cutting and gluing with different tools and materials.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, first graders will practice being careful builders with paper. They learn that how they use scissors and glue shows their craftsmanship and control as artists. Through guided practice, students work on holding scissors safely, cutting along straight and curved lines, turning the paper instead of their whole body, and using just the right amount of glue (dots, not puddles). They then use their cutting and gluing skills to create a simple collage, focusing on neat edges and thoughtful placement. By the end, students understand that careful cutting and gluing helps their artwork look clean, clear, and intentional.
Essential Questions
- How can I use scissors and glue safely and carefully in art?
- What does good craftsmanship look like when I cut and glue paper?
- How does control (how I move my scissors, how much glue I use) change how my artwork looks?
- Why is it important for artists to take their time instead of rushing when they cut and glue?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Hold and use scissors safely and cut along straight and simple curved lines with growing control.
- Use turning the paper and slow cutting to create smoother edges.
- Apply glue in small dots or thin lines instead of puddles, and press pieces down neatly.
- Create a simple cut-paper collage that shows careful cutting and thoughtful placement of shapes.
- Explain one way their cutting or gluing became neater or more controlled compared to before.
Standards Alignment — 1st Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr2.1b — Explore and experiment with different materials and tools to develop control.
- Example: Students practice using paintbrushes with different strokes.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use scissors and glue safely and carefully.
- I can cut along lines with more control, turning the paper as I go.
- I can use glue dots, not puddles, and press pieces down neatly.
- I can make a collage that shows my best craftsmanship with cutting and gluing.
- I can tell someone one way my cutting or gluing improved.